2025 coincides with Hamazkayin Djemaran’s 95th anniversary. This momentous occasion was celebrated with special events. The celebrations began with a concert performed by the NEMRA band. More than 450 people attended the performance on May 9, 2025, at the “O” Club in Antelias, Beirut. The Nemra Band, invited from Armenia, enchanted the audience with their florid music and songs.

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, an “Open Doors” welcomed benefactors, friends, parents, graduates, teachers, and staff members. The principal of Hamazkayin M. & H. Arslanian Djemaran, Mrs. Paola Yeghiayan, welcomed the attendants.  “For 95 years, Djemaran and its community have left a unique mark in Lebanon and the world’s four corners, establishing their permanent presence in national, social, and various professional fields. The journey continues. An educational institution represents the heart of a people, the vision of a people, and the lighthouse illuminating the future of a people. Djemaran is that lighthouse spreading its light throughout the Armenian Diaspora for 95 years, perpetually committed to its mission under optimal conditions: cultivating virtuous individuals and exemplary bearers of Armenian heritage. While academic excellence and holistic student development remain the cornerstones of any educational institution, we recognize that the secure, professional, and contemporary physical environment plays a vital role in shaping future generations. Our presence here today affirms our collective commitment to these essential renovation initiatives that transform our facilities into optimal spaces for learning and growth.”

Afterwards, the principal presented the completed construction works:

  • The Hamazkayin Central Board implemented waterproofing in the roofs of the main building and kindergarten of the Djemaran in the summer of 2024. A parallel renovation initiative for the nursery has commenced and is scheduled for completion in the coming months.
  • Renovation of the Bolian auditorium, one of the busiest places in school life for internal and external student events, teacher and parent meetings, as well as workshops and lectures, which was carried out thanks to the funds generated during the Gala reception held in May 2024.
  • The lavatory facilities on the main building’s ground level have undergone a complete transformation, progressively extending throughout the remaining floors.

Works carried out at the ARS Norsigian Kindergarten:

  • Renovation of all kindergarten lavatories in the summer of 2024, with the benefaction of Mr. Vahan and Mrs. Nora Bzdigian, to refurbish the Haroutiun and Azniv Bzdigian Garden.
  • Eight kindergarten classrooms were renovated, made possible by the benefaction of Mrs. Serpoug Sarkisian and Mrs. Sela Tenjukian in memory of the late Mr. Hovhannes Der Haroutiounian, the school’s longtime sports coach and disciplinarian.
  • Celebrations Hall in the ARS Norsikian Kindergarten, realized through the benefaction of Mr. Zaven and Mrs. Tvin Der Bedrossian.
  • Development of twin recreational sporting facilities—comprising a soccer field and basketball court accurately dimensioned for early childhood physical development—with the benefaction of Mr. Ara and Mrs. Vartineh Kevorkian.
  • Mrs. Gasia Bosnoyan-Mahseredjian and Mrs. Tamar Bosnoyan-Der Bedrossian donated the playground interactive play structure designed to enhance developmental engagement.
  • The principal added that alongside the aforementioned completed construction works, the installation of solar panels, which was announced at the end of the previous academic year, is already underway.

Regarding the financial sources, Mrs Yeghiayan added that the Hamazkayin Central Board has allocated $235,000 for its completed works, while the sum of donations for the remaining plans is $128,000. She thanked everyone, then briefly touched upon upcoming projects:

  • Construction of a new cafeteria, with the support of Mr. Vrej and Mrs. Salma Sabunjian (VRESO Industries), Mr. Stepan and Mrs. Tamar Der Bedrossian, Mr. Raffi and Mrs. Loucig Afarian, and funds generated from donations of close friends of Djemaran.
  • Renovation of the laboratory, with the sponsorship of MUREX SERVICES.
  • Renovation of the elementary playground and continuation of the renovations of the restrooms.

After Paola Yeghiayan’s briefings, Hrayr Kevorkian, a member of the Hamazkayin Central Board, emphasized the importance of continuous construction work and said, “The elementary laws of science confirm that when a body stops moving, it not only loses its ability to progress, but on the contrary, becomes subject to decay, and collapses under its weight.”

Following the presentations, attendees took a comprehensive tour of the Djemaran campus to see the completed renovations firsthand. Each modernized facility was formally inaugurated through ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremonies attended by the respective benefactors whose philanthropy made the improvements possible.

The day’s proceedings concluded in a reception held within the Haroutiun and Azniv Bzdigian Garden of the ARS Norsikian Kindergarten, prepared by the kitchen staff of Raffi and Anelga Arslanian Nursery.