Dear Diary 

Ever wondered why it is that Melkonian students are not taking part in any of these web-based actions? They’re not in the chat rooms, don’t visit this and other sites, don’t forward ideas and messages. Simple, really. They’ve been deprived of all access to the Internet in the first place. “Is this China?” you may ask. “Have Soviet controls made a come back?” Not really. It’s just a matter of 200 students being denied use of computers at this super-duper, democratic, excellently-managed establishment.
A few months back, the School had been promised some CYP 70,000 worth in the form of a brand new Computer Lab. Nothing ever materialized. So, what do you do to remedy the problem? Simply stack all the existing computers in a room where not all students have access, and throw away the key. There are no computers in public areas, none (plugged-in, that is) in the Library, no PC in sight of the “serdaran/canteen” where students can work on their projects, read the latest news about Armenia, surf for college information or just chat and check on e-mails. Instead, there are spotless computers on desks of people who just don’t justify their salaries. Now we know where AGBU money is being squandered…

Boy, was this an interesting week. It started with the service at the Armenian Church in Nicosia on Sunday, January 18, followed on Wednesday night, January 21, with a brief tribute in front of the Melkonian Brothers’ mausoleum, where veteran alumnus Haroutioun Dedeyan lay some flowers in the name of Melkoniantsis the world over, and a special event dedicated to the Melkonian Brothers in the main auditorium.

Students and teachers prepared a very good, simple and concise programme, including reading/performing, music and dance. A senior student gave a humble rendition of the importance of Melkonian and its founders. History master Avo Poshoghlian gave a sentimentally-packed speech, while Dean of Students Garabed Dakessian concluded the evening with a view to the future, just as the two benefactors stare into the far distance every day and night.

Many Melkoniantsis showed up and some supported the graduating students by buying their 2004 Calendar (more are still available, so hurry and send in your orders). Fortunately, the school’s critics did not show their faces as they have made their views clear and have already sided with the enemy camp.

 The meeting with Central Board member Benon Sevan went relatively well, as he presented some of the realities surrounding the AGBU and its leadership. “Are you ready for ANY outcome?” he asked the alumni present. A very good question that needs to be addressed by us all…

 However, by Friday, the day of the week when the AGBU President is reportedly in the Union office in New York, the phones didn’t stop ringing, trying to find out more of the meeting with Benon Sevan and details of the “plan of action” being prepared in Cyprus or elsewhere. During some of those conversations, certain people even suggested they would struggle to keep the AGBU Club where it stands today, regardless of the future of the School. How naïve…

 Parents have even been told to start making arrangements for September, while despite the absence of any written order, it seems the dangerous avenue of implementing verbal instruction has been chosen.

 All are now preparing for the big meeting on Saturday, February 7, 2004, where a review of activities, current and future status of the Alumni, and a plan of action will be discussed and put to the floor for universal support. In the meantime, everybody should prepare to help with any future fund-raising effort. Think of this all week…

 Masis der Parthogh, VP, Melkonian Alumni Cyprus