On June 1, 2016, the courtyard of the Saint Gevorg Cathedral in Tbilisi at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia played host to a charity painting competition dedicated to the International Children’s Day. The event was initiated by Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation and NGO Georgian Educational Association (GEA) “Tanadgoma”, with the support of the Hayartun Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

Around 50 students from different ethnic backgrounds, studying at public and private schools in Tbilisi, led by Eleonora Malkhasyan, the representative of IDeA Foundation, and Ketevan Abesadze, President of NGO Georgian Educational Association (GEA) “Tanadgoma”, in the company of their parents and teachers, visited the Jewish Synagogue, the Muslim Mosque and the Sioni Cathedral. Later, the children visited the Saint Gevorg Cathedral, where the competition was held for them under the motto: “Let’s Draw the Old City”. After two hours of practical work the children drew pictures of the Old City. The event was aimed at familiarization of the students with the example of peaceful coexistence among different nations, as well as getting them involved in charity work and supporting the development of creativity and self-expression.

Very Rev. Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, assistant to the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, transmitted to the children the blessing and love from the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, and offered his warm good wishes.

The Director of the Hayartun Center, Levon Chidilyan, and Ketevan Abesadze, President of NGO Georgian Educational Association (GEA) “Tanadgoma” welcomed the initiative.

The jury will evaluate the final appearance of the paintings created by the participants of the competition. The artworks will be sold at a public auction hosted by the Hayartun Center. The proceeds will be transferred to the bank account of Kojori orphanage for disabled.

The International Children’s Day celebration was accompanied by the joyful performances of the Hayartun Center’s creative groups.

Notably, one pilgrim from Vanadzor, Armenia, has donated 500 GEL to the aforementioned initiative during the event.

The children received a treatment at the end of the event.