The first stop of the Menq & Moonq program in 2025 was in Noyemberyan, where over 40 teenagers from Tavush and Artsakh took part in four different art workshops over two days.
The workshops—acting, photography, storytelling, and vocal arts—were designed as interactive and engaging group activities. The goal was simple: to bring together, connect, and help teenagers from Noyemberyan and Artsakh build friendships.
The acting workshop, always conducted in a warm and engaging atmosphere, immediately drew the participants into the magical world of theater. They staged their first short sketches, experimented with mime, received their first acting roles, and showcased their acting talents.
During the photography workshop, participants learned the fundamentals of composition and how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of an image. As part of a practical exercise, they used their smartphones to find and capture intersecting lines and vibrant colors in their surroundings. Later, their photos were displayed on a large screen, where they analyzed each one together, identifying key visual strengths.
The vocal arts workshop began with excitement and energy. At first, each participant sang alone, but within just half an hour, they had formed a unified choir. They quickly learned to follow the rhythm and synchronize with one another, blending their voices to create a harmonious musical piece. The stomping of feet, clapping of hands, and layered vocal sounds transformed into a powerful performance.
In the storytelling workshop, the first session introduced participants to the basics of oral folklore. They were then tasked with a hands-on assignment—bringing back family or community stories to share the next day. When they returned, they told extraordinary tales, including stories of survival during the Armenian Genocide, remarkable events from migration journeys, and legends about their villages. For instance, 15-year-old Arsen from Nshkhadzor shared a legend from his village, while young Lusine recounted a ghost story her grandmother had told her about spirits living on a bridge.
Throughout the workshops, the teenagers built strong connections and, by the end of the event, had created social media groups to keep in touch. Diana, who dreams of becoming a journalist, noted that such gatherings are especially valuable for local teenagers sinceentertainment opportunities in their communities are very limited.
The Menq & Moonq program is financed by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) in partnership with Sign of Hope (SoH). The project is implemented by the Development Principles NGO.
