January 12, 2016
New AJF Scholarships for Syrian Armenian
Expatriates in Canada (Winter 2016)
Montreal/Geneva, January 11, 2016 — The Armenian Jewellers Foundation (AJF) has announced new study grants for Syrian-Armenian expatriates in Canada. AJF will support 15 applicants enrolled in the Gemology 1 and Gemology 2 winter session courses at the École de gemmologie de Montréal (EGM), one of the prime jewellery sector academies in North America. The study curriculum covers key aspects of gemological science, including diamonds. Graduates are expected to gain a solid knowledge in gemology, which may be used to pursue further studies or embark on a new career in the jewellery sector.
Applicants must be recent Syrian-Armenian expatriates who are living in Canada as permanent residents. A recommendation letter is required along with a signed application. Teaching and course materials are in English or French. Therefore, basic knowledge of either language is a key requirement.
Forms may be obtained from AGBU Montreal by contacting Mrs. Rahel Dertadian, Executive Secretary at (514) 748-2428. Completed applications must be received by January 22, 2016. Furthermore, an information session for applicants will be hosted by AGBU Montreal on Friday January 22, 2016, 9:00pm at 805 Rue Manoogian, Saint-Laurent, QC H4N 1Z5.
The AJF scholarships program has funded 25 grants to-date. Thanks to a collaboration agreement with the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy in Yerevan, Armenians from diverse communities continue to participate in the full intensive Diamond Grading diploma program. The pilot Canadian initiative funded 11 applicants in fall 2015 with support from the Birks Family Foundation (BFF). It aimed to address the needs of the recent influx of hundreds of Armenian families to Canada. Fleeing war and destruction in Syria thousands of expatriates sought refuge in Armenia and elsewhere including those who resettled in Canada.
The Armenian Jewellers Foundation was established in 2013 to advance the heritage of Armenians in jewellery. AJF’s mission is to undertake historical research, document present-day success-stories and ensure the transfer of knowledge to the new generation. The scholarship program promotes new capacity in the jewellery and diamond manufacturing sector both in Armenia and the Diaspora. Since 2015, AGBU Montreal has been supporting and collaborating with AJF to ensure the success of this important initiative.
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For more information, please write to info@agbumontreal.org and/or info@ajf.foundation.
To download the application form, click on the link below:
AJF AGBU Announcement on EGM Scholarships for 2016