Hidden Road Initiative


​Meet the 2019-2020 Scholars 

College scholarships were provided to students from the villages of Shvanidzor and Akhpradzor for the 2019-2020 academic year!

Samvel, 20

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. 

Tanya, 20

Studying Tourism 
Armenian Institute of Tourism 

Tanya is passionate about tourism and she studies tourism management at the Armenian Institute of Tourism. Her dream is to show the world the beauty of Armenia by introducing all unique spots and sight to see beyond the traditional touristic routes in Armenia. Her brother is also a student and it is hard for her family to pay for the tuition for both and make the ends meet. She also has been an active student and volunteer during the HRI camps.
In the future, she hopes to make her village a touristic destination and she believes that her village has a lot to offer to the tourists with its ancient historical sites and delicious food.

Lilit, 19

Studying Tourism 
Armenian Institute of Tourism 

Lilit is passionate about tourism and her dream is to boost tourism in her village Shavidzor and the Meghri region. She desires to bring more tourists to show the breathtaking scenery and introduce mouthwatering fruits of the region. She believes that her education will enable her to acquire knowledge and develop skills necessary to get more professional in her field and bring more tourists to the region and consequently create income sources for the villagers. Every summer Lilit also participates in HRI camps and actively contributes to its activities. ​

Hayk, 23

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, 20

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. 

Tatul, 24

Studying Information Technologies
Armenian State Pedagogical University 

Tatul loves coding and he studies IT at the Armenian State Pedagogical College. Tatul got inspired to study programming from the computer class during the HRI camp when he participated as a student. This year he joined the camp as a volunteer and led the computer class. In fact, there is no informatics teacher in the school village. He wishes to create more educational opportunities and provide quality education for students in Akhpradzor and that’s why upon graduation he decided to return to his village and become a teacher in his school.

Vanuhi, 21

Studying Tourism  
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. ​

Nayra, 23

Studying Law 
Movses Khorenatsi University 

Naira studies law at the Movses Khorenatsi University. She is passionate about law and wants to deepen her knowledge in it to be able to help those who don’t know their rights and oftentimes become a victim of injustice. Naira and Tatul are siblings, their family farms at the village to be able to afford the costly tuition for both of their kids. After graduating Naira plans to return to her village and help people by protecting the rights of the villagers.

Arcrun, 27

Studying Computer Programing
Vanadzor Pedagogy College

Arcrun is a student from Akhpradzor village. While he was unable to finish his college due to medical and financial reasons, he is hoping to go back to finish his final year in computer programming.

Berjuhi, 20

Studying Law
Gladzor University

Berjuhi dreams about becoming a lawyer and due to her hard work and determination she was admitted to law school this year. 
She believes that majoring in law will enable her to help her village and the country by contributing to the mission of preparing informed citizenry and villagers who know their rights. She wants to contribute to the prosperity of her village and believes that her education could play a big role in it.
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!