Vahagn's Page

Biography

Vahagn was born in Armenia / Yerevan in January
21, 1977. After high school, he graduated at the
Yerevan Academy of Fine Arts (1993-1999). During
his studies he got involved in the work of
several Armenian NGOs in the fields of
environmentalism, alternative education, and
culture.

After the Academy, Vahagn completed his social
work as a teacher at a village school in
Southern Armenia in order to avoid the
obligatory military service. He taught arts,
crafts, "life skills", painting, and drawing to
students ages 6 to 15. Vahagn also used his
enthusiasm to develop contacts and work with
several international organizations, such as
U.S. Peace Corps, UNICEF, World Vision, and
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Youth
Branch.

His experiences with the Peace Corps and RFE/RL
especially outlined the main direction of his
future career by opening up a sense of public
service and media work to him. After completing
his alternative service, Vahagn came back to
Yerevan and got involved in a new youth
initiative which soon became an NGO named BEM
Youth Progressive Action Center (BEM "stage" in
Armenian and stands for the civic rights of the
people living in Armenia, people around Armenia
and everywhere). Throughout 2004 and 2005,
Vahagn participated in several international
youth seminars, conferences and other
activities, helping increase participation among
young Armenians in such events both inside and
outside Armenia. As President of BEM, Vahagn
aims to inspire civic activism, particularly
youth activism, within the Caucasus.

Organization or Company

International Center for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue

Title / Profession

Creative Consultant

Blog or Website

http://seetizen.blogspot.com

Another Website

http://www.youtube.com/user/vvardumyan

How I heard about fD and why I'm here

From Todd Lester with who I have met while being an International Guest at ICTE in Brooklyn, NYC, USA, in 2007.