Armenia has faced its fair share of troubles recently. However, amidst these challenges, there is a growing movement of Armenians from around the world coming together to reshape the country's future. 

 

Larisa Hovannisian, the founder of Teach For Armenia, a nonprofit education organization with a bold mission, is one such individual at the forefront of this movement. She will be sharing her inspiring journey, her insights, and her vision for the future of education in Armenia at the upcoming Engage Armenia 2024 Forum, set to take place in key European cities from March 6 to 13, 2024. 

 

Larisa Hovannisian's journey to Armenia began nearly a decade ago when she made the life-changing decision to repatriate from the United States. Her motivation was rooted in a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Armenia's youth. "Having repatriated to Armenia almost 12 years ago," Larisa reflects, "I vividly remember the worries and obstacles I faced then. Many of our fellow Armenians contemplating repatriation may have similar concerns," she says. 

 

Larisa's journey led to the creation of Teach For Armenia, a pioneering organization dedicated to addressing educational inequities in the country. Teach For Armenia recruits and trains dedicated leaders from Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora to serve as Teacher-Leaders in underserved public schools for a minimum commitment of two years. Through Teach For Armenia, Larisa is providing quality education to underserved communities and inspiring others to make a difference in their homeland.

 

"Teach For Armenia is part of Teach For All, the global network of over 62 independent, locally led and funded partner organizations whose shared mission is to expand educational opportunity around the world by increasing and accelerating the impact of social enterprises that are cultivating the leadership necessary for change," Larisa explains. 

 

Larisa's commitment to education in Armenia is rooted in Teach For Armenia's '2050 Promise,' a guiding principle for their work. The promise is simple yet profound: "For every child born into our school communities, by the time they turn 25, the nation will be transformed because of them," the '2050 Promise' states. 

 

Larisa is resolute when asked about the future of education in Armenia and the role of the diaspora: "Fulfilling our promise requires harnessing new levels of cooperation and effort, bringing new perspectives and experiences. We have already recruited numerous diaspora Armenians from different parts of the world, and each of them brings invaluable input to make this future a reality for Armenia."

 

 

Larisa's participation in the Engage Armenia 2024 European Tour is a testament to her dedication to inspiring and empowering the Armenian diaspora. The forum resonates with Larisa, as it Armenians from the diaspora to explore various opportunities and career paths in the homeland.

 

"Through my participation, I aim to share my personal experience and journey of repatriating to Armenia, highlighting how the founding idea of Teach For Armenia motivated me to make that significant move," she says.

 

Larisa encourages potential attendees to consider the impact they can make by moving to Armenia, whether by joining Teach For Armenia or other organizations represented at the forum. "Your unique skills and perspectives have the potential to contribute significantly to the growth and development of Armenia. Embrace the possibilities that await you, and together, let's build a brighter future for our homeland," she says.

 

 

The Engage Armenia 2024 Forum in Europe is a pivotal platform for diaspora Armenians to explore opportunities, connect with visionary leaders like Larisa Hovannisian, and help shape Armenia's future. 

 

As we look ahead to Engage Armenia 2024, Larisa's story serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the Armenian diaspora. In her own words: "By moving to Armenia, I found a profound sense of purpose." With individuals like Larisa leading the way and with the transformative energy of the Engage Armenia 2024 Forum, the future of Armenia is indeed in capable hands.