For the second time this year, Sevan, a city in the Gegharkunik region, hosted the two-day educational art workshops of the “Menq & Moonq” program.
More than 30 teenagers, aged 12 to 17, participated in workshops on acting, storytelling, handicrafts, and vocal arts. Through interactive group activities, local youth and forcibly displaced children from Artsakh—now living in Sevan and nearby communities—quickly connected, discovered common ground, and formed friendships.
The acting workshop set the stage for a warm and engaging environment. Participants let go of their inhibitions, embraced their roles, and performed short theatrical scenes inspired by their own imagined stories. During the vocal arts workshop, the teenagers seamlessly transitioned into a unified choir. Within just 30 minutes, each participant had mastered their assigned part, contributing to a harmonious musical performance. Together, they sang traditional Armenian folk songs, celebrating their cultural heritage.
The storytelling workshop began with an introduction to oral folklore and its significance. Participants were given an assignment—to bring back a family or community story passed down through generations. The following day, they shared ancestral histories and local legends. For instance, Ani recounted a legend about a church in her village in Artsakh, while Lilit told the story of Akhtamar Island in Lake Sevan.
In the handicrafts workshop, participants worked with thread and needles, embellishing their hats with colorful beadswhile exploring their creativity through traditional crafts.
Sevan resident Areg expressed his excitement about such events, saying: “Our daily life is quite repetitive, and there aren’t many engaging activities. So whenever we hear that you’re coming to Sevan again, we always want to take part.”
Alexander, who was displaced from the Martakert region of Artsakh, is the eldest of seven siblings and shared how busy his everyday life is: “With seven kids in the house, none of us have a moment to spare. But my friends encouraged me to join this program, assuring me it would be a great experience.”
By the end of the workshops, the teenagers from Gegharkunik and Artsakh had formed strong connections, creating social media groups to keep in touch and continue their friendships.
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.
