A Child’s Life Disrupted by the Artsakh War
AMAA & AMAC Mr. & Mrs. Yeprem and Zabel Basmajian Kindergarten
Happiness is when you focus on what you have, but not what you miss. This is the Grigoryan family lives and finds happiness. It has been 5 years since they moved from Turkmenistan to Askeran, Artsakh. They live in a rented apartment. The family consists of 8 members; grandparents, parents and four children. The family found happiness in caring for their newborn twin. The story of this family was transformed when the second child started to attend the AMAA-AMAC Yeprem and Zabel Kindergarten in Askeran. Mariam was born on 29 September, 2017. The dreaded Azeri attack took place on the date Little Mariam turned 3 years old. She had just entered kindergarten. The war carved its permanent mark on the the unforgettable family history. The war took away Mariam’s uncle, who left behind four orphaned children. The windows, walls and roof of their house was severely damaged by an explosion. The mother, Olesia who was pregnant at that time, barely survived. They temporarily settled in Khndzristan village of Askeran. After the ceasefire the government renovated their home and they moved back. Mariam’s mother mentions that while away, she fondly remembered her kindergarten and friends. She wanted to go back. Mariam was overjoyed when the AMAA-AMAC Basmajian kindergarten reopened after the war. Olesia adds that after the birth of her twins she had to divert her attention to the newborns. This was not well received by Mariam. Yet, the kindergarten came to the rescue. The news of the kindergarten’s opening restored Mariam’s smile. She loved the tender loving care of KG staff, especially her teacher.
Mariam’s family lives on the grandparent’s meager pension the children’s allowance and whatever father Arthur can earn doing the odd jobs that he lands here and there.
AMAC thanks its donors for helping children such as Mariam receive an outstanding pre-school education.
