Save the ArQ Provides a New Computer Lab to the Sts. Tarkmanchatz Secondary School in Jerusalem

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CHICAGO — As part of its mission to revitalize the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, the non-profit organization, Save the ArQ, based in Chicago made a contribution to the Sts. Tarkmanchatz secondary school in Jerusalem to strengthen its educational mission. Earlier this year, Save the ArQ donated 20 desktop computers and one projector as part of Save the ArQ’s dedication to improve the educational standard of the Armenian community of Jerusalem.

This is not the first time that Save the ArQ has contributed to the educational objectives of the school. In 2014, the organization donated laboratory equipment in order to strengthen the scientific curriculum of the school. In the past year, Save the ArQ has been active in raising funds for the school. The Chair, Mary Hoogasian said: “Save the ArQ has been fortunate to work with many talented Armenians both within Jerusalem’s Armenian community and here, in the US, to raise much-needed funds which have recently benefited the children at Sts. Tarkmanchatz School — they are the future of a vital Armenian community within Jerusalem. It is also critical that we support and rebuild our shrinking community within the Old City of Jerusalem. We cannot take this for granted.”

One of the major problems facing the school is its inability to enroll more students due to its physically small classrooms. Save the ArQ is currently in discussions with the school administration regarding its pending plans to enlarge classrooms to be able to enroll more students. Earlier this year, Prof. Bedross Der Matossian, co-Chair of Save the ArQ and alumni of the school, visited Jerusalem and met with the Dean of Sts. Tarkmanchatz secondary school, Fr. Norayr Kazazian and was briefed about the latest developments in the school and the ways in which the organization can contribute to the further development of the school. Fr. Kazazian said: “We are deeply touched by the interest and appreciativeness that Save the ArQ showed in the work of our school. We owe much of our achievements to kind hearted donors, whose help and encouraging attitude towards our school inspires us with a great sense of security and solidarity.” Der Matossian also met with the Real Estate Director of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Very Rev. Baret Yeritzian and discussed the Patriarchate’s plans to expand classroom space in order to increase student enrollment. Der Matossian said: “In the past decade and under the tenure of Fr. Norayr Kazazian, the dean of Sts. Tarkmanchatz, the school has experienced major transformations in terms of staff, curriculum, and renovation of the school grounds. These improvements will make Sts. Tarkmanchatz one of the best private schools in Jerusalem. Currently, one of the outstanding issues is the expansion of the kindergarten and the secondary school classrooms. Save the ArQ is eager to be a part of this exciting project. We are committed to strengthening the school as part of our larger commitment to revitalize the Armenian community of Jerusalem.”

In the past few years and with the support of hundreds of donors, Save the ArQ has been able to raise funds in order to implement these projects. As part of its development efforts, Save the ArQ has organized lectures, symposia as well as fundraisers highlighting the works of Armenian artists from the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. It is noteworthy to mention that contributions have been made by the Save the ArQ’s Honorable Board members which include international artisan Michael Aram, James Beard Award Winner Chef Carrie Nahabedian and Michael Nahabedian—owners of the prestigious Michelin star Naha and Brindille Restaurants both in Chicago.  Hoogasian said: “Save the ArQ’s Board and Honorary Board hold deep admiration and pride for Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter — as do our incredible supporters.  As Armenians, it is our duty to sustain and maintain this incredible piece of Armenian history.”

Save the ArQ is the only non-profit specifically dedicated to Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter. It was established to help revitalize the vastly dwindling community and to promote Armenian life and culture that has existed in this area for nearly two millennia. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.savethearq.org.

 

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