Hidden Road Initiative

Anaché Varteressian

​I started teaching English for HRI over the summer and although I had such an amazing time, I felt like it was cut short when the session ended. It felt important to continue the work we were doing, so when the English tutoring program started, I was so excited to have my own student that I could really connect with. Rima is such a fast learner and so enthusiastic about it, she never wants to skip a lesson. Even when she makes a mistake like "What clock is for you?" when asking me the time, I can tell she's so eager to use the vocabulary she's familiar with.

We've developed so many games together and I'm constantly bringing new material to keep her attention. She loves drawing so usually we play a Pictionary type of game and sing songs. She's grasping so many concepts that we can read books like 'Green Eggs and Ham' together. I love creating new memories with her and I can't wait to go to Armenia and see everyone. Tutoring has been one of the most gratifying experiences that I didn't know I would enjoy this much.

Srbui Azarapetian

I have not had the chance to go to Armenia yet, but I am so happy that this tutoring program provided me with the opportunity to interact with the children there. 
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While I hope the students are learning and taking away valuable information from the classes, and growing personally and intellectually, I myself am also learning so much from them. Hearing them yell out answers and ask questions because they are so interested in the class is easily the highlight of my week.

Christine Torosian

I joined Hidden Road Initiative as a way to get closer to my ancestral roots, and connect with fellow Armenians. The events that ensued in late 2020 regarding the Artstakh conflict cemented my ties to my heritage even more, and stressed the importance of ardently advocating for your culture.

​I have gained an incredible amount of insight on the way of life for my students, one of whom lived in Stepanakert, Artsakh prior to Azerbaijan attacking the region; she and her family consequently fled to Yerevan for respite. Hidden Road Initiative elegantly ties enriching one's Armenian identity, and entrenching oneself in Armenian political affairs which have paramount implications for diasporan participation. I am humbled each day by our collective strength, resilience, and love for each other that truly highlights my purpose in volunteering with Hidden Road Initiative.

Izabella Rutledge

Over my experience in HRI, I have undertaken the privilege of being an English tutor for 2 adorable sisters, Meri and Mane, who are 8 and 10 years old from one of Armenia's remote villages. They are the cutest little girls, who are always so happy and eager to learn. The excitement that they have to learn English is incredible.

​One thing that I most enjoy when I spend my time on Zoom with them is seeing their faces light up when I say the word “homework." Meri and Mane are so different from us American children, that at the end of our session and I ask them if they are ready for homework, they shout, "Yea! Homework!" with their big brown eyes and huge smiles. They have such a drive to learn and work hard even outside of our twice-a-week Zooms. Sometimes, I even try to give them a little break with homework and assign a short assignment for the rest of the week, but they always request more! On top of that, the amount of progression in their command of the English language since August is unbelievable. They have come from solely knowing the English alphabet and numbers to reading short books and translating stories every week. 

Even though I have to wake up extra early to tutor these two girls, it is absolutely worth it! I look forward to every weekend and have loved getting to know them and seeing their growth. They truly make my day every time and it is a great way to start off my weekends!