“Be kind as long as you’re alive…’’ these words by Denni Didro have been a motto for Caritas Armenia and Crossing Roads NGO while organizing the action ‘’Do the Kind.’’ The aim of the movement is to bring all the people from Vanadzor together and organize initiatives of kindness for one month. This is an annual event that began six years ago.
“Be kind as long as you’re alive…’’ these words by Denni Didro have been a motto for Caritas Armenia and Crossing Roads NGO while organizing the action ‘’Do the Kind.’’ The aim of the movement is to bring all the people from Vanadzor together and organize initiatives of kindness for one month. This is an annual event that began six years ago.
From November 1st through the 30th, 245 initiatives were organized; 32 more than in 2012. It is gratifying that the number of both participants and initiatives is increasing every year. Among the participants were 23 schools, 4 pre-schools, 3 representatives from mass media, 2 cultural centers, 2 NGOs, 1 bank branch, 1 college, 1 dental center, 1 LLC and 1 rural community from Lori Region. In addition, 11 individuals participated, among them MP Edmon Maruqyan, Vanadzor Council Member Armen Matinyan, school and kindergarten principals, entrepreneurs and more.
“Be Kind’’ is a voluntary movement that includes a variety of events. Children, families and the elderly are the beneficiaries of the participants’ kindness. Deeds such as visiting people in vulnerable situations and taking them food, medicine and personal hygiene supplies were undertaken; as well as supporting them in household issues.
Special thanks to the Children’s Friend, who visited kindergartens with toys, stationary and New Year Celebration tickets. The participants in this special delivery were the children from Evrika Mathematics and Natural Science Advanced Training Special School and Schools 4 and 25; plus VANMED Dental Center and H. Abelyan Dramatic Theatre. The kindness shown at every event throughout the month including those by the Young Environmentalists, Kind Patriots, Kind Art Lovers, and Support to the Socially Disadvantaged, warmed everyone’s heart.
During the International Day of Volunteers on December 5th, the “Be Kind’’ award ceremony was held in the Charles Aznavour Culture House in Vanadzor; where all participants received awards. An independent committee decided the nominations beforehand taking into account the organized events. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Lori Region’s Debet Community Active Group and the Little Prince Centre of Tashir by Artur Nalbandyan, the Governor of Lori Region. The Vice Governor of Lori Region, Tigran Badoyan, awarded the other Certificates of Appreciation.
The organizations that supported the families who recently lost their apartments to the fire in Gugarq community of Lori Region, received special Certificates of Appreciation. There were 17 nominations and 19 organizations to receive them. Two nominations were shared by 2 organizations equally.
- A Soldier of Kindness – School 20
- Bridges of Kindness – School 22, Primary School 2
- Children’s Friend – School 12
- Kind Art Lovers – School 25
- Kind Book Lovers – School 4
- Kind Friends – School 30
- Kind Open Lecture – School 18
- Kindness in Art – School 6
- Kindness To the Elderly – School 16
- The Initiator Parent Council – School 2
- The Initiator Pupil Council – High School 17
- The Kind Kindergarten – Primary School 34
- The Kind Patriot – School 19
- The Most Active Team – School 25
- The Original – School 23, High School 17
- Young Environmentalists – School 28
The main award for The Kindest Initiative was given to School N 20 of Vanadzor. It is worth mentioning that High School N 10 of Vanadzor received this award in 2012. For the next year, the “Be Kind” cup will be displayed in School N 20, until the 2014 winner is announced.
“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
-The 14th Dalai Lama (1935)