Teaching with COAF in Armenia

By Sona Dagley

I am currently studying kinesiology and, luckily, have been placed with the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) to help plan activities for the kids in villages, to get them up and active. I originally came to Armenia to work with the Fuller Center for two weeks, but I wanted to make as much of this experience as possible, so I applied to the AYF Summer Internship.

Sona Dagley volunteering with COAF in Armenia

With COAF, I have traveled to a couple of villages near Yerevan where I assist teachers at English camps. At these camps, the children focus on the history of the United States and how they themselves can better their communities locally. On the last day of the COAF camp, all of the villages came together for a closing program and each shared a presentation, debated topics, answered trivia, and performed dances, displaying to the others and to the special guest, American Ambassador John Heffern, what they have been working on.

During the days at camp, every interaction I had with the students was intriguing because each time was so different, although many of the questions they asked were the same: “How old are you?” and “Do you like Armenia?” Watching students’ faces as they listened to me, seeing their brain work as they tried to reply in English, and listening to each individual response made every moment special. During the class, I would wonder, “Why are these kids learning English? They live in Armenia, it’s a hard language to learn, what’s the point?” But as the classes went on, it became apparent to me that they want to learn English. One day they want to become translators, businessmen, or teachers, and even visit America. But more importantly, in order for Armenia to prosper the citizens have to be able to communicate with others outside of the country. Therefore, English plays the role as the common language.

Sona Dagley during her volunteer work with COAF

It’s only been a short while, but I am thoroughly enjoying working and playing with the children of Armenia, being a part of how and what they did in class. Coming together for a wonderful program and having the ability to meet and touch the lives of the Armenian youth in a positive way has impacted me deeply. Although it is always hard to say goodbye, I am excited for what else COAF has in store for me!