Lorik Fund announces university tour, judo program and scholarships

Shant Jarchafjian, founder of Lorik Humanitarian Fund, will embark on a five-university speaking tour across the eastern United States from Nov. 10-16, sharing his firsthand experiences living in Artsakh during the 2020 war, the subsequent Azerbaijani blockade and the September 2023 military offensive that resulted in the forced displacement of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians. In separate announcements issued Oct. 30, the organization also announced a new round of educational scholarships and the launch of a youth judo program in Armenia. The tour follows an Oct. 27 presentation at Santa Monica College, hosted by the college's newly established Armenian Students Association. During the gathering, Jarchafjian discussed his experiences in Artsakh, the continuing humanitarian consequences of its population's forced displacement and the work Lorik Fund is carrying out to assist affected families. East Coast university speaking schedule Nov. 10: George Washington University — Washington, D.C. Nov. 11: Columbia University — New York Nov. 12: Fordham University — New York Nov. 13: Rutgers University — New Jersey Nov. 16: Duke University — Durham, N.C. Jarchafjian lived in Artsakh from 2020 until September 2023, witnessing the war, blockade and eventual forced displacement of the region's Armenian population. His presentations will offer students a personal perspective on these events and examine the challenges that continue to confront families rebuilding their lives in Armenia. The discussions will also highlight the importance of preserving Artsakh's history and cultural heritage while encouraging students to engage with ongoing humanitarian efforts. The upcoming speaking tour aims to encourage discussion among students about Artsakh's recent history, the consequences of forced displacement and the role of younger generations in humanitarian assistance and cultural preservation. Judo program in Bertavan In another initiative, Lorik Humanitarian Fund has launched its “Judo on the Border” program in Bertavan, a village in Armenia's northeastern Tavush region, providing children with access to organized judo training and opportunities for physical and personal development. Classes are now underway, and Lorik has purchased and distributed 28 judo uniforms (Kimono) to participating students. The program is led by Sose Balasanyan, a judoka from Artsakh, who provides instruction to children in the border community.Through Judo on the Border, Lorik aims to provide children with access to regular athletic instruction in an environment that encourages discipline, physical fitness, confidence and perseverance. The organization says opportunities for organized sports can play an important role in the development and well-being of children growing up in Armenia’s border communities. Educational scholarships Lorik Humanitarian Fund has also begun distributing educational scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year through its Aznavour Saghyan Scholarship Fund, continuing its commitment to helping students forcibly displaced from Artsakh pursue higher education in Armenia. During the new academic year's initial round of scholarship payments, six students have received a combined $5,924 in financial assistance, including three children of fallen Armenian soldiers. The scholarships provide direct financial support toward higher education expenses, helping ease the burden on families rebuilding their lives following the forced displacement of Artsakh's Armenian population in September 2023. During the previous academic year, Lorik Humanitarian Fund awarded 114 scholarships totaling $60,810, providing educational assistance to students from Artsakh. The new scholarship cycle continues this effort, with additional awards dependent on available funding. For families who lost their homes, livelihoods and communities, the cost of higher education can present a significant financial challenge. Scholarship assistance helps students remain focused on their academic and professional goals while reducing financial pressure on their households. Providing educational opportunities to these students is an important part of Lorik's broader commitment to families who have endured the consequences of war and forced displacement. Established in memory of Aznavour Saghyan, the scholarship fund honors his name by investing in the education and future opportunities of young Armenians. As the 2026-27 academic year progresses, Lorik hopes to extend scholarship assistance to additional students, particularly those facing significant financial hardship. The organization welcomes contributions from individuals, families and community organizations interested in supporting the Aznavour Saghyan Scholarship Fund.

This story is FREE for you...

Lorik Humanitarian Fund

Related Articles

A priceless opportunity to connect to our roots

75 years later, we met under the trees

ACEC to host third Tree Lighting featuring a Holiday Market

AYC Golf Fore Kids celebrates its ninth year