A new, high-quality creative program in Western Armenian has been launched for children. These cheerful, witty and pedagogically conceived online videos can be found on the “Yertik” website (www.yertik.com) or on YouTube (yertik – YouTube).
Through songs, stories and games, with puppets, riddles and short skits, “Yertik” creates a fun and relaxed environment where children and young people up to the age of 12 can enjoy themselves while developing their communication skills. They build new vocabulary, learn Western Armenian or improve their existing knowledge, and most importantly, they discover a new and interesting world in the language that is part of their daily lives in the Diaspora.
“Yertik” produces two videos a week. “Agul Dugul” is for ages two to six. Even children who do not speak Armenian can watch and follow the program. They will meet special characters there, giving them the opportunity to develop their listening and visual skills, along with their creative abilities and their memory.
“Alnis Balnis” is for ages seven to twelve. The program covers various topics drawn from everyday life, giving children and young people the opportunity to improve their ability to communicate in Armenian and develop their analytical skills. Through these videos, new ideas emerge and different subjects are discussed with new vocabulary. The program encourages children to deepen their curiosity and pursue the “why” and the “how”.
“Yertik” is a new program sponsored by the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Seven young people, inspired by the “Zarmanazan” language acquisition program implemented at the initiative of the Foundation, have undertaken the preparation of the program’s creative content. The members of this “Yertik” group are: Sevana Chagryan, Vahan Kerovyan, Gayane Gavrilof, Hrayr Galemkeryan, Anoush Mkhsyan, Vahagn Keshishyan and Tsavi Bilalyan.
Parents and educators can equally use the “Yertik” website, and in that way bring Western Armenian to life under their own roofs. With fun activities, available to all and with free access, “Agul Dugul” and “Alnis Balnis” create a pleasant environment for everyone.
For more information about this program and other initiatives, visit this website: https://gulbenkian.pt/armenian-communities and subscribe to the newsletter.
