Return from Humanitarian Mission in Armenia and Georgia

One of the most touching parts of our journey was sponsoring 4 children in distress — two who had lost their fathers in Azerbaijan’s ruthless attacks on Artsakh, and two who had just endured a catastrophic house fire. We delivered two full suitcases of clothing and hygiene kits, and gifted essential oils (rosemary & lavender) and earrings to all our participants — small tokens of love and care that lift many faces with joy. We learned to adapt — using WhatsApp for immediate connections, since many people did not have email access. Amid political instability and social unrest, we witnessed protests in both countries. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty and economic hardship, the resilience, hospitality, and vitality of the Armenian and Georgian people shone brightly.

Life in Yerevan pulsed with celebration as the city marked its 2807th birthday, with streets alive with music, dancing, and art. The people’s joy and strength reminded us that even amidst pain, the human spirit remains unbreakable.

We promoted several campaigns, promoting establishment of Psi Chi Honor Societies in both countries, internationalizing psychology through the Psychology Coalition at the United Nations (PCUN), as well as 2 other campaigns: (1) Don’t be a crab in the bucket, pulling one another down, be a true humanitarian pulling one another up, and (2) when one helps another, BOTH become stronger. We gifted those banners to all universities, community centers, high schools, elementary schools, radio, and the ministry of Internal Affairs.

We return filled with hope, inspired by every child, student, teacher, and faculty we met — and deeply grateful to all of you, our global family, for standing with us in creating a more compassionate and peaceful world.

Thanks to Prof. Takooshian, Grigor Mikayelyan, & Center Up volunteer organization! Thanks to our sponsors, Dr. Isnar, Garo Tabibian, Marianne Jeffreys, Marian Weisberg, Prof. Takooshian, Alexis Brink, Sun Ah Park, Zaven & Azniv Kalayjian, Mary Garcia, & all others who supported us!

Special gratitude to our collaborators in Armenia: Prof Avanesyan, YSU, Dr. Setrakyan, Urartu University; Dr. Petrosyan, Pedagogical University, Lida and Medora Asilyan, Dilijan Community Center; Mr. Otaryan, YSU Ijevan; Jon Gumishyan & Team, Transcendental Mediation; Baghdasaryan, Yoga Federation; School #94, Ms. Tashjyan, School # 156 Mrs. Petrosyan; Sourik & Luara Barseghyan, Arpine Kocharyan; Tatev Yeghyazaryan, State Symphony; Naira Aghapegyan, State Radio Station; Hripsime Tumanyan, Karen Hacopian, & Arsen, Tatoents Qotuk; & Opera Suite Hotel. In Georgia, special gratitude to Anastasia & David Danieli; Prof Nino Javakhishvili, Ilia State University; Ana Arveladze, and Prof. Nana Burduli & Vazha Sepromadze, University of Georgia.

Dr. Ani Kalayjian & Prof. Harold Takooshian
MeaningfulWorld & Armenian Behavioral Health