A Sustainable Future for Orphanage Girls: Anna

Nor Luyce works mentees, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of beginning to implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Anna, a young girl who stays and studies at the Terchoonyan orphanage in Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Due to unfortunate family circumstances Anna and her sister stay in the orphanage during the year and visit their mother on weekends and on Christmas. Their widowed mother has health issues and is unable to work and financially support her family. Currently, Anna is completing the 12th grade and plans to continue her education in International Affairs at the Pedagogical State University. In addition, she plays the qanon (an Armenian folk instrument) and takes Armenian dance classes. She likes to draw and write poems and her dream is to become a diplomat and a good citizen for her country. The requested scholarship funds will cover the costs of her tuition, books, stationaries, winter clothing and her transportation fee for one year.