How One Volunteer Found Purpose in Armenia

How much can one person actually change in a year? Wasken Akkaya didn’t come to Armenia looking for an answer to this question—but he found one. During his time as a Birthright Armenia volunteer, Wasken threw himself into projects that touched lives across the country, and in turn, these experiences changed him. Whether he was teaching English to underprivileged children in Yerevan or raising $15,000 in two weeks to bring winter essentials to kids in need, Wasken discovered just how much impact one person can make with enough drive and compassion—and how much those experiences shape you in return.

A Life-Changing Project at Orran

One of Wasken’s first and most impactful experiences in Armenia was at Orran, an afterschool program for disadvantaged children in Yerevan. There, he taught English to students, including one particularly gifted child whose circumstances had held her back. “I taught English to a student who was incredibly talented but, due to her background, hadn’t yet been able to fully reach her potential,” Wasken explains. Supporting her learning was a highlight for me, and we’re still in touch—she’s doing well and continues to grow.”

Beyond teaching, Wasken found inspiration in the Orran staff, who shared their insights on the difficult conditions many Armenian families endure, especially in winter. The resilience of these teachers and students sparked Wasken’s desire to do more. Working with fellow volunteers, he launched a New Year’s crowdfunding campaign called ‘Nver’ (‘gift’ in Armenian), which raised $15,000 to provide winter gear and hygiene supplies for children in need. This initiative, born from his time at Orran, would go on to touch thousands of lives across Armenia.

Staying Connected: From Digital Storytelling to reArmenia

Beyond these hands-on efforts, Wasken used digital storytelling to encourage others to get involved. Alongside fellow volunteer Tatiana Boudakian, he co-created the Why not volunteer in Armenia? video, a promotional piece for Birthright Armenia that went viral and inspired many in the diaspora to volunteer. The video offered an honest look at the volunteer experience in Armenia, capturing the diversity and authenticity of what it means to spend time there. “Our hope was for viewers to feel empowered to shape their own volunteer journey—whether that meant learning the language, traveling, meeting new people, or more,” Wasken says.

Returning to the Netherlands, Wasken initially struggled to stay connected to Armenia and the work he felt so passionately about. But joining the reArmenia platform gave him a new way to stay engaged. He joined reArmenia’s Expert Community and is ready to share his skills and insights from his years in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. “There are so many talented people in Armenia who would flourish with the right support,” he explains, noting that reArmenia gives him the flexibility to contribute where he’s most needed. With over seven years of experience at a fast-growing chocolate brand, Wasken brings valuable industry insights and is ready to support Armenia’s initiatives through the Expert Community.

Looking Forward: A Vision for Armenia’s Future

Wasken reflects on how his time in Armenia has left a profound mark, shaping him both personally and professionally. “Learning the language in a short amount of time, connecting with inspiring local talent, working alongside volunteers from around the world, and stepping out of my comfort zone are just some of the moments that have broadened my perspective and strengthened my resilience,” he says.

Looking to the future, Wasken envisions an Armenia where young people feel empowered to build a brighter future for themselves and others. “Birthright Armenia helps bridge the gap between local youth and the diaspora,” he reflects. His journey illustrates how volunteering can spark deep, lasting change—not just in the communities served but within volunteers themselves.