"Nakhijevan: The Battle for Survival" is the latest publication sponsored by the Land and Culture Organization (France). LCO is proud to announce the launching of this well-researched volume that describes the battles for survival in a forgotten part of historic Armenia during the years 1905 and 1918-19. On Wednesday, March 23, at 3:00 pm, this thoroughly documented book by the historian Arkam Ayvazyan was presented to the media and to the public at the Writers’ Union building on Marshal Bagramyan Boulevard, in Yerevan, Armenia.

Mr. Hagop Petrossian, Board Member of the LCO-Armenia chapter presented the book.

For all those who are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, please contact Dr. Gevork Yaghjyan at gevork@landandculture.org.

On January 6, 2005 the children of Souren Arakelian School in the village of Datev, near Goris celebrated Armenian Christmas in style. They each received gifts and a wonderful treat. This special event was made possible through the Land and Culture Organization with the generous contribution of Mr. John "Hovaness" Aslanian from NY, USA.




Hovaness Aslanian and his younger daughter, Elizabeth are veterans who participated in the renovation project of the school in the village of Datev in 2001. His wife, Carol and older daughter Lesley are also veterans. They volunteered in 1993 in Taline.

After attending the opening ceremony of the school that took place in the fall of 2002, Mr Aslanian has been kindly sponsoring a Christmas party for the students of this village.



The Datev native, Dr Sarmen Arshakyan, LCO-Armenia board member has been coordinating this project since its inception.

The International Union of the Land and Culture Organizations’ annual meeting took place in Lyon, France on February 5 and 6, 2005. Representatives from the USA, France and Armenia Boards met to discuss the 2005 projects and its long term vision.

We are proud to announce that the Land and Culture Organization has selected the following sites and dates for its Summer Campaign:
1- The completing renovation of the two story school in the village of Shatvan, located in the Vartenis region of Armenia (Two campaigns in July and August).
2- The prolonging of our commitment to the completion of the Operating Ward of the Regional Hospital of Shushi in Karabagh (Two campaigns in July and August).
3- Our firm dedication in restoring ancient Armenian buildings in Kessab, Syria. (one campaign in August)
4- A pilgrimage to the Monastery St. Taddeus in the Aterbatagan region (in July)
5- The Faith and Heritage weekend campaign (in June)
6- The construction of a sports center in the village of Gumburdo, in Javakhk (no volunteer campaign)

Over the months of January and February, representatives of the LCO held information and recruiting presentations in Canada, the USA and Europe. These events were mainly sponsored by Birthright Armenia where more than ten organizations presented the different opportunities offered to the potential diasporans volunteers or interns in Armenia.

During these visits many veterans, new and old friends, LCO staff and Board members had the opportunity to rekindle old memories and talk about new and exciting projects.


Raffi Niziblian with speakers from AYF Internship program, Armenian Volunteer Corps, and Habitat for Humanity-Armenia in Washington D.C.

Come join us at the Opportunity Fair nearest you to learn about the wide array of volunteer and study opportunities currently available in Armenia for diasporan Armenians from around the globe. Birthright Armenia is sponsoring promotional and recruitment events in early 2005 to offer young diasporan adults a one-stop shop of information. Not only will you hear first hand from the organizations that implement the programs, but you will also have the opportunity to apply on the spot to the program of your choice.

Representatives from the following organizations will be on hand to present their programs and to talk with interested youth one-on-one: AAA, ACYOA, ASA-NY, ATP, AVC, AYF, CYMA, FAR, Habitat for Humanity, and LCO.

There will also be information available on Internships offered by local NGOs and Study Abroad Programs offered in Armenia.

Never before have there been as many options available to diasporan youth to get involved in community service in the Homeland. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about all the options currently available to you for a journey of self-discovery.

Montreal	Jan. 14, 2005	McGill University	5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Toronto	Jan. 15, 2005	Glendon College	5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Boston	Jan. 20, 2005	ALMA, Watertown	6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
New York	Jan. 21, 2005	NYU, Kimmel Center 803	6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Philadelphia	Jan. 23, 2005	St. Sahag/St. Mesrob Church	6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Washington, DC	Jan. 24, 2005	Embassy of the Rep. of Armenia	6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

For more up to date and detailed information, please visit www.birthrightarmenia.org or email info@birthrightarmenia.org.

"These people are so rich in spirit, money doesn’t matter for survival. Now I understand where my parents and all our traditions have come from."
Taline Yelena Yepremian, Shoushi 2004, CA, USA