Meet Artur Gasparyan. He is a repatriate from Russia and a standout graduate of the Birthright Armenia program. After moving from Moscow to Armenia post-2018 revolution, Artur quickly became one of the most popular young repatriates thanks to his engaging blog and the launch of the KIDO children’s center in Gyumri.

Since then, Artur's life has taken some interesting turns. He has explored different fields and stepped back from daily work at KIDO. However, he remains committed to socially impactful projects, and his blog keeps gaining followers.

Artur’s blog highlights Armenia’s challenges through humorous videos and social experiments. His followers can reach out to him directly with their concerns. This format raises awareness about urban issues and encourages more people to get involved. Artur also shares shares beautiful snapshots of Armenia, highlights interesting initiatives, and offers glimpses into his daily life.

Artur and his colleagues revived the KIDO center with crowdfunding. They turned it from a fading project into a vibrant hub for children. This is where Artur first volunteered during his time with Birthright Armenia. At KIDO, kids aged three to six experience a full school day in a fun, game-based format. They study various subjects, explore art, enjoy lunch, and play together. The center also offers special opportunities for children from low-income families, thanks to generous sponsors, ensuring everyone has access to quality preschool education.

While KIDO now operates independently of Artur’s direct involvement, challenges remain. New legislative restrictions on educational institutions and the loss of key supporters have made things tougher. Still, the dedicated team continues to provide quality education for the kids.

You’re very active on social media, addressing various issues in Armenia, from environmental to social. Why did you focus on children as a key area?

"I wouldn’t say my main focus is only on children, but I see the importance of shaping their values early. By doing so, we can reduce the resources needed to tackle future problems, as we’ll be raising a more responsible generation. Plus, working with kids gives me incredible energy. Seeing the positive impact of my efforts is very rewarding," says Artur.

 

Currently, Artur is working on a new project to train adults and teenagers for online jobs. This initiative aims to combat unemployment in Armenia, allowing people to work for international companies while staying in their homeland. This not only creates jobs but also helps keep young talent in Armenia with promising career opportunities.

"There are many challenges in Armenia, and they are all significant. However, I would highlight one main issue: a problem with people’s outlook. Many do not see a bright future for themselves here and believe life is better elsewhere. They often prioritize personal well-being over national interests. If everyone dedicated themselves to their work for society and loved their country, we would be living our dreams in Armenia," Artur explains.

How hard is it to address urban improvement issues in Armenia?

"Achieving major changes and systemic solutions can be tough. But Armenia has a unique advantage. You can connect with almost anyone in the administration, the mayor’s office, or the council of elders. This openness helps create dialogue between the public and the government. My small blog has positively influenced some changes, as important topics gain quick visibility and reach the right people. That’s why they say Armenia is the land of Facebook!"

Artur encourages people to voice their concerns instead of staying silent. He believes that shedding light on various problems can lead to solutions. "And remember to take care of your nerves and treat everything with love," he adds.

He also stresses the need to tackle environmental issues like pollution. These problems directly impact public health and development. While awareness of these critical challenges is still growing, Artur is dedicated to bringing attention to them.

What are the advantages of living in Armenia?

"There are many perks to living in Armenia. Without them, I might not have stayed here for so long. The main ones are the short distances, the warmth of the people, and the value placed on each individual. It’s much higher compared to other densely populated countries," Artur concludes.

 

Since returning to Armenia, Artur has been a continuous force for good in Armenia. He actively contributes to the development of its youth and society as a whole. By creating impactful projects and participating in existing ones, he raises awareness of social issues and infrastructure challenges, encourages respect and love for the land, and inspires many with his dedication.

By Ani Grigoryan