Dear Friends,

My name is Manana Hakobyan. I am 17 years old, and my life changed forever in 2023 when my family and I were forced to flee our home in Artsakh due to the aggression of Azerbaijan. We lost everything—our home, our stability, our past—but I refuse to lose my future.

Before this tragedy, I had different dreams. But after witnessing what happened to my people, I made a promise: I will become someone who can raise my voice for Armenians who have suffered and continue to suffer. I want to make a difference.

For the past year, I have worked hard to prepare for an opportunity that could change my life. I took intensive English classes and applied to Givat Haviva International School in Israel, one of the world’s leading institutions for peacebuilding and leadership. Against all odds, I was accepted! GHIS believes in shaping future leaders, and I am determined to be one of them.

The school has granted me an 80% scholarship, reducing the tuition from $25,000 to $5,000 per year. However, even this amount, along with medical insurance, visa costs, and flights, is overwhelming for my family.

My mother, who was a biology teacher in Artsakh, now works in a bakery in Dilijan, making beautiful cakes and baklava to support us. My father, who was also a teacher in Artsakh, has found a teaching job in Dilijan. However, like thousands of other displaced families, we had to start from scratch, leaving behind everything we had.

That is why I am reaching out for your help. I need to raise $12,000 to cover my two years expenses, along with medical insurance and visa, and make this dream come true. The first payment is expected to be paid by June 1st!

Your support will not only help me get an education but also empower me to stand up for my people, my homeland, and our future.

Every dollar counts, and even if you can't donate, sharing this campaign means the world to me.

Together, we can make this happen.

With gratitude,

Manana Hakobyan