On May 9, on the occasion of the 74th Anniversary of the Victory Day in Armenia, representatives of the administrative and professorial staff of YSUIB, students visited the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.

 Representatives of Tavush Region, regional and city authorities, clergymen, soldiers of Ijevan military unit, schoolchildren, students and citizens laid flowers on the monument and paid tribute in memory of those that died during the war.

 The RA National Anthem sounded at the memorial and a festive event took place.

Victory and Peace Day is a public holiday in Armenia.

May 9 in Armenia is celebrated as Victory and Peace Day. It is a day to celebrate and remember the victory over the Nazi forces that capitulated on May 8, 1945 during World War II.

Armenia participated in World War II as part of the Soviet Union. More than 500,000 Armenians fought alongside the Soviet Army, and nearly half of them died on the battlefield.

World War II started with the German occupation of Poland in September 1939, only to be ended after six years of a worldwide conflict. Armenians were part of the Soviet Red Army and participated in the Eastern Front of the conflict, in what is known as the Great Patriotic War. As the Allied forces entered Milan, Mussolini was caught, and he was eventually executed on April 28. Later on April 30, Hitler committed suicide as the Allies began to close in on Berlin.

German forces started to surrender all over Italy and Germany, culminating with the surrender of Nazi armies throughout Europe. Finally on May 7, General Alfred Jodl, Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of the German forces to the Allies. News of the surrender spread to the West on May 8, and celebrations began all over Europe.

In the Soviet Union, the end of the war was considered to be on May 9. As it was already May 9 in Moscow time when the surrender took place, the date has since been celebrated as Victory Day in all Soviet Republics. After the end of the Soviet Union, Armenia kept the same date for the countrywide celebration of Victory and Peace Day, a remembrance of the participation of Armenians in the Great Patriotic War.

Armenians on this day remember many of their ancestors that died during World War II on the Eastern Front as they fought for the Soviet Red Army against the German Nazis. Hundreds of war veterans, wearing their medals, pay tribute to fallen Armenians at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Yerevan’s Victory Park. In the park there is an eternal flame by which flowers are laid in memory of those that died during the war. Official ceremonies also take place at the same spot. Among the participants of the event are Armenia’s top officials and diplomats. The honoring of veterans continues during the day with concerts, which include both professional artists and amateurs.

The photos are available in the gallery.

 On May 6-7, 2019, within the framework of CBA “Month of My Finance” program, YSU Ijevan Branch hosted two-day training on “Finances for All”, conducted by YSU Ijevan Branch graduate, CBA trainer Sona Ghevondyan.

 The training aimed to provide information on various financial concepts.

 It was mentioned that the Central Bank of Armenia jointly with other financial institutions takes steps to raise the level of financial literacy of the people.  This year,” the Month of My Finance” program, which has already become a tradition, has been implemented on 7 topics: key economic indicators, budget management, savings, debt, purchases, protection of rights and fraud, fraud protection.  All this is done through various events, economic games, interactive competitions, tours.  This educational program in the financial sector is continuous.

 The trainer mentioned that the National Strategy for Financial Education has been functioning since 2014.  The implemented activities are aimed at changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.  According to Armenuhi Mkrtchyan, Director of CBA Consumer Protection and Financial Education Center, the most difficult component is changing the attitudes and behaviors.  Knowledge is not enough to make people change their behavior.  “Our task is that when making decisions, a person will be aware that if the interest rates on a bank are high, one should not take or apply to another organization.”

 After two-day training, the participants received Certificates from the Central Bank of Armenia.

 All photos are available in the gallery.

On May 7th, 2019, YSUIB hosted Volleyball match between the teams of first, second, third-year students of  “History”, “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology I” and “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology II” of Faculty of Humanities.

The girls’ team demonstrated a persistent competition.

 In the first round, the teams of “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology I and “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology” II competed and the team “Elementary Pedagogy and Psychology” II became the winner with the score of 2: 0.

 Then the girls of the “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology I “  and “History I- III” competed and ended with the absolute supremacy of the “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology” II team.

I-III course teams of the specialty “Elementary Pedagogy and Psychology” and “History 1” competed for the second and third prize and the team of “History” became the winner with the score of 1:0.

The participants were awarded with diplomas and “Elementary Pedagogy and Methodology 2” first prize winner received a souvenir.

 On May 7th, 2019, we had an interview with YSU Ijevan Branch graduate of 2008 academic year, Narek Varshamyan, Head of “Tavush Youth Center” NGO, pedagogue at Ijevan Branch of “SOS-Children’s Villages”.

 – Please tell us your birth date and place.

 – I was born on July 31, in 1987, in Ijevan.

 – Tell us a little bit about your family.

 – My father is from Ijevan, my mother is from the Drmbon village of Artsakh.  My father is a historian, my mother was an economist. I am married, I have 2 daughters.  My wife is from Ijevan, a graduate of YSUIB,she is a designer.

 – What was your childhood dream?

 – Since childhood I dreamed of becoming a businessman, but so far I have a different path in my life.

 – What education did you receive?

 – I studied at YSU Ijevan Branch, Bachelor of Mathematics, Informatics and Pedagogy.  I graduated State Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia, Master’s Degree.

 – What role did YSUIB education have in your life?

 – First and foremost, YSUIB gave me knowledge, a desire to learn more.  I have gained a number of new features, 2 worth mentioning:

• be professional, be able to differentiate the personal and professional life
• When solving the problem, think not only about the solution, but also the beauty of that solution.

 – What work experience do you have?

– Since 2013, I work as Head of “Tavush Youth Center” NGO.

 Since 2010, I work as a pedagogue at Ijevan Branch of “SOS-Children’s Villages”.

In 2008-2009  I worked in the British Red Cross as an assistant to the head of the youth department.

 – What is your favorite book?

 – “ Gevorg Marzpetuni”.  In general, I love reading  historical books  I think that  the system of values of a modern Armenian should be shaped like that 

–What is the last book you read?

 – Anthony Bruno – “Seven” detective book.  It’s a hard reading, but this book is of great interest to me first of all in terms of English grammar.

 – What music do you prefer and what is your favorite song?

 – I like classical music as well as foreign pop and jazz.  Music has a decisive significance for me.  It’s a source of motivation for me.  When making tough decisions, I can listen to Vivaldi “Four seasons”.  I am fond of the song “Vincent” (Don Mclean).

 – What is your favorite movie?

 – It’s definitely “Matrix”.

 – Do you have a favorite sport?

 – I love football (for many years I am Manchester United fan), table tennis and big tennis that I have played for the first time and discovered 10 years ago.  The big tennis attracts me at once.

 – What is your favorite place in Armenia and abroad?

 – I love the Kirants Monastery in Armenia and its surroundings.  Ireland and Scotland are the favorite places in abroad.  If I answer in more detail, I like to walk along the seaside of the Irish Sea of Bangor, Northern Ireland.  I also like Edinburgh, where you seem to be walking in the Middle Ages.

 – What qualities do you appreciate in people?

 – I appreciate honesty, sincerity and sense of justice in people.

 – Do you have favorite quote or slogan?

 – My most favorite quote is Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

 – What will you never do?

 – I will never betray.

 -“What are you afraid of?”

 – I think the only thing one should be afraid and overcome is the fear itself.

 -“Why are you sorry?”

 – I regret that I did not take risks more often in life.

 – What helps you make decisions in difficult situations?

 – Conscience, principles and ability to analyze the situation.

 – What do you think is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

 – My greatest accomplishment is my family.  Especially in the most difficult situations, my family always supports me, even when I have small chance of success.

 – What is your formula for success?

 – Do your best and you will succeed.

 – What is the most invaluable advice you have received?

 – In order to succeed, you must just start doing things.

 – What is the main message that you would give to young people (in particular, YSUIB students)?

– Overcome the fear of making mistakes, beloved students, “It’s only those who do nothing that make no mistake”. Do it, try and you will undoubtedly

 – Thank you so much for such an interesting interview.

 Interviewed by YSUIB Public Relations and Media Responsible Hasmik Vanyan.