Armenians from Syria enroll in Beirut
DiasporaClasses at Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian School in Aleppo are still being held despite being frequently suspended due to the violence in Syria.
The school, which has graduated thousands of students since 1954, might see many of its students graduate from Lebanese schools instead as battles engulf the city.
The institution’s high school, built in the city’s Azizieh neighborhood in honor of Armenian businessman and philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian, has many students fleeing to Armenian communities around the world as the violence in Syria rages.
The school in Aleppo was among many that were built to accommodate the academic needs of a growing population of ethnic Armenians, whose ancestors had survived the Armenian Genocide less than half a century earlier.
Some classes have filled up this year, forcing Vassilian’s administration to open new sections for the same grade. “This year’s ninth grade was full and we were forced to open another section to accommodate all the students.”
The schools have also dedicated weekly classes to discussions about major issues facing students in their day-to-day lives.
Another Syrian Armenian student from Damascus said that she was looking forward to seeing her country secure and stable in order for her family to return home. “The street we lived on was safe before, but growing fear and increased fighting made us leave our home and come to Beirut,” said Karny. “When everything is back to normal, I want to go back.”
The constant thought of return to Syria might distract Syrian students in their studies this year, but the majority remain optimistic and focused on their plans to return to attend college.