A Glimpse of Artsakh’s Light in Yerevan

In a peaceful neighbourhood in Yerevan, a small afterschool center is creating sparks of impact far greater than its modest size suggests. Dpratun Educational Center was founded out of love, necessity, and a steady sense of responsibility. Established by Lusine Kazarian – a mother, former English teacher, and longtime Artsakh resident – the center stands as a symbol of resilience, community, and hope. Volunteers from Birthright Armenia have become vital companions on her journey.

Lusine’s story is one of deep emotions, caught between displacement and belonging. Her husband’s work required frequent relocations, yet her heart remained deeply tied to Artsakh. “We adapted to Artsakh, we loved it, and we wanted to stay,” she says. “Even after we moved, the bond never broke.” Following the atrocious events in Artsakh, when thousands of families were forced to flee their homes, that bond became a lifeline.

During a phone call with Gohar – an Artsakhtsi, a teacher, and Lusine’s former neighbor who had also been displaced – a powerful idea emerged as they shared memories and heartbreak: “Let’s build something together.”

That “something” became Dpratun. With limited funds, no stable space, and much uncertainty, the duo pressed forward. One of the main challenges was securing a location, rents were high, repairs were endless. “People told me this was a bad sign,” Lusine recalls, “but we refused to stop. We kept going.”

Amidst the chaos, Lusine was also, for context, a host-mom with Birthright Armenia. Meanwhile, Alec Tujian, a 22-year-old volunteer from the United States, was placed at Dpratun through the Birthright Armenia program. Initially unaware of the center’s full background, Alec quickly realized the weight and importance of the work being done. “I found out most of the kids and staff were from Artsakh,” Alec says. “It just felt right to be here, helping a community that has seen more than its share of hardship.” His jobsite swiftly became more than a workplace; it became a community, a place of learning, and a source of purpose.

Alec formed a close bond with the students from helping with English flashcards, to answering homework questions, or simply being someone to laugh with. “Teachers told me the kids finish their other classes quickly just to come chat with me. That meant the world.”

His impact extended beyond the classroom. After noticing the lack of resources and outdated materials, Alec launched a GoFundMe campaign. “In just an hour, I wrote something up and sent it out. The result? A good amount of money raised.” The funds were used to purchase whiteboards, books, paint, chairs, and other classroom essentials. With a world map mural now adorning the wall and bigger plans underway, Dpratun has transformed both physically and emotionally.

Alec revived Lusine’s sense of hope. “He organizes quickly, lists what we need, and brings light into this place,” she says. More Birthright Armenia volunteers are expected to join soon to continue supporting the center.

What makes Dpratun unique isn’t just the academics, it’s the atmosphere. “This is a place where children come happily,” Lusine says. “They stay until 7:00 p.m., and it’s not because their parents force them. They come because there’s warmth and care.” Discipline, respect, and emotional intelligence are just as crucial as language and math in this safe space for healing and learning.

Alec believes this dual exchange, giving and receiving, is at the heart of the experience. “I teach them English, they teach me Armenian,” he laughs. “It’s a win-win.” To him, volunteering isn’t about handouts, it’s about empowerment. “It’s about showing people their capabilities, giving them motivation, and building lasting relationships.”

Both Lusine and Alec credit Birthright Armenia as the bridge that made all of this possible. “What they do is miraculous,” Lusine says. “They bring youth from all over the world and give them purpose here.” Alec agrees: “It’s a pool of creative people from different diasporas, and you feel like you’re part of something much bigger.”

At Dpratun, where compassion fills the room and whiteboards carry dreams, a rare harmony comes to life. It’s where a mother’s dream, a neighbor’s resilience, and a volunteer’s dedication converge to write a new narrative – not one of loss, but of light.