The Yesai and Maria Mazmanian Foundation focuses on three main focus areas.
Scholarships and mentorships
The Yesai and Maria Mazmanian Foundation (YMMF) provides scholarships for Cypriot and Armenian students looking to study in the UK. Scholarships can range from £500 pounds to a few thousand. The process is very competitive, and we look at various criteria during the selection process. Our focus is on individuals who have the potential to not only succeed in life but also to make a difference in the world.
Our Scholarships also provide mentoring and are invited to join our YMMF Program. Finally, the selected scholars become part of the family and alumni of the Yesai and Maria Mazmanian Foundation.
To find out more about our scholarships click here.
Socio-economic Development of Armenia
Poverty in Armenia
According to 2018 data released by the country’s Statistical Committee, 23.5% of Armenia’s population (700,000 people or one in four people) was living below the poverty line.
According to the methodology of the National Statistical Service, poverty in Armenia is determined by consumption (expense) rather than income level. The poverty level is presented by three levels:
- Poor – a person whose monthly consumption is less than AMD 42,621 ($89.50)
- Very poor – a person whose consumption does not exceed AMD 35,071 ($73.60)
- Extreme poverty – means a person who has consumed less than AMD 24,827 ($52.10)
Of the 23.5% living below the poverty line, 12.9% were classified as “poor”, 9.6% as “very poor”, and 1% as “extremely poor”.
Armenian poverty rates by region (Provinces below the average country-wide rate of 23.5%):
- Shirak (42%)
- Lori (29.4%)
- Tavush (25.6%)
- Armavir (25.3%)
- Kotayk (22.7%)
Armenian poverty rates by region (Provinces above the average country-wide rate of 23.5%):
- Gegharkunik (22.4%)
- Yerevan (19.9%)
- Ararat (19.8%)
- Vayots Dzor (18.6%)
- Syunik (16.7%)
- Aragatzotn (16.2%)
Source: https://hetq.am/en/article/110402
Gyumri
As of the 2018 data, the Shirak region has the high poverty rate in Armenia at 42%, with its regional capital and second largest city in Armenia, Gyumri, still badly affected following the 1988 Spitak earthquake. The Yesai and Maria Mazmanian Foundation has decided to focus the majority of its efforts in Armenia to support the development of Gyumri, the cultural capital of Armenia. We believe that it has immense potential and YMMF is planning to use education to unlock this.
More specific information to be announced soon.
Armenian Culture
Armenia is a country with a rich history and culture. We plan to promote Armenian culture by promoting their history, arts and cinematography.
Cinematography
The Yesai and Maria Mazmanian Foundation has partnered with the Armenian Film Society London (AFSL) to support its initiatives and specifically the Armenian Film Festival London (AFFL). The AFSL was established in 2024 to run an annual festival and regular cultural events both for the Armenian community and non-Armenian audiences in the UK.
Arts and Curation
Armenia is known for its exceptionally talented artists such as Martiros Saryan, Minas Avetisyan, Yervant Kochar, Ivan Aivazovsky, Arshile Gorky and many others. The Yesai and Maria Mazmanian Foundation plans to focus on supporting the next generation of exceptional young Armenian Artists and Curators that can support the elevation of Armenian art back to its former glory.
More information on our plans is coming soon.
