This End is a New Beginning!

19.10.2013 15:13

The official closing ceremony of the EU founded SOS Culture project took place in the Ani hall of Ani Plaza hotel on October 18th, 2013. During this event the project presented its work and achievements during 24 months of its existence, which were mainly on the preservation of cultural assets and on activating the youth from the beneficiary communities and involving them into the advocacy activities. The representatives of the EU, project partners and also the beneficiaries of the project were present during the closing ceremony.

The SOS Culture project presented its publications such as the manual of cultural heritage education in both Armenian and English languages, manual of intercultural communication exercises, the touristic maps of Lori and Tavush regions, books telling us about Jiliza and Voskepar historical monuments. Additionally the films made by the youth club members in the regions telling about the main problems of their communities were presented during the event. The guests had the opportunity to watch the film about the SOS Culture summer camp that took place in Odzun village in summer 2012. The photo exhibition prepared by the club children pleasantly surprised the guests. Everybody was astonished that the children could become such skillful photographers and filmmakers in such a short time.

The event passed in a friendly atmosphere- full of smiles and accompanied with pleasant music. However, many people were indeed sad as the SOS Culture project came to its logical end. Particularly the children and the trainers were sad as they would really miss their interesting and colorful trainings.

“We do hope that as a result of this project not only the general value of cultural assets will be better understood and preserved, but also the potential economic and social benefits that those assets can generate will be appreciated by the targeted communities.” said the Head of Operation Division of EU delegation Mr. Hoa-Binh Adjemian.

The SOS Culture team hopes that the knowledge and experience given to the youth will help them to reach a level of consciousness that will make them continue the work started initially by this project and will remain loyal to the slogan of the project: “Crossing borders to save, preserve and care!”