A Visit to Mari Izmirlian Orphanage

Apr 12, 2012 by Diana Davoyan

Children need love and care and even more than any of us can imagine… Specially kids, living in an orphanage which is almost same as being left on the mercy of fate. My desire to help kids became stronger since I visited several orphanages in Georgia and witnessed their poor living.

I along with my friend went to “Mari Izmirlian Orphanage” which is situated in Zeytun district of Yerevan. Another friend of mine who took part in the program was unable to join us that day but I want to express my special thanks to both of them who helped me organize this charity.

As it was our first visit to that orphanage, we called the director prior to our visit to find out what children need to make sure we take things they need the most.  The director told us to take some pampers and clothes and no chocolates as we planned before.

It was April 7, the Women’s day and an Easter holiday in Armenia – a very special time to visit kids and make their day! In the morning, we went to buy socks, shirts, pants, pampers and wipes for 14 kids of “Bokhboj” group (NOTE: it’s the smallest group of the orphanage and these are the things they always need in case you decide visiting). Also we took fruit (don’t take citruses as some kids are allergic), natural juices and surely eggs – Easter should be celebrated with colorful eggs! Unfortunately, we had no enough money to buy toys. Hope next time we can do it.

And here we come. We entered the orphanage, which was full of kids, some played in the yard, the others stayed in the building. The nurse helped us find our group. Kids were so glad to meet their visitors. We hugged them and played almost an hour. They talked a lot, seemed they had so much to say. Some of the kids were unhealthy and it was really difficult to see that.

It’s obvious that first of all the kids need love… Something they always want to feel and almost never do. They can have toys, clothes, books but they are in the utmost need of love! Nurses not always have enough time to pay attention to all of them. Still, I need to say that the two in the group were very kind and nice.

Secondly, they need an outing and amusement and this could be done if a person leaves his identification card and asks a director for a permission.

And surely, they need the comfort all the kids need: clothes, shoes, toys, etc.

Again, special thanks to my friends who took part in the charity. If you’re willing to make a little contribution to help these little angels (money, toys, clothes – whatever you can), please feel free to contact me at diana.davoyan@gmail.com and join us! If you decide going there by yourself, consider taking the things mentioned above.

Thank you in advance!