The visit of the Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou

25.09.2013 15:11

On September 14th Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and other European Union representatives were welcomed in the SOS Culture office in Yerevan. SOS Culture was the only project in the frame of the EuroEast Culture Programme visited by the Commissioner during her stay in Armenia. Ms. Vassiliou wanted to become acquainted with one of the EU’s projects, targeted towards the issues of education and culture.

During the visit, the SOS Culture project team presented to the Commissioner its activities, the work it has already carried out, and the main issues that are and have been targeted. There was a screening of one of the four films written and shot by the members of the SOS Culture Youth Clubs.

The film “Vash Vish” by the youth club members from Alaverdi made a big impression on the guests. The film shows how the surrounding of Alaverdi namely the picturesque valley of Debed river, one of the culturally most precious regions of Armenia, is stricken by heavy pollution from copper mining. Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou was very concerned about the topic and announced that she would definitely present the issue to the EU representatives involved with environmental conservation.

The EU representatives also spoke with SOS Youth Club members from Berdavan, who were present at the meeting. The children introduced the guests to the problems of their home village and about their efforts in the frame of the SOS Culture project to contribute to solutions.

“We must make sure that this young people become the ambassadors of what we are doing spread the world and make people aware about it. They have to do what they believe it is good for their country. Cultural heritage is what connects our past, present and future. That’s why it is very important to have this continuation and intergenerational cooperation” highlighted Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou.

The meeting was a success in terms of creating a warm atmosphere. The guests were very interested and presented positive thoughts while also giving advice on how the young people could continue this important work on their own, since the SOS Culture project will be coming to an end soon.