Since its inception in 2012 and with two cohorts (2012-2014, 2014-2019) of participants that passed through it, the Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) sought to enroll young leaders of different backgrounds from across Europe, young people who were and are a voice and not an echo – eager to learn, to try, to grow… Like raw diamonds to shine after the grind.
And we believe that most of these 46 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.
Today we share with you the story of Ani Arakelyan, an inspiring graphic designer from Armenia.
Ani graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Yerevan with a Master’s degree in graphic design. She started her professional career as a freelancer & eventually moved to Quality Assurance Engineering. Now and for almost 6 years she is a Quality Assurance Engineer at Picsart, a well-known Armenian photo-editing application.
The Peace Work Institute was the first peace-building experience for her. But soon after her involvement in the scheme, she was providing valuable support to the Roots team. Ani is always eager to share her knowledge and offer help.
“Roots was a big experience for me, I’ve been part of it since 2008. Roots helped a lot in changing the way of my thinking and to break stereotypes. Now I’ve got lots of friends from different countries. I started to learn about their cultures. It led me to understand that we all are human beings, even if we have different religions, come from different parts of the world or have a different skin color, etc. It all doesn’t matter.
I lived so many moments that will stay in my mind and in my heart forever.
The most unforgettable moment for me is probably one of the Roots Tandem Projects when I was in Istanbul, Turkey. It was very challenging for me to meet young people from from a country considered “enemy” and spend time with them. Initially I was a bit afraid of visiting Turkey, but once I got there and met the local young people, – I understood that we all are just normal people and no one is going to kill me”, – says Ani.
Being from Armenia and having a not very smooth relationship with its neighbors can sometimes be stressful for young people. Ani highlights this moment, as it was a really life-changing occasion for her. Roots doesn’t solve conflicts, but instead – it helps people to live in conflict settings without hate & prejudices, being aware of the “Do No Harm” methodology.
“I’ll definitely recommend young people from conflict regions to take part in the course, start to learn about each other’s culture and break the stereotypes in their head”, Ani says.
Roots gives you not only the opportunity to learn but also to share. For those who remain in Roots and have a desire and skills to be a part of it on another level, the project team is always there to give that opportunity. Today Ani is hired as an E-commerce Start-up Developer Advisor and continues her engagement with Roots as an Expert.
Since 2007 and ever growing, from the South to the North, from the East to the West of Europe – the Roots has always been there for those striving to make this world a better and safer place, a peaceful home for all. We go where the need is, responding quickly to the emerging issues with the legacy and mandate, capacity and adaptability gained for all these years.
By donating to the Roots, you invest in youth opinion leaders from all corners of Europe – varied by age, ethnicity, religion, race or wealth, but united with one strong conviction – Peace is the only way!
