An anonymous donor fromToronto has gifted a new minibus to the school of Shosh, a village in Artsakh’s Askeran Region, as a New Year’s present.  

“It’s hard to imagine how children from nearby villages walk some 2.5 kilometers daily to reach their school,” says Migirdich Migirdichian, chairman of theHayastan All-Armenian Fund’sToronto affiliate. “We’re overjoyed that those days are finally over for these youngsters and they will be able to use their time more efficiently now.”

The three-story Shosh Schoolwas built in 2004 through the support of the fund’sToronto affiliate. With the continued sponsorship ofToronto’s Armenian community, the school’s computer room will be provided with Internet access sometime within the next few weeks. Moreover, thanks to the efforts of theTorontoaffiliate and a contribution from another anonymous donor, the students will have school uniforms early in spring.

“The Toronto Armenian community never makes a distinction between big or small issues that face the homeland, instead providing assistance to whichever area where its support is needed, and focusing special attention on projects that benefit our young generation,” saidAra Vardanyan, executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

Commenting on the ongoing support given to the Shosh School, principal Hamlet Harutyunyan said, “On behalf of the entire school, I convey our gratitude to all benefactors who contribute to the school as well as Mr. Migirdichian of theHayastan All-Armenian Fund’sToronto affiliate. As for our schoolchildren, they express their thanks by being good students.”