At the invitation of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region in coordination with the Tatoyan Foundation, a delegation of mayors from the Syunik province of Armenia visited California from November 11 to 16.

The visiting officials met with various elected officials and the local Armenian community and provided them with first-hand reports about Azerbaijan’s ongoing threats against Armenia and particularly the border province of Syunik and outlined the conditions on the ground as the region addresses the refugee crisis resulting from the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.

The Syunik delegation was led by the Kapan Mayor Gevorg Parsyan, Goris Mayor Arushan Arushanyan and Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender Dr. Arman Tatoyan, who is the Founding Director of the Tatoyan Foundation. Tatoyan received the ANCA-WR Human Rights Champion Award in 2011.

Additional delegation members included Irina Yolyan, Deputy Head of Goris County; Zhora Tumanyan, Civil Defense Attache of Goris County; Ruzanna Torozyan and Armen Hovhannisyan, members of the Goris County Board of Supervisors; and Hasmik Harutyunyan, Assistant to the Chief of Kapan County. Joining the delegation in its meetings was Los Angeles-based attorney Garo Ghazarian, CEO of the Tatoyan Foundation USA, as well as representatives of the ANCA Western Region.

The delegation attended the ANCA-WR Annual Awards Gala on November 12 where the Mayors and Dr. Tatoyan were introduced to the crowd and delegation members had the opportunity to interact with public officials, including Congressmembers Adam Schiff and Brad Sherman, as well as hundreds of supporters and activists in our community to discuss issues of concern to Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During the visit, the Syunik delegation also had separate meetings with California State Senator Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilmember Nithya Raman, and Glendale City Councilmembers and representatives, where detailed reports about the intricacies of the Second Armenian Genocide in Artsakh and ongoing Azeri aggression were presented by the delegation.

Given the fact that California is a sister-state with Syunik Province, Los Angeles is a sister city with Yerevan, and Glendale is a sister city with Kapan, these meetings were important to set the stage for expanding these relationships and exploring ways in which U.S. government entities can assist in supporting Artsakh refugees.

The Syunik delegation also visited the Western Diocese where they met with Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and subsequently met with representatives of the Pan Armenian Council Western USA to brief them on the situation on the ground.

A highlight of the week was the delegation’s visit to the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School where they held an interactive discussion with upper class students and faculty.

The delegation’s trip concluded with a successful Town Hall event organized by ANCA-WR, where dozens of members of the community listened intently to their reports on topics including continuous Azerbaijani threats against Syunik, and the situation of Artsakh refugees in the towns Kapan & Goris, culminating with a lively question and answer session.

During each meeting, Dr. Tatoyan presented his latest findings on Azerbaijan’s genocidal assault on Artsakh, resulting in the forced deportation of more than 100,000 Armenians from Artsakh into the Republic of Armenia. Furthermore, Dr. Tatoyan shed light on Azerbaijan’s continued aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia, especially in the regions of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, and Gegharkunik. Mayor Parsyan and Mayor Arushanyan reported about Syunik’s security concerns, especially amidst the influx of over 5,000 Armenian refugees from Artsakh into the towns of Kapan and Goris, as well as the impact and threat of the potential establishment of a so-called “Zangezur Corridor” being advocated by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential nonpartisan Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.

The goal of COAF's Project H.O.P.E. is to provide humanitarian assistance to forcibly displaced populations from Artsakh

YEREVAN—The Children of Armenia Fund announced a significant contribution of $100,000 from HSBC Bank Armenia CJSC in dedicated support of Project H.O.P.E. This critical initiative was launched by COAF in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis brought about by the mass exodus of Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Project H.O.P.E. stands for Housing, Opportunities in Education, Psychological and Health Support, as well as Empowerment through Capacity Building, and is designed to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by forced displacement.

For over a decade, HSBC Armenia has been a steadfast partner of COAF, demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility objectives that closely align with COAF’s mission of providing essential educational and professional development opportunities to rural communities. Since 2012, the Bank has supported a variety of COAF’s programs, granting rural youth and adults access to professional orientation, scholarships, startup incubation and entrepreneurial training, in addition to offering humanitarian aid during crises. This latest contribution from HSBC Armenia underscores their dedication to advancing the education and professional growth of those displaced from Artsakh, while also addressing the pressing issue of secure and comfortable housing during these challenging times.

COAF is actively involving children from Artsakh in its educational programs at the COAF SMART Center

Project H.O.P.E. is based on a comprehensive approach, focusing intently on key areas of need. COAF is working in close collaboration with the Armenian government to offer both temporary and permanent housing solutions for displaced individuals from Artsakh, ensuring that their housing needs are met. The educational component of Project H.O.P.E. is equally paramount. COAF is actively involving the children of Artsakh in its educational programs at the COAF SMART Center in Lori. Furthermore, the initiative provides scholarship and career development programs that grant young individuals access to higher education and professional opportunities.

A critical facet of Project H.O.P.E. is the enhancement of health and well-being within the affected communities. COAF is significantly expanding its team of specialists at its Child & Family Centers in the Lori and Armavir regions to offer psychological, speech therapy, and social work services to displaced individuals from Artsakh. Mobile teams are also poised to deliver this support precisely where it is most needed. In addition, the initiative ensures that children and adults have access to free dental care and primary healthcare services at COAF’s regional health center in Lori’s Dsegh village.

COAF’s Project H.O.P.E. aims to enhance health within the affected communities

Recognizing the importance of professional development, COAF’s commitment extends to retraining programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of educators who have relocated to the Lori and Armavir regions. These efforts are also essential to creating job opportunities for teachers and instructors in these areas.

“With Project H.O.P.E., we draw upon nearly two decades of experience in Armenia’s rural communities and our extensive efforts in the aftermath of the 2020 war. We are channeling this expertise in education, healthcare, psychosocial services, and economic development to comprehensively and sustainably address the multifaceted needs of those facing displacement,” said Liana Ghaltaghchyan, Managing Director, COAF.

“It was critical for us to actively engage in addressing the humanitarian crisis and supporting those forcibly displaced from Artsakh. Joining efforts with COAF was a decision driven by the trustworthy relationship formed throughout many years of collaboration, as well as the goals of the project HOPE, which is focused on provision of quality housing, establishment of inclusive learning environments, psychosocial support, and capacity building. Through the Project HOPE, aligned with our commitment to community welfare, we aimed to contribute to the long-term well-being and successful integration of our compatriots in Armenia,” said Irina Seylanyan, CEO of HSBC Armenia.

COAF’s Project H.O.P.E offers psychosocial services to the families displaced from their homes in Artsakh

The generous contribution of $100,000 from HSBC Armenia underscores the importance of collaborative efforts addressing the persistent and evolving difficulties stemming from this humanitarian situation. To learn more and contribute to Project H.O.P.E., visit the website.

The Children of Armenia Fund aims at improving the quality of life in rural Armenia, with a particular focus on the projects and needs of children and youth. COAF’s target development areas are education, healthcare, as well as social and economic development. COAF launched its programs in 2004, starting in one village and expanding to more than 82 communities in Armenia and Artsakh with an investment of more than $70 million, impacting well over 100,000 people across rural Armenia.

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 62 countries and territories. With assets of US $3,021 billion at September 30, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.

HSBC Bank Armenia CJSC was established in 1996. The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Group. HSBC Armenia serves around 30 000 customers through six offices located in Yerevan and around 310 employees. As of 30 September 2023, the Bank has assets of AMD334 billion including the ones, allocated with the mediation of the HSBC Bank plc, London. The bank is regulated by the Central Bank of Armenia.

NEW YORK—The Children of Armenia Fund is set to host its 20th Annual COAF Holiday Gala on Saturday, December 9 at the renowned Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City. This milestone event will honor acclaimed actor Joe Manganiello, distinguished for his remarkable contributions to humanitarian causes, along with philanthropists Tamar and John Akhoian, recognized for the lasting impact they’ve had on advancing COAF’s programs in rural communities. The evening will also feature a special appearance by the captivating Emmy and Tony-award-winning actress and COAF ambassador, Andrea Martin.

Since its inception, the purpose of COAF’s Holiday Gala has remained steadfast: to support and sustain life-changing programs for Armenia’s rural youth. All funds raised go toward supporting COAF’s education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and economic development initiatives. Thanks to COAF’s 100 percent Pledge Commitment, every dollar raised goes directly to fund COAF’s numerous programs and projects since all administrative expenses are covered by Founder Dr. Garo H. Armen and the Board of Directors.

Actor Joe Manganiello will be honored at COAF’s 20th anniversary gala Philanthropists Tamar and John Akhoian will be honored at COAF’s 20th anniversary gala COAF ambassador, actress Andrea Martin will also attend COAF’s 20th anniversary gala

For the past two decades, COAF has been at the forefront of rural development in Armenia, empowering youth and families with comprehensive initiatives that foster growth and prosperity and prepare the next generation of changemakers to become the foundation for a strong and thriving nation. This landmark 20th-anniversary event will celebrate two decades of profound contributions to village communities, impacting over 100,000 people in 82 communities across Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). It will also serve as a reaffirmation of COAF’s and the Diaspora’s continued commitment to provide opportunities for advancement to Armenia’s future generations, especially during times of crises.

In light of Armenia’s current challenges, this year’s fundraiser will also support the organization’s Project H.O.P.E. rapid response efforts aimed at assisting displaced families from Artsakh through Housing, Opportunities in Education, Psychological and Health Support, and Empowerment through Capacity Building.

This year’s benefit will be hosted by KTTV FOX11’s Good Day L.A. Anchor Araksya Karapetyan and COAF Senior Director of Development Haig Boyadjian. The fundraiser will also feature a live auction by celebrity auctioneer Gabriel Butu, offering attendees the chance to support COAF’s initiatives. The Gala will also feature special performances by young musicians from Armenia, who will travel to New York to showcase their remarkable talent and the resilience of Armenia’s younger generation.

For further details about the Gala, sponsorship opportunities, or involvement in this cause, please visit the website or contact Haig Boyadjian at [email protected].

The Children of Armenia Fund aims at improving the quality of life in rural Armenia, with a particular focus on the projects and needs of children and youth. COAF’s target development areas are education, healthcare, as well as social and economic development. COAF launched its programs in 2004, starting in one village and expanding to more than 82 communities in Armenia and Artsakh with an investment of more than $70 million, impacting well over 100,000 people across rural Armenia.