InternationalASA kids briefed on life in post-disaster Haiti
Published: Friday March 12, 2010
Mr. Albert Momjian, Honorary Consul to the Republic of Haiti, and Principal Sister V. Louisa Kassarjian speak to the children at the Armenian Sisters Academy, Radnor, PA, about the devastation in Haiti after the earthquake.
Radnor, Pa. - In an engaging and interactive presentation on March 9, prominent Philadelphia lawyer Mr. Albert Momjian spoke to children at the Armenian Sisters Academy in Radnor, PA.
Instead of discussing legal affairs, however, Mr. Momjian, the school's volunteer solicitor since its inception in 1967, spoke about the devastation in Haiti after the earthquake. Mr. Momjian has served as the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Haiti since 1978. In this capacity, he has spearheaded a variety of programs to support Haitians living in the Philadelphia region and across the state. Since the catastrophic earthquake, Mr. Momjian has been working with Haitian Coalition leaders in Philadelphia to assist those suffering in Haiti.
At the Academy, his efforts were focused on educating local Armenian youth about what life is currently like in Haiti. He explained how tent cities have been created, spaced miles apart, in order to minimize fighting for much needed food and supplies. Academy students asked questions and expressed their concern for children who have lost parents in the tragedy. Mr. Momjian explained that a large part of their relief efforts center on reuniting families. He informed the students that Haiti was the first black country in the world to declare independence from France, and that at one time it was a rich country.
First grader Teni Jehanian showed Mr. Momjian one of many jars that students use to collect funds during the Lenten season. This year's proceeds will be sent to help the Haitians. He, in turn, donated a book, Open the Door to Liberty, and a Haitian flag to the school library. The students concluded by singing "Whatsoever you Do" where the refrain goes "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me". On their way out, several students thanked Mr. Momjian for his informative and eye-opening talk.
