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Aram Akopian

Aram Akopian

Activist

"Armenians were not at all what I thought they were, said my best friend. As it turned out, before getting to know me, he also believed in stereotypes about Armenians that were not true. There are really a lot of stereotypes, but I try to confront them in my everyday life.

I grew up in an Armenian-speaking family in the village of Tsitelsopeli, Marneuli Municipality. Marneuli is very diverse. Ethnic Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Georgians lived there side-by-side. During school years, I used to go to football or dance classess with my peers, we learned each other's language and continue our friendship to this day.

I have always believed and still believe that I am fully integrated into Georgian society as a citizen of Georgia. Everything here is very close to me, so I want to bring about positive changes for my region and my country. Youth Development House, a community centre that I founded in my village is part of this idea. I am also a coach of Tsitelsopeli Football Club, which is the only club in the region where girls can train. My main goal is to support the integration of local children into the community.

Lack of knowledge of Georgian language is still a problem for ethnic minorities, although not as severe as it was for older generations. Circumstances have changed, youth are now able to study here, they enrol in universities and complete military service as well. I personally go to a university within „4 + 1“ program and I’ve made a great Azerbaijani friend in the army.

Our centre tries to help young people integrate in the local community. We often organize camps for children who speak Georgian at least at a basic level - it is a great motivation for them to learn the language. Moreover, both youth and their parents have shown great interest.

I do this for the community I live in, for my region and for my country. I hope there will be activists in the new generation who will join this cause and confront the stereotypes with me."

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