Hidden Road Initiative

Scholar Projects from the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Here are the projects and programs implemented by our scholars. 

STEM Education in Makenis
by Laura Manukyan from Yerevan State University              

Last year, Laura set up a small chemistry lab in her village of Makenis. This year, she took 7th to 12th graders to Yerevan State University and the Russian-Armenian University, where they conducted experiments and explored biomedicine. Inspired, the students organized a STEM Day at their school, and with support from California State University Northridge, Laura also set up a physics lab for hands-on learning.

​Hidden Stories of Artsakh
by Knar Khachatryan from Yerevan State University

Knar, inspired by the rich stories of her elders in Kolkhozashen, Artsakh, feared these tales might be lost with the displacement of her homeland. To preserve them, she created an online collection, "Hidden Stories of Artsakh", featuring interviews from her family and villagers. Her vision is to share these stories, with contributions from others, in Armenian, English, and Russian, along with photographs from Artsakh’s history.


​Shvanidzor Guest House
by Vrezh Baxtiaryan from Yerevan Agricultural University

​Vrezh realized that his village, Shvanidzor, had much to offer visitors but lacked a way to attract and accommodate them. Inspired, he, his wife Ani, and their friend Zalina transformed an existing space into the village’s first guest house, which quickly began hosting visitors. The guest house connects guests with local activities like cooking classes and tours, providing both a unique experience and economic benefits for the village.

Exam-Prep Classes for Artsakh
by Armine Arstamyan from Yerevan State University

In September 2023, school abruptly ended for teachers and students in Artsakh, including those from Armine's village, Poghosagomer, due to their forced displacement. To reunite students and teachers, Armine organized bi-weekly online Armenian History and Language classes taught by former teachers. The group later reunited in person, making it a memorable experience after months of separation.

​Akhpradzor Youth Center
by Tatul Abrahamyan from Armenian State Pedagogical U.

​A little over a year ago, Tatul helped establish a youth center in Akhpradzor, serving students from Akhpradzor and Makenis. This year, he developed an educational curriculum and leadership opportunities, leading to a 50% improvement in math and Armenian language proficiency among 20 students. The center welcomed new students, introduced extracurricular classes, and hosted community events.

Career Mentorship for Students
by Diana Khachatryan from American University of Armenia

Faced with the challenges of displacement, Diana created a career mentorship program for 12th graders from her hometown, Kaghartsi, in Artsakh. She paired three students with professionals in their fields of interest, helping them explore careers, prepare for college, and develop clear academic plans. As a result, all students formed lasting mentor relationships, and two applied for scholarships to attend university.

First-Aid Training in Makenis
by Lala Avetisyan from ​Levon Sargsyan Medical College 

​As a medical student, Lala organized a first aid training session for 20 students from her native village of Makenis, recognizing the dangers of living near new borders after the 2020 war. With instruction from the International Red Cross, students learned essential life-saving skills and later demonstrated these to the community. Supported by UCLA's Hidden Road Initiative, each student received a first aid kit to use in future emergencies.

TUMO for Poghosagomer
by Nazeli Bedyan from National Polytechnic University

Before their displacement from Artsakh in 2023, many students from Nazeli's village attended the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies. To keep them connected to TUMO and reunite the students, Nazeli organized weekly trips for eight students to Yerevan's TUMO Center, where they explored animation, design, photography, programming, and more. The trips reignited their passions and brought Nazeli's classmates joy.

Akhpradzor Quest
by Lilit Manukyan from Armenian State University of Economics​ 

​Inspired by last year's success, Lilit expanded the "Akhpradzor Quest" into a two-day adventure, now including an overnight stay with local families. Ten participants from Armenia and abroad joined a scavenger hunt, toured historic sites, and engaged in village activities like milking cows and baking bread. Lilit involved six village youth in organizing the quest, teaching them valuable skills in planning, communication, and teamwork.

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