AGBU closed Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia

April 20, 2009 - 15:07 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Central Board closed Melkonian Educational Institute in Nicosia, denying current and future generations of young Armenians of the world an education about their heritage in their own language.



Initiative group joined international petition calling to reopen Melkonian School. For over 80 years, the school plays an important role in maintenance and development of Armenian language, culture, history and Armenian identification.



"We call to respect testament of Melkonian school founders Kirakos and Karapet Melkonians. We also ask that this land remains a National Heritage Site, as declared by the preservation order of the Republic of Cyprus. Safeguard the culture and identity of Armenians around the world by guaranteeing that this great centre of learning is reopened, allowed to flourish and with it the future generations of Armenians all over the world," says the petition obtained by PanARMENIAN.Net



The Melkonian Educational Institute was established as an orphanage in the hospitable land of Cyprus in 1926, providing shelter to hundreds of survivors of the Genocide. In view of the significance of the school and its historic mission, the original school buildings are recognized and protected by the Republic of Cyprus as part of its national heritage.



The trees planted by the orphans represent the flourishing Armenian communities around the world, and are preserved as a symbol of survival and hope.



Thousands of Armenians who have passed through the Melkonian have excelled in their communities, becoming leaders in their fields and contributing to the development of the Armenian culture, education, language and national identity.



Graduates of the Melkonian have made their mark across the world as leading figures in the literary, artistic, scientific and business fields.



The Melkonian school has produced thousands of students and teachers who are ambassadors of goodwill supporting the just struggle of the people of Cyprus for a fair solution to its protracted problem.
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