BY DIANA DICHIGRIKIAN and ANI POGOSIAN The “American Dream” has been an ideal for the past over 100 years–a suburban home with a white picket fence, family with thriving children, and financial stability. People from across the world dream about immigrating to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. People in Armenia are constantly dreaming of escaping and experiencing this dream, convinced that life will be easier and more fulfilling here. However, an opposite phenomenon has been taking place where in the past 8 years, a growing number of Armenian-Americans are repatriating to Armenia, leaving behind the life they have built here in order to help support and build a more prosperous homeland. Organizations such as Repat Armenia and the Armenian Government are actively encouraging this movement. For example, the current government has launched a program, called i-Gorts, which invites Armenians from the diaspora to work in the public sector and the government. This program, which launched in 2020, has seen highly educated and professional Armenians from across the world complete a 12 month fellowship and many have chosen to permanently move and work in Armenia. Even more recently, the government launched another program inviting Armenians from the world’s top 200 universities to work in the Armenian government, receiving over 800 applications. Since 2018, Armenia’s economy has grown by over 50 percent, driven by billion-dollar government and business investments. For example, Armenia has become an IT and AI “hub” in the region, labeled as the “Silicon Valley of the Caucasus,” including being home to thousands of tech companies, and a $500 million AI data center project. Considering these facts, one would assume that Armenians in Armenia would be more inclined to stay in their homeland and to continue to to be educated and work in the country. However, that is not the case for many. Many Armenians, particularly those who are uneducated, still continue to look for an “escape,” especially to the United States, not fully realizing or understanding the severe sacrifices they have to make. Indeed, many Armenians who do end up immigrating to the United States in fact regret their move, citing the difficulty in obtaining jobs and making a living as immigrants. How does Armenia then go about making sure its citizens stay, live, work, and help build the country? The answer lies in education. The more educated people are, the better opportunities they have to work and make a living in Armenia. The world is rapidly evolving, and advancements in technology and the sciences are driving the need for highly trained, educated, and professional people to work in the technology, medical, and scientific fields. Armenia is spearheading the movement in technology and sciences in the region, thereby creating the demand for jobs and professionals to work these fields. Therefore, the opportunities are there: Armenia is continuing to thrive, build, and flourish, and provides so many resources for working and educated professionals. It is a matter of getting the majority of the population to such an educational level, that they value and grasp what they have in front of them. Ani Pogosian And what is our role as Armenians in the diaspora? 15 to 20 years ago, we would fundraise and send money to Armenia to help build basic necessities. However, now, with the evolving economic landscape of the country, we must invest in the commercial economy of Armenia. So many strive for the American Dream, losing sight of the fact that they could be living the Armenian Dream in Armenia. Ani Pogosian is a Senior at Ferrahian High School. She enjoys learning about different perspectives and expressing her own ideas through writing. She values curiosity, open-mindedness, and being able to contribute her voice to conversations that matter to her. Diana Dichigrikian Diana Dichigrikian is a Senior at Ferrahian High School. Growing up in the Armenian diaspora has shaped her interest in Armenian identity, culture, and the future of Armenia. She hopes to be part of a generation that not only preserves its heritage, but also finds new ways to strengthen and carry it forward. The post The Armenian Dream appeared first on Asbarez.com .