National Poetry Contest

The 4^th Annual National Poetry Contest, organized by Peace Corps Volunteers from the United States, will take place this Sunday, May 11^th, from noon to 15:00 p.m. at the American University of Armenia. US Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, John Heffern, will kick off the event with opening remarks, followed by a talk by guest speaker and Armenian poet, Karen Antashyan.

The National Poetry Contest originated in Hrazdan through the efforts of a Peace Corps Volunteer. This year’s event will feature 74 students from 14 different regions throughout Armenia. Students from grades 7 through 12 will compete against their peers while reciting original works of English poetry. The recitations will include some of the most famous poems of all time to newly published works of art. The event will take place in the Paramaz Avedisian Building of AUA, in the Alex and Marie Manoogian Hall ( Room # 106E) and is free and open to the public.

The Peace Corps was founded by President John Kennedy in 1961.  Peace Corps was invited to Armenia in 1992, and since then over 800 Volunteers have served in different parts of the country. Peace Corps Armenia has two programs: English as a Second Language and Community and Youth Program.

Peace Corps’ goals are threefold: helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and helping promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.

For more information on Peace Corps Armenia and its programs, please visit the website: http://armenia.peacecorps.gov.