On May 27, 2026, within the YMCA Roots for Peace program, YMCA Europe implementing partners in Armenia Roots & Next Youth Foundations, held a graduation event to celebrate the completion of sewed carpeting masterclasses along with the two-month English course for beginners.
The event commenced with a welcoming speech from the Roots & Next Youth Foundation team, emphasizing the impact of the two-month masterclass and the high volume of applications received through an open call, which reaffirmed the public’s strong demand for more artistic workshops. With over 200 applicants, 13 were admitted to the masterclass led by the operational director of the Artsakh Artisans Center Nadezhda Sargsyan. As a result, 13 unique carpets were created which will remain within the foundation archives as a one-of-a-kind creative pieces.
In recognition of their dedication, the women were awarded certificates of acknowledgement. The first part of the program concluded with closing remarks by the YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan and the CEO of the Artsakh Artisans Center Ira Tamrazyan.
“We are truly grateful to the YMCA Europe for their continuous support of our programs.” remarked Ira Tamrazyan. “Through their support, our women received sewing machines after the first masterclass, which they now use to work and earn income for their families. Most importantly, because of their help we are able to showcase our work and cultural heritage internationally.”.
The event continued with the second, yet not less significant milestone celebration – the completion of the first English course for beginners led by the “English with Laura” language school in cooperation with Roots & Next Youth Foundation. The two-month course equipped 10 women with basic understanding of conversational English led by a native speaker. The course successfully concluded with a high demand for continuation scheduled for the fall of 2026.
Laura Samvelyan, co-founder and CEO of “English with Laura”, addressed the audience with a brief reflection on the two-month process and handed certificates to participants.
“It was an exciting journey we took with our participants who were so eager to learn. We look forward to future collaboration and to strengthening their English capabilities because it is the international language opening doors for many opportunities,” said Laura Samvelyan.
