YEREVAN — The fabric of Armenia’s societal and cultural landscape is richly woven with the threads of its diaspora, individuals scattered across the globe yet united by a common heritage and, for many, a deep-seated desire to contribute to the well-being of their homeland. In these pivotal times, as Armenia and the Armenian nation find themselves at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges that test their resilience and unity, the role of the diaspora becomes ever more crucial.
The Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) serves as a vital conduit for this desire, facilitating a bridge back to Armenia for those yearning to reconnect through service. Within this context emerge the stories of three volunteers — Gevorg Martirosyan, Brigitta Davidjants and Linda Haddad. Through their dedication, resilience and sense of duty, these volunteers exemplify the significant role the diaspora plays in shaping Armenia’s future, painting a vivid narrative of hope, contribution, and interconnectedness.
Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crises following the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s native Armenian population, American-Armenian Gevorg Martirosyan, 33, who holds a doctorate in pharmacy and an MBA, found himself drawn to Armenia with a purpose that transcended mere assistance. His placement, working with Traveling Doctors, provided immediate relief and helped put down the foundations for enduring healthcare resilience. Martirosyan embarked on this endeavor in late 2023, armed with four suitcases filled with medical supplies which were then meticulously transformed into 100 first aid kits and distributed to families displaced from Artsakh.
The heart of his work, however, was in his role as an educator. Over the span of his stay, he trained more than 140 medical professionals across Yerevan and Gyumri. These sessions were carefully planned and executed to ensure the highest impact, catering to a diverse audience that included ambulance doctors, emergency medicine residents, and pediatric nurses, among others.
Martirosyan’s involvement also extended to strategic consultations for Traveling Doctors, where he advised on organizational structure, team expansion, and effective branding.
Personally, for him, his engagement in an International Volunteer Day event, where he mentored youth through the Children of Regions NGO, stands out as his most cherished accomplishment. Witnessing the demotivation among young men from various regions, particularly concerning their impending military service, struck a chord with him.
