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Merrimack Valley Steps Up Genocide Talks
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2014/02/21/merrimack-valley-steps-up-genocide-talks/
By Tom Vartabedian // February 21, 2014
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.--In an era marked by violence and chaos throughout
the world, more and more schools throughout the Merrimack Valley are
looking to learn about the Armenian Genocide.
Participants in a human rights forum at Pentucket Regional High
School. (L-R) Students Alyson Ruzycky and Cody Sedler; George Aghjayan
(Armenian Genocide), Dr. Ivy Helman (Jewish Holocaust), Claude Kaitare
(Rwandan Genocide); and instructor JC Honer.
Whether it's in the form of a classroom presentation or panel
discussion on human rights, schools are looking for answers to help
curb dissention and turmoil among their fellow man.
Members of the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack
Valley have embraced a more active stand in what has become their
seventh year of activity inside public high schools and colleges.
Joining the group is Dr. Ara Jeknavorian, an ANC activist and church
deacon, replacing Albert S. Movsesian, a longtime presenter who
retired due to health reasons.
"Ara's presence on this committee adds a new dimension," said Dro
Kanayan, committee chairman. "His knowledge of world history and
genocide studies makes him an important teaching tool in our schools.
He's prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of time and commitment."
A number of schools have already been approached this year, joined by
newcomer Pentucket Regional High School of West Newbury, Mass. Four
separate classrooms were taught about the genocide, numbering some 100
students.
More than twice that number attended an assembly on human rights
titled, "The Causes and Legacies of Genocide." Among the speakers was
George Aghjayan, an historian, writer, and political activist.
Aghjayan drew from his own family accounts, including a grandmother
who escaped brutality by becoming a slave.
Chelmsford High students hold up signs commemorating the Armenian
Genocide during a panel discussion on human rights. (L-R) Instructor
JJ Doak, Rebecca Holland, Nick Andre, Joseph Fontaine, and Shelagh
Curran.
"Prejudices still exist," he said. "We've become children of the
sword. Desecration is still taking place in Turkey with no admission
of guilt. It behooves us all to approach the United States government
and demand recognition. I hope to see the day when Armenians will have
their land restored."
Aghjayan was joined by Dr. Ivy Helman, speaking on the Jewish
Holocaust, and Claude Kaitare, telling of the Rwandan Genocide.
Aghjayan was asked, "What are your impressions of why the Turkish
government is not recognizing the genocide?"
"I think it's coming," he answered. "Whether to join the European
Union or to avoid greater embarrassment. It's been tremendously
harmful to the Turks. Just look at all the money they're spending to
deny the genocide."
At Chelmsford High, students held up signs commemorating the Armenian
Genocide, joined by their instructor JJ Doak, a long-time catalyst
toward genocide studies at this school.
"As young adults, make yourselves aware when you see violence in the
world," she told the students during her introduction. "You need to be
upstanders, not bystanders."
Jeknavorian presented an overview of Armenian history, covering the
turbulent years and leading into the immigration process and current
status. He, too, talked about his family's experience in the genocide.
"It's inconceivable for me to see my own children ever facing such a
horror," he lamented. "During an actual genocide, don't assume that
some guardian angel will come to the rescue. It just won't happen. We
need an action plan to stop it. We need to remain vigilant. Make your
voices be heard among deniers."
He was joined by Dr. Helman and Azem Dervisevic, who spoke about the
Bosnian Genocide.
The programs have drawn press coverage from local papers. In all, a
dozen schools will hear the Armenian Genocide message, including a
double session at Northern Essex Community College. Two Greater Boston
schools have also joined the curriculum: Melrose and Newton South. A
North Shore home schooling consortium also recently welcomed Armenian
Genocide education.
Additional support is being rendered through the organization Facing
History and Ourselves, based in Brookline.
This April, a delegation of students and instructors from Wilmington
High will be recognized during a commemoration at the Massachusetts
State House for their proactive role as lobbyists.
With next year's Centennial approaching, efforts are being made to
reach out to the private school sector as well, along with major
programs at the college level.
"Many of the students who have learned from this platform have turned
into ambassadors for Armenian issues," said Kanayan. "They're writing
their political constituents and federal authorizes, demanding justice
for the Armenians. We've mobilized teachers in these schools to play
an assertive role. We've gotten the point across and intend to
continue with our mission."
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2014/02/21/merrimack-valley-steps-up-genocide-talks/
By Tom Vartabedian // February 21, 2014
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.--In an era marked by violence and chaos throughout
the world, more and more schools throughout the Merrimack Valley are
looking to learn about the Armenian Genocide.
Participants in a human rights forum at Pentucket Regional High
School. (L-R) Students Alyson Ruzycky and Cody Sedler; George Aghjayan
(Armenian Genocide), Dr. Ivy Helman (Jewish Holocaust), Claude Kaitare
(Rwandan Genocide); and instructor JC Honer.
Whether it's in the form of a classroom presentation or panel
discussion on human rights, schools are looking for answers to help
curb dissention and turmoil among their fellow man.
Members of the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack
Valley have embraced a more active stand in what has become their
seventh year of activity inside public high schools and colleges.
Joining the group is Dr. Ara Jeknavorian, an ANC activist and church
deacon, replacing Albert S. Movsesian, a longtime presenter who
retired due to health reasons.
"Ara's presence on this committee adds a new dimension," said Dro
Kanayan, committee chairman. "His knowledge of world history and
genocide studies makes him an important teaching tool in our schools.
He's prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of time and commitment."
A number of schools have already been approached this year, joined by
newcomer Pentucket Regional High School of West Newbury, Mass. Four
separate classrooms were taught about the genocide, numbering some 100
students.
More than twice that number attended an assembly on human rights
titled, "The Causes and Legacies of Genocide." Among the speakers was
George Aghjayan, an historian, writer, and political activist.
Aghjayan drew from his own family accounts, including a grandmother
who escaped brutality by becoming a slave.
Chelmsford High students hold up signs commemorating the Armenian
Genocide during a panel discussion on human rights. (L-R) Instructor
JJ Doak, Rebecca Holland, Nick Andre, Joseph Fontaine, and Shelagh
Curran.
"Prejudices still exist," he said. "We've become children of the
sword. Desecration is still taking place in Turkey with no admission
of guilt. It behooves us all to approach the United States government
and demand recognition. I hope to see the day when Armenians will have
their land restored."
Aghjayan was joined by Dr. Ivy Helman, speaking on the Jewish
Holocaust, and Claude Kaitare, telling of the Rwandan Genocide.
Aghjayan was asked, "What are your impressions of why the Turkish
government is not recognizing the genocide?"
"I think it's coming," he answered. "Whether to join the European
Union or to avoid greater embarrassment. It's been tremendously
harmful to the Turks. Just look at all the money they're spending to
deny the genocide."
At Chelmsford High, students held up signs commemorating the Armenian
Genocide, joined by their instructor JJ Doak, a long-time catalyst
toward genocide studies at this school.
"As young adults, make yourselves aware when you see violence in the
world," she told the students during her introduction. "You need to be
upstanders, not bystanders."
Jeknavorian presented an overview of Armenian history, covering the
turbulent years and leading into the immigration process and current
status. He, too, talked about his family's experience in the genocide.
"It's inconceivable for me to see my own children ever facing such a
horror," he lamented. "During an actual genocide, don't assume that
some guardian angel will come to the rescue. It just won't happen. We
need an action plan to stop it. We need to remain vigilant. Make your
voices be heard among deniers."
He was joined by Dr. Helman and Azem Dervisevic, who spoke about the
Bosnian Genocide.
The programs have drawn press coverage from local papers. In all, a
dozen schools will hear the Armenian Genocide message, including a
double session at Northern Essex Community College. Two Greater Boston
schools have also joined the curriculum: Melrose and Newton South. A
North Shore home schooling consortium also recently welcomed Armenian
Genocide education.
Additional support is being rendered through the organization Facing
History and Ourselves, based in Brookline.
This April, a delegation of students and instructors from Wilmington
High will be recognized during a commemoration at the Massachusetts
State House for their proactive role as lobbyists.
With next year's Centennial approaching, efforts are being made to
reach out to the private school sector as well, along with major
programs at the college level.
"Many of the students who have learned from this platform have turned
into ambassadors for Armenian issues," said Kanayan. "They're writing
their political constituents and federal authorizes, demanding justice
for the Armenians. We've mobilized teachers in these schools to play
an assertive role. We've gotten the point across and intend to
continue with our mission."