Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna M.

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from 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 either beginning or continuing to help 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 Ruzanna M., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Ruzanna Mkhitaryan was born in the city of Gyumri, located in Shirak region. Her family consists of 4 people: Ruzanna, her father, her mother, and her brother. Ruzanna’s father  travels abroad for work. Her brother was wounded while serving in the 44-Day War in Artsakh and is now disabled. As a result, he was discharged prematurely from the military. Her mother works as a salesperson in a store. The family’s monthly income is 80,000 AMD, which mostly comes from government aid.

Currently, Ruzanna is studying Law in the Gyumri Branch of the European University. Ruzanna joined the program at Nor Luyce in 2018. In the past, Ruzanna was one of the best mentees, and now she continues her involvement with Nor Luyce as a mentee. She often participates in volunteer work, attends all important events, and is ready to support everyone in need. Before joining Nor Luyce, Ruzanna was quiet, reserved, had very few friends, and did not trust others, but after participating in the program, she has become more confident, sociable, and active. She has made many new friends and has learned to trust people and be more patient.