YEREVAN, Armenia –
A rambunctious game of dodge ball. A fun, albeit a bit harrowing break for 13 Fresno State students studying abroad and touring Armenia. A chance to see the country that for many of them is of their heritage.
"Studying it at Fresno State I get to see the pictures but to actually go and see it and step on the ground, and we climbed a fortress like that was so cool," says Shelbie Ohanesian. She is among those making their first trip to this country. They've seen many of the sights, and even squeezed in a school visit to Yerevan State University. "Our history is here. So many centuries of things that have taken place so it's wonderful to see it," says Tatevik Hovhannisyan
But the 17-day visit has been far more than a history lesson. The students have learned about the importance giving. They've made multiple visits to Mer Hooys which means house of hope- a home for disadvantaged girls
Fresno State's Director of Armenian Studies Barlow Der Mugrdechian is leading the tour and brought his students to Mer Hooys. He serves on the board of directors of this non-profit founded by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church that is literally saving young lives. "Abusive homes. They're into prostitution, it gets to that level," says Der Mugrdechian.
The home currently houses 18 girls. Mer Hooys Executive Director Mihran Mirijanyan gave us a tour of the home that opened five years ago. The girls, he says come from orphanages. They provide counseling, tutoring, and stable environment, and on-going support for those over 18 who may need it. According to Der Mugrdechian, "When they first come, a lot of them are not happy because they come from broken homes. So this process of living in this environment has made them whole again and made them happier."
A true lesson for these students from Fresno State of what time, donations, and love can do. "I want them to see what the need is. And in the future maybe it's something that they can give back. Not just financially but volunteering. To come to Armenia and to do something for the country," Der Mugrdechian says.
A lesson in giving back that can't be learned in any book.