We are giving her the keys to a home within a home

Some volunteers arrive in Armenia, volunteer for a few months, and return to where they live keeping their options open. Other volunteers are inspired to keep staying and living in Armenia. Welcome to one such story, the story of Gayane Orujyan from England.

Her story might be your story.

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The moment I chose Armenia

As a migrant child, I always longed to feel a sense of belonging. I moved from Armenia to the UK when I was just 5, and spent most of my life there. But I never grew a fondness for the country. I experienced a strong sense of isolation because of my background, as British Armenians make up less than 0.1% of the total UK population. Over time, I got the chance to see my country again, and was filled with hope for a future there. I first visited 8 years after migrating. I learned what I was like as a child from the village that raised me, my favourite meals, my favourite toys, my favourite park, all aspects of my life that had vanished so abruptly.

Since then, we visited every summer, even when the direct routes from London to Yerevan were discontinued. There were only two summers that we missed—2020 and 2021—because of mass COVID restrictions, as well as the Artsakh war. In a much more literal state of isolation, I learned about the plight of Armenians by researching our history, reviewing scholarly articles, watching old Armenian films, connecting with Armenians online from all over the world, and reading my mother’s thesis on the Armenian Diaspora. The day we lost Artsakh, I had to take my English A-level exam. Overnight, my family had developed the same red, veiny eyes. My morning instagram feed was filled with posts about Monte Melkonian. When I got to college, I saw the lines of people queuing to enter the exam halls, indifferent, exchanging stories of last minute revision. I would say I had never felt so invisible before, but that would be a lie. This was, unfortunately, the running motif of my life: alone and unrecognised. While the feeling has chased me consistently, I had never been able to put my finger on it. At this moment, I decided that I would dedicate my life to the Armenian cause, whatever I pursue.

Time to join Birthright Armenia

I kept my promise. Hoping to build a bridge towards Armenia, I applied for Birthright Armenia. I didn’t even attend my graduation, I was in Yerevan by the 4th of September 2024. I spent four months volunteering as an English teacher and journalist, afterwards, I spent one month simply looking for work in Yerevan. I was unsuccessful, and had run out of money.

My flight back to England was painful. I wanted to be in Armenia. What I found when I came back to England was a dire situation, with unemployment rates at an all time high, a cost of living crisis and rampant discrimination towards migrants. From January until the end of March, I searched for work, applying to any and all openings both in England and Armenia. It wasn’t until April, that I received an opportunity for work here in Yerevan. I returned at the beginning of May, passed three stages of interviews and now, have a confirmed place of work here at the British International School of Armenia. My contract is for a minimum one year, and I couldn’t be happier. I just need a place to stay while I cross this bridge.

Returning to Armenia for good

I was extremely grateful to have the opportunity to stay in the BR Pathway apartment for alumni transitioning back to Armenia. Not only is it centrally located and thereby convenient to get to my place of work, but it will mean that I can live and work in Armenia, network, build a life and settle here. I love my country and only wish to contribute to it as much as I can, in whatever way I can.

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