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Where is the AGBU heading …?
Recently we’ve had news articles regarding the imminent closure of AGBU’s Melkonian Educational Institute in Cyprus. The Armenian General Benevolent Union has been tight-lipped about all this and even in a press release back on November 11, 2003 stated that 'current references about a proposed sale of the Melkonian property are unfounded and false'. Unfortunately, the school has been ordered not to accept any more new students in forms 1 and 2 for the school year 2004-05. That can only mean one thing. Gradual closure…
It's not the first time that the issue of the real estate of Melkonian has come to the spotlight. The previous sale was also organised in secrecy in 1986-87. The students at the time organised letters of protest to all Melkonian Alumni. However, they were quickly silenced by the AGBU with promises that the sale would guarantee the school's existence. Unfortunately, there are allegations of misappropriateness and mismanagement in that sale of the school. And now. Talk of a final sale? How much does the current real estate of Melkonian cost? Around 80 million US? How much does the preservation and advancement of Armenian culture and identity cost? Priceless!
We all know the vital role Melkonian has played from the date of its establishment in 1926: orphanage for children of the Armenian Genocide, safe haven for Armenian students during World War II, the Lebanese Civil War, Iran-Iraq war and the many other conflicts in the Middle East, and more recently a window to the world for students from Armenia, Artsakh and Easter Bloc countries. But always Melkonian has served the needs of the Armenian community worldwide in providing a high standard of secondary education as well as studies in Armenian culture, history and society. The Melkonian alumni, in return, has played a very important role in Armenian life. By shutting down such a school, we will be forever closing an important page from Armenian history, our history, the AGBU’s history…
As long as there is an Armenian Diaspora, there have to be Armenian Institutions. And we all know and appreciate the difficulties involved in creating a new Armenian school especially in the diaspora, let alone maintaining it. Why destroy an existing one? Yes, it is an extremely difficult task, especially in the current world climate, to maintain any school, however, the AGBU has proved its capability to administer so many schools around the world and can continue to do so with all our support including sponsorships and scholarships. Sale must be the last resort! However, it would be much more helpful and appreciated if the AGBU removes this veil of secrecy in its management of Armenian Institutions such as Melkonian and discusses any issues in all honesty. People will be more understanding and cooperative then.
We sincerely do hope that the AGBU will cease this short-sighted policy towards Melkonian. Further information is available at www.savemelkonian.org.
Shiraz Iskenderian Melbourne, Australia (25/2/2004)
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