For 75 years the "Hamazkayin" Armenian Educational and Cultural Association has worked tirelessly within both realms [education and culture] that comprise its mission–and it looks to the future with renewed faith.
In the current hopeful atmosphere–the Central Executive of "Hamazkayin" from 6-8 June convened its third plenary meeting–during which it examined various issues of concern to the organization. We announce the following among our decisions that may be of interest to the public:
1. The Central Executive happily noted that most of its regions enjoy an active cultural life–while in that regard others are confronting some difficulties; efforts will be made to reorganize the latter regions before the next plenary session–that is–within the next year. It was also decided to establish two branches of "Hamazkayin" in Europe.
2. In the educational realm–the Central Executive expressed its approval regarding the successes achieved by the "Hamazkayin" academies (jemarans) in Beirut and Marseilles; at the same time–it decided to closely monitor financial difficulties that may arise in order to alleviate them and make the academies self-sufficient. Emphasizing the importance of armenological subjects in our schools–the Central Executive will also more closely monitor the updating of the relevant curriculums and teaching methods as well as the work of retraining teachers.
3. The meeting made note of the favorable terms obtained through the rental of a portion of the "Nishan Palandjian" Jemaran [in West Beirut] and affirmed that the rental income would be used in particular to replenish the "Hamazkayin" and Jemaran funds that had been used to construct the "Melankton and Haig Arslanian" Jemaran [in East Beirut]. A plan of action will be formulated and immediately initiated to eventually convert the No. 3 building of the "Nishan Palandjian" Jemaran into a cultural center. In the same context–it was decided that the Central Executive’s offices would remain on the premises of the "Nishan Palandjian" Jemaran.
4. The Central Executive decided to reestablish the "Hamazkayin" Scholarship–which will be awarded to qualified students who express a willingness to work within our educational system.
5. The meeting expressed its appreciation for the effort to develop the Hamazkayin’s Web site (www.hamazkayin.com) and suggested that the effort continue.
6. That the "Hamazkayin" Forum for Armenian Students was held in Armenia for the second time was welcomed. Armenian college students are encouraged to participate in the unique undertaking of "Hamazkayin" that combines the enjoyable with the beneficial.
7. It was decided to organize–this fall–fitting Diaspora-wide celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of "Hamazkayin."
8. Lastly–the Central Executive was glad to hear the annual report of its Yerevan office and affirmed that the office has been an active link in the cultural exchange between Armenia and the Diaspora.
On the 75th anniversary of "Hamazkayin," the Central Executive expresses its thanks to all "Hamazkayin" members and the Armenian public at-large for having encouraged the decades-long work of "Hamazkayin" and aided in the success of its undertakings–large and small–with their material and moral support.
"Hamazkayin" Armenian Educational and Cultural Association
Central Executive
June 2003