FOCUS ON REAL NEEDS – AGBU CELEBERTAES 98 YEARS!

For the past 98 years, the history of AGBU is intertwined with the history of the Armenian nation and its specific and independent requirements. Established in 1906 in Cairo, Egypt, by prominent visionary individuals led by Boghos Nubar, AGBU’s mission was designed (and still is) to improve educational and economic opportunities for less fortunate Armenians throughout the world. With the financial funding from the AGBU, new schools and educational/sports/cultural/medical/research centers have been constructed around the world and hundreds of thousands of Armenians of all ages enjoy an active community life and countless cultural and educational programmes.

Visionary global non-profit organisations like AGBU play an important role in the economic and social advancement of society, the preservation and promotion of the Armenian heritage and people. In a 98 year history AGBU has focused on poverty, community, knowledge and identity. Today 1000’s of member volunteers ans staff initiate and implement a wide variety of educational, cultural and humanitarian programmes in over 21 countries: day schools, Saturday schools, scouting programmes, athletic competitions, summer camps, arts, music, dance and language classes entice the younger generation. Scholarships, grants and low interest loans for higher education plus tuition subsidies for elementary and high school enrollees serve thousands of students annually. In more recent years, AGBU chapters have expanded their work to initiate cultural exchanges, sponsor projects and humanitarian aid. Regardless of the worldwide economic conditions, AGBU through its massive and loyal supporters still is able to raise the impressive total of $25.000.000 per year toward the continuing mission of the AGBU programmes.

The tragic Armenian history became the basis for the establishment of a foundation completely committed to the prevailing of the Armenian culture / identity throughout  the world. The AGBU stands committed to the development of research / education / medical centers according to the country’s specific and strategic needs, and in tandem, to benefit the co-people that have stood in support of the Armenian effort to continue within existence.

In this, the 98^th year of celebration of the AGBU’s world existence emphasis is placed on developing the focused needs according to the new world socio-political demands with revision on strategies that will answer to the emerging true realities in each relative part of the world.
 

(English text published below the Greek text of a paid announcement in the Politis daily newspaper, Sunday, February 29, 2004)