PSIA Students Initiate a Gift-Giving Day

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YEREVAN, Armenia – On December 26, 2019, the students of the American University of Armenia (AUA) Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) program together with Chair, Associate Professor Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan visited Child and Family Support Center, the State Non-Commercial Organization (SNCO) in Nubarashen, to bring merriness to resident children there. The visit was initiated by PSIA students who came up with the idea during the busy week of final exams. 

Upon contacting the director of the Child and Family Support Center, the students obtained information about the planned holiday activities and gift sponsorships. Based on that information, they were able to identify eleven children who were not sponsored by charitable organizations to receive presents. AUA students took it upon themselves to prepare holiday packages for each. And to make the gift-giving day very special for the children, they showed up in superhero costumes, along with Santa Claus to hand the holiday packages, turning the day to a real New Year celebration. 

“The kids were very happy! Even the director did not expect to see so much fun. We danced with them, gave them their presents, and had a great time. I hope this will become a tradition for PSIA students,” noted Inna Chukhajyan, one of the initiators.

“The magic of the New Year is about opening our hearts and sharing joy, happiness, and love with one another. It is about being thankful and doing a little extra for others. We hope that our visit brought joy and happiness in the lives of those children, and that they will always keep the magic of the New Year alive,” added another PSIA student Sara Melkonyan.

The Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) program of the American University of Armenia (AUA) equips students with advanced analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of political science and international affairs, emphasizing local and global perspectives and practical applications of theory. The program provides world-class teaching and research, producing graduates who can best contribute to the development of the nation.