The Hamazkayin Regional Executive Board for Lebanon, in conjunction with the trustees of the Hamazkayin Schools of Art, took the initiative at the start of the 2022–23 academic year, to revise the budget and charge only a symbolic amount for tuition. As an essential parallel action, it expanded the program, instituted the previous year, of raising funds for scholarships.
In response to the dire economic crisis in Lebanon, these steps are a way to lighten the financial burden on parents, to avoid leaving whole generation without artistic and cultural training, and to support the highly qualified faculty of the schools.
We are pleased to announce that a large number of Hamazkayin members and supporters in Lebanon and abroad, graduates of the Schools of Art, Hamazkayin executive boards in various regions, and other community and religious institutions have supported this program.
In parallel, income-generating programs have been undertaken by the parent and social committees to support this essential program.
The most memorable initiative was the concert featuring pianist and composer Serouj Kradjian. The Grammy-nominated and Juno-winning artist jumped into the project with enthusiasm and donated his considerable talents.
With his exemplary action, Serouj Kradjian gave Lebanese Armenians an unforgettable experience, while also supporting the schools.
We deeply thank the prelates of the Armenian Church for the Eastern and Western United States and Canada, the AGBU Executive Board for Lebanon, and the friends of Hamazkayin, whose support made the travel of the group to Lebanon possible.
Let it also be known that the Regional Executive has enjoyed the full support of the Hamazkayin Central Executive Board and the ARF Central Committee of Lebanon in this endeavor.
Now, the board is pleased to report that a total of 37,900 US dollars have been raised for the scholarship program. New initiatives are in the works to further enhance the scholarship program in the coming months.
Wonderful work, everybody!
HAMAZKAYIN
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR LEBANON
Beirut, 3 April 2023