Hidden Road Initiative


​Meet the 2018-2019 Scholars 

College scholarships were provided to students from the villages of Shvanidzor and Akhpradzor for the 2018-2019 academic year!

Samvel, 19

Studying Environmental Science 
Armenian National Agrarian College ​

Samvel has a love for the environment, including both nature and the animal kingdom. When Samvel found out he couldn’t serve in the army because of a medical condition, he decided to devote himself to his country in any other way that he could. Through agrarian studies he hopes to protect and preserve the village environment, and improve the health of its community members. He has participated in cleaning and protecting the local river, as well as different activities at the village church. After graduating, he hopes to use his expert knowledge to protect the forests and wild life of the region. 

Rosa, 21​

Studying English 
Armenian State Pedagogical University ​

Roza is passionate about languages and especially English. After completing her studies, she sees herself working in the educational field with hopes to return to her village and teach English to the new generation of students. Having participating in the Hidden Road Iniativie's annual summer camp in 2016,  Roza decided to volunteer as a teacher during summer camp in 2017, and will be joining our volunteer team again this summer. She is hoping that we can support her financially in her educational career so that she can continue providing engaging educational opportunities for the village students. 

Hermine, 21

Studying Speech Therapy
Armenian National Pedagogical University ​

After seeing a newscast about children with speech impediments, Hermine decided to make it her life goal to help children in need of speech therapy. She chose this profession because it will not only bring her great joy to spend time with children, but it will also change the life of a child in need. She dreams of one day opening a school in her village district so that all children with similar needs can seek assistance near home, many of whom never receive treatment because they cannot afford the expensive and long trip to Yerevan. 

Hayk, 22

Studying Computer Science  
Armenian State Pedagogical College ​

Hayk was born and raised in the village of Akhpradzor, Armenia. After serving 2 years in the army, he returned home and enrolled in the computer science department of Armenia State Pedagogical College. Although his entire family farms and tends to their farm animals, they cannot afford to allocate funding for his tuition. Hence the importance of this scholarship to Hayk’s education and future. Upon graduating from the program, Hayk plans to serve his community by teaching computer literacy in the computer lab in the same school he attended as a child. 

Serine, 19

Studying Geography and Archeology
Yerevan State University

Serine is passionate about Geography and Archeology and is studying at the Yerevan State University. She hopes to be able to use her studies to portray the ancient history and innovations of Armenia and Armenian people in a better light to the rest of the world. After she graduates, Serine sees herself working in the tourism industry. She sees herself showing visitors to Armenia the beauty of Syunik as she sees it. As the tourism sector in Armenia grows, Serine hopes that she can help her village grow along with that as well. 

Rafik, 22

Studying Dentistry 
Armenian Russian International University

Rafik was born and raised in the village of Akhpradzor, Armenia. He is currently in dental school at the Armenian Russian International University. He is a second time scholarship recipient. Dental hygiene is often a neglected issue in many villages as access to clean water and dental supplies is limited. After graduating from dental school, Rafik would love to open a dental office in his dear, home village of Akhpradzor. 

Vanuhi, 20

Studying to become a Tour Guide  
Armenian University of Tourism ​

Vanuhi is a 2nd time HRI scholar and she is very thankful to her sponsors because without the scholarship she would not have been able to attend university. She believes her major will open many opportunities for her and for increasing tourism in the region.  She hopes that by becoming a tour guide she will learn more about her village, the rich culture and history of the surrounding region and Armenia overall. As a tour guid she hopes to make southern Armenia a tourist attraction, which will promote the economy of the local towns and villages. ​

Arpine, 23

Studying Psychology 
Armenian State Pedagogical University 

Arpine is studying to become an educator in the field of psychology. She was born in Akhpradzor but now lives in Yerevan, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in 2017. She is now pursuing a masters degree in Psychology. Arpine is excited to be able to return to Akhpradzor to teach at the village's only school. Her family farms and works part-time at the village school to be able to afford the costly tuition of the state university. She is a third time scholarship recipient.

Arabo, 16

Studying Computer Programing
Vanadzor Pedagogy College

Arapo is from the village of Akphradzor. Having participated in the computer literacy courses taught by HRI volunteers throughout sevearl years, he decided to pursue a career in computer programming. Arapo  currently studies at Vanadzor. Although his village has had limited opportunities to learn about information technologies, Arapo hopes that through his hard work, he can reach his goal of becoming a computer programmer and by doing so create opportunities for fellow students interested in IT.  He is a first time HRI scholar.

Narine, 20

Studying Library Science
Armenian State Pedagogical University 

Narine is in her second year at the Armenian State Pedagogical University. She is studying librarian studies, in hopes of becoming a librarian. Narine finds her studies both interesting and important, especially in the modern era. As her parents currently do not have a stable jobs, Narine has applied to HRI’s scholarship in order to continue her studies. Narine is a first time HRI Scholar. 
Did you know that compared to the $14,000 per year for public school and $50,000 per year for private school tuition costs in the United States, it only costs about $1,000 for a student in Armenia to attend university?
Click here to learn how you can sponsor one of these amazing students with a $1000 scholarship!