The Armenian Youth Federation of Australia (AYF Australia) and the Armenian Relief Society of Australia (ARS Australia) announce that the two organisations have come together to establish the Joint Javakhk Committee.

The committee, which is made up of AYF Australia members, ARS Australia representatives and others, will be responsible for delivering a number of cultural, educational and community initiatives dedicated to supporting the people and communities of Javakhk.

“Javakhk is a region rich in Armenian culture and history which today faces a series of social and economic challenges,” said AYF Australia Central Executive Chair, Nanor Shokayan.

The Joint Javakhk Committee will host cultural and community events providing members of AYF Australia and the Armenian-Australian youth in the broader community with opportunities to familiarise with the unique Armenian culture and the rich history of the Javakhk region.

“Our work under the Joint Javakhk Committee is aimed at introducing Javakhk to the Armenian-Australian community, presenting the challenges faced by locals in the region, and providing community support,” said Shokayan.

The Joint Javakhk Committee will also introduce several initiatives including sporting and exchange programs throughout the year, with a full calendar of community events in support of Javakhk to be released in coming weeks.

“It’s encouraging to see the Armenian-Australian community introduce these projects to support the people of Javakhk,” said ARS Australia Regional Committee Chair, Nina Kaprielian.

Javakhk, like other regional areas and small cities of the former Soviet Union, is still adjusting to the challenges of post-Soviet economic revival. Another key aspect of the work that the committee will undertake involves providing humanitarian, economic and social support to the people and communities of Javakhk.

The Joint Javakhk Committee initiatives will be organised alongside all current AYF Australia programs and areas of focus, including Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian-Australian youth and community.

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Javakhk is a region of Georgia, located along the border with the Republic of Armenia. Historically populated by Armenians, the region has a rich Armenian cultural and intellectual past. The region and people currently face a series of social, health-care, community and economic challenges. The Joint Javakhk Committee aims to raise awareness of the region amongst Armenian-Australians and to provide support to the people of Javakhk.