Yerevan, June 27, 2014 – On June 27, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund officially unveiled the newly built health clinic and multifunctional events hall of Khachardzan, a village in Armenia’s Tavush Region. The construction project, worth close to 60 million drams, was sponsored by the Kalciyan family of Argentina.
Dignitaries attending the jubilant opening ceremony included Armen Gevorgyan, deputy prime minister of Armenia and minister of Territorial Administration; and Hovik Abovyan, governor of Tavush. The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund delegation in attendance, headed by executive director Ara Vardanyan, included project sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Arto and Hilda Kalciyan as well as other Argentinean-Armenian benefactors.
The new facility comprises a two-room health clinic, a buffet, an events hall that can accommodate 40 people, and utility rooms. Also within the framework of the project, the building has been furnished with medical equipment and kitchen appliances. The clinic will provide primary care for children and adults and urgent natal care. In addition, diabetes patients will receive free exams and medications three times a month. The clinic will serve patients from neighboring Aghavnavank Village as well.
In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Khachardzan mayor Gagik Shahnazaryan conveyed his community’s gratitude to the project sponsors and joyously noted that the decrepit structure which for years had served as Khachardzan’s health clinic is now history. Subsequently the mayor conferred Honorary Citizenship of Khachardzan on the Kalciyans.
As he took the podium, Arto Kalciyan delivered an emotional speech in which he said, “We have traveled thousands of kilometers to reach here, but that’s nothing compared to the love we feel toward our homeland and compatriots.” He added, “Hilda and I have decided also to sponsor the reconstruction of the Khachardzan school.” As it was announced during the ceremony, the Kalciyans have donated school bags, stationery, and other supplies to the 65 students of the school.
The construction of the Khachardzan health clinic and multifunctional events hall is the second development project in Tavush to be made possible by the financial support of the Kalciyans. In 2013, they sponsored the establishment of five greenhouses in the village of Ditavan.
“Today, thanks to the support of the Kalciyans, Khachardzan has two more residents,” Ara Vardanyan said in his opening remarks. “May you all be healthy and enjoy this beautiful building.” Vardanyan went on to present Mr. and Mrs. Kalciyan with Patron of the Nation medals.
Located on the bank of the Getik River, near the border, Khachardzan has a population of close to 480. Many of the residents are refugees from Azerbaijan. Khachardzan is home to historic landmarks, including the Khachi Tap Chapel and burial grounds dating from the first to second millennia B.C.
