Today we want to talk about a man who is the initiator, the mastermind, and the powerhouse of the Roots. This program has been changing the lives of many people for years now, and it is important to know who is behind that change.

Today we want to tell you about Vardan Hambardzumyan, whose work is a vivid example that one should not be afraid to be the stone throne into the ocean.

First of all, Vardan has an exceptional talent for gathering gifted, proficient, and kind-hearted people around him. Together they are ready to share the difficult path to peace and overcome any obstacles. This has been the key to the success of the Roots and this is how it is functioning up to today.

Many ask how the Roots continue implementing robust events – like the Peace Work Institute and preaching peace in these difficult times when the whole world is crazy about war. A good question, especially considering the fact that Vardan does not come from a country enjoying a peaceful life – thus,  propagating ideals of love and tolerance as self-esteem… Not at all. He is a person who has been under shelling many times, who has witnessed the destruction of war all his life, including today. Vardan is from Armenia. He was a war correspondent before joining the YMCA, covering the First Karabakh War, the Civil War in Georgia. Before that, he was the eyewitness to the devastating Earthquake that hit his homeland… And that’s when he decided to give his best to make this world a better place. As he loves to say: “Be the change you want”!

How much willpower and faith it takes to continue your work regardless of anything? A few months ago, there was a tense situation at the borders of Armenia again – and this time Vardan’s hometown was under fire. After evacuating his mother from shelling during those difficult days, he returned to Yerevan and continued to organize the Peace Work Institute and a few days later hosted a large international group of young people under his trusted guidance.

Vardan is a respected leader, a genuine mentor, and a true friend. The entire Roots and YMCA Europe team always knows that the priority for Vardan is always the well-being, growth, and recognition of his team. Thanks to him, there is only an atmosphere of respect and honesty, caring and responsibility in the Roots.

What he does for the program, the organization, and the mission is priceless. People like him change this world for the better. As it is said: “Weak leaders create hard times, hard times make strong leaders, strong leaders create good times, good times make weak leaders, and so the wheel continues”. Difficult times gave birth to a strong person like Vardan and he keeps on creating good times. In the meanwhile, he remains unceasingly committed to opening up the next generation of Rooters so that they too can be strong leaders, appreciate what they have, and distinguish the important from the secondary.

Vardan carries on strong, and we believe that until the end of the days he will keep on doing his best anyway!