Hidden Road Initiative

Henry Keledjian Service Program


The Henry Keledjian Service Program aims to empower university and college students from Armenia and Artsakh’s border villages to initiate and execute community development projects in their villages, by identifying pressing issues and coming up with sustainable solutions. ​The program is fully funded by a memorial fund, established by Henry Keledjian's  family in honor of his lifelong commitment to education and the Armenian community. 

About the Program 

Where the funds go? 
​With a yearly budget of $5,000, the Henry Keledjian Service program funds the following:
  • $3,000 - the annual gross salary of a local program coordinator who works to train and provide skills and resources to each of the scholarship recipients. During bi-monthly meetings, the Program Coordinator leads the students through a six-step process (See below). 
  • $1500 - Upon the approval of their proposal and the presentation of their budget, the organization grants up to 150 dollars (to 10 college students) to implement the project. 
  • $500 - the annual cost of renting office space and transportation costs.
As of 2022, the Henry Keledjian Memorial Fund garnered over $11,000 from generous donors, ensuring at least 2 years of the program (from Sept 2021- to August 2023). ​

How it Works

Step 1 - Brainstorming During this stage, scholars go through an extensive period of assessing the needs of their village. 
Step 2 - Discussing feasible ideas Based on the needs assessed in the first step, scholars discuss possible solutions to the problems they identified.
Step 3 - Writing project proposal The scholar and the coordinator work together to write the proposal.
Step 4 - Editing and finalizing proposal (Goals, Materials, Budget..) The scholar works with the coordinator to finalize the proposal and present the budget.
​Step 5  - Execution The scholar executes the project.
Step 6 - Reflection The coordinator reflects with the student on the successes and shortcomings of their project. Together, they decide how the student could continue and improve the project the following year, with additional funds. Students who show potential and responsibility may receive additional project funding for the following year.

Current Projects

The program currently has 3 projects.

Vahe Elbakyan, 20, from the village of Shvanidzor, Syunik 
Project: Running a workshop in Shvanidzor with university students from Yerevan about key topics in finance and marketing for current students of Shvanidzor and donating board games related to finances.

Laura Manukyan, 19, from the village of Makenis, Geghakrunik 
Project: Donating speakers and a microphone and executing two workshops in her village. The first workshop is about self-assessment (ինքնաբացահայտում), analyzing strengths and weaknesses through discussions and activities. The second workshop starts with RIASEC test, and a presentation about the top 4 majors at Yerevan State University. 

Aram Ghazaryan, 22, from the village of Akhpradzor, Gegharkunik
Project: Organizing a cultural and educational trip to Yerevan with Akhpradzor middle and high school students. Students will visit matenadaran and (if time allows) the geological museum of Armenia, where the students will have an interactive educational session.