Oasis Children's Summer Project, which was established in
1999 by Mesrobian Technical College, has accomplished successively its
10th anniversary. On Friday, 29 of August, 2008, at 7:00 in the evening, the marvelous ceremony began with the presence of the college's staff, highly respected guests, children's lovely parents, relatives, and friends.
The program that the ceremony offered was outstanding; it was full of songs and dances. As the Lebanese and Armenian national marches were played,
Mr. Vartan Aznavourian and
Mr. Serj Hanna introduced the program by inviting
Mrs. Caroline Terzian, Oasis' head responsible, to the stage in order to give her speech. Mrs. Caroline Terzian showed her full happiness and satisfaction for the achievements during the process of 10 years. Noticing the maturity of the children, she assured that the plan has perfectly reached to its goal by becoming one of the most pleasant, happy, and advantageous summer school absorbing children from various regions.
As soon as Mrs. Terzian ended her speech, students of all classes had their chance to show the great things they had prepared through the time they spent in Oasis. It was marvelous that they were called after the names of Armenian historical places, such as: Tevin, Moush, Sasoun, Artsakh, Guiluigia, Sartarabad, Marash, Yerevan. Also names of mountains and rivers like: Sipan, Arakadz, and Araks.
Students of all classes confidently danced various dances: Armenian, Arabic, and European; they were taught by
Mrs. Kayane Madzounian, the great dancing teacher of Oasis. As for Kong Fu show, it was prepared by
Mr. Harout Vartanian, the very supple drill master, who won the championship in Kong Fu competition of Lebanon and Arabic countries.
Moreover, the children sang a song dedicated to Oasis whose words and music wholly belong to the music teacher
Mr. Manuel Keshishian.
The final part of the program was given to the principal of the college
Mr. Gregoire Kaloust who prepared a pleasant surprise. As a matter of fact, Mr. Kaloust and Mrs. Terzian both together offered a souvenir to
Rita Oumoudian who loyally was attending Oasis for 10 years; unfortunately, she won't be able to attend the following years because of her age (over 14).
Next, the audience followed a film displayed on the screen dedicated to Oasis' 10th anniversary. After that, Mr. Gregoire Kaloust affirmed that this summer vacation program converted to educational project. In his speech, the director expressed his gratitude towards parents for their trust to this establishment. Also, he thanked Oasis' members who worked with enthusiasm for the success of this project.
At the end of his speech, Mr. Kaloust invited to the stage Oasis' main sponsors
Prof. Angelo Bosio, the president of the Christian benevolent organization
D.M.S Onlus of Brescia Italy, and his noble wife
Prof. Barbara Bosio. Professor Angelo Bosio declared in Armenian then in English that they are ready to help Oasis Summer Project financially in order to continue its mission during the coming years.
Finally, the children, their teachers, and all who contributed to the success of this summer program were invited to the stage accompanied by the Oasis song. So, with beautiful fireworks, Oasis 2008 has its end.
At the end of the ceremony, the audience was invited to watch the handcrafts and the drawings made during the Oasis Summer Project by the children, in one of the corners of the schoolyard.
