Full name: Araz Hamparssoum Kalachian

Date and place of birth: 15/05/1993  – Lebanon

Major: Orthopedagogie (Special education)

University: Université Saint Joseph (USJ)

Educational background: High School -College Sainte Heripsimiantz

Interests/hobbies: Reading, drawing, music.

Special awards and certificates:

Attestation du Centre Culturel Français a Doha(2007)

Science Fair  award (May 2007)

Gasna contest award (2006)
Certificate in Short Story Contest (2009)

> Why  I applied to the Jean Gouikian Scholaship and how has it helped

I applied to Jean Goguikian Scholarship because my family has been facing difficult financial situations. Goguikian Foundation offers facilities to pursue university education in many fields, such as mine. The Goguikian Foundation, so far, has helped me in several domains. It has been covering my tuition. Moreover, it organizes once a month interesting trainings and activities concerning communication skills. It’s really rewarding.

>My academic and professional aspirations

My academic ambition is to achieve Bachelor’s and a Master’s degrees in Special Education.

Concerning my future profession I would like to change somehow society’s opinion towards persons with special needs. They must not be rejected and ignored.

>My hopes for the Lebanese Armenian community’s future

Lack of Special Education in Lebanese Armenian community is relevant. Hence my education would be very beneficial for my community.

I would like to help Lebanese Armenian and non- Armenian children and adults with special needs: developmental, intellectual, and visual troubles, autism…They have the right to be part of society and achieve their dreams. They must be respected and accepted to live peacefully.

>My inspirations

There is no one particular who inspired me. However, I think my passion for helping anyone in need is my greatest inspiration. I’d like to have the power to put a simple smile on their faces.