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December 5, 2003
Mr. Berge Setrakian, President,
Dear Mr. Setrakian,:
RE: Faith of Melkonian Educational Institute - Nicosia, Cyprus
We have been hearing alarming rumors that our school, Melkonian Educational Institute and its future is in serious threat.
Despite the assurances given by you, after few meetings you had with community leaders and Alumni, OR the AGBU press release stating that the sale of the school is definitely out of question, there are still conflicting news in regards to the accuracy and/or transparency of the official statements.
Gravely concerned of the M.E.I.’s future status, we would like to bring to your attention few enlightening facts about our school's past and present:
a. Our school, Melkonian Educational Institute, has been established by our “SOURP PARERAR"s during a very critical period in our Armenian history. M.E.I. has provided shelter, food, clothing, schooling, skills, trades and most of all education "GERTOUTIOUN" to our Armenian orphans under the noble intensions of "AZKABAHBANOUM" which we are all undeniably thankful to such a gallant accomplishment.
b. Over the years, M.E.I. evolved under the plausibly wise leadership of the AGBU and especially under the leadership of another GREAT "parerar", Mr. Alex Manougian. M.E.I. started producing Armenian teachers, scientists, engineers, economists, doctors etc. Our Armenian communities all around the world thrived by the presence of any M.E.I. graduate who brought their constructive contribution and involvement to such Armenian communities with a strong Armenian spirit.
c. The school grounds have been the melting pot for our Diaspora children who were coming from different countries of this world with different backgrounds; the rich, the poor, Ramgavar; Henchakian; Tashnagtsagan etc. The Armenian children who gathered under M.E.I. roof grew up together as one family. They carried the M.E.I. bond. They acted like a catalyst in every single city they went to, no matter where.
d. Any single one of M.E.I. student or graduate is a flourishing & powerful Armenian seed for any community. He or she will be a fine ambassador of Armenian history, culture and strong Armenian character of elite individual.
We passionately believe that our Armenian nation needs the presence of Melkonian (may be even more Melkonians) today and tomorrow more than ever. We are hopeful that the current leadership of the AGBU will proceed along the footsteps of the great leader Mr. Alex Manougian and will not commit the horrible mistake of paralyzing this great source of GERTOUTIOUN and AZKABAHBANOUM.
In addition to the above, the lack of AGBU's clear direction in regards to the future plans for Melkonian Educational Institute and imposing unaffordable tuition fees have damaging effect to our school's reputation and consequently has caused serious difficulties to the school's administration in attracting new Armenian students from nearby countries.
We, the ALUMNI, commit and invite AGBU to join us: a. to rejuvenate and strengthen M.E.I., b. to attract more students (especially the ones that are potentially vulnerable of being lost), c. to work hand in hand to launch a legacy in Armenian heritage, d. to keep the school as a boarding school, e. to involve international M.E.I. Alumni in the management & administration of the school.
Yours truly, M.E.I. Alumni - Toronto Chapter Hacik Tozdjian President tozcu11@rogers.com
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