Adibekyan Family Fund For Advancement
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ABOUT THE FUND:
Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement (AFFA), founded by businessman and philanthropist Gagik Adibekyan, launches charitable projects in Armenia and other countries, aiming to develop and strengthen cultural and business ties between people and nations.
//Fund activity
AFFA’s charitable activity aims to support projects in the following fields:
Inauguration of the Francophonie Boulevard and the Family Sports Complex in Masis
Masis, Ararat Province – June 25, 2019 – The Masis Development Foundation, in partnership with the international charitable organization AFFA (Adibekyan Family Foundation for Advancement), proudly inaugurated the Francophonie Boulevard and the Family Sports Complex in Masis. The ceremony marked a significant milestone within the framework of the Masis Youth Initiatives and the ongoing expansion of international cooperation with Francophonie countries.
The event brought together representatives of the Government of Armenia and local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, embassies, as well as local and international media.
The strong resonance of the event reflects the long-term, systemic projects carried out by AFFA and the Masis Development Foundation. These include the construction of the Family Sports Complex to foster children’s and community sports, the development of Francophonie Boulevard as a cultural and recreational hub for international exchange, the introduction of advanced French language programs in local schools, the creation of a Youth Center to empower youth initiatives and self-governance skills, and the forthcoming establishment of a TUMO Center for Creative Technologies with a French focus.
//Fund activity
The importance of supporting joint educational, cultural, and sports projects for the development of Franco-Armenian relations was emphasized by Jonathan Lacôte, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Armenia:
“Thanks to organizations such as the Masis Development Foundation and AFFA, there is an opportunity to expand the boundaries of cooperation, moving beyond the capitals into the regions. I can see how projects like Francophonie Boulevard reveal Armenia’s richness and uniqueness to the world and to Francophone countries, while giving the residents of Armenian regions the chance to engage more deeply with global culture. I am confident that the Francophonie Boulevard in Masis will become another home and a point of connection for the French diaspora.”
The introduction of advanced French language education in the city’s public schools is one of the projects implemented with the support of the Masis Development Foundation, the Embassy of France in Armenia, and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Armenia.
“Quality basic education has a profound impact on one’s entire life. We welcome and support the initiatives of the Masis Development Foundation, which, through the Linguistic Program for French Language Studies, provide the opportunity to improve the level of education starting from primary school. The scholarships awarded to the best graduates for further studies at the French University in Armenia allow talented young people to integrate into the Francophone educational system and receive a modern, competitive education,” noted a representative of the RA Ministry of Education.
“One of the foundation’s priority directions is to contribute to the development of small towns and regions of Armenia by introducing the best international standards and practices. We provide comprehensive support for urban and youth initiatives that raise the quality of education, make sports more accessible and widespread, and create a platform for knowledge sharing and cultural exchange with people from different countries. Ultimately, these efforts improve the quality of life in the city. The Masis Youth Center, created by the foundation, has already been supporting the initiatives of young residents for three years, unlocking their potential, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and collectively raising the standard of living,” said Lilit Adibekyan, co-founder of AFFA.
The guests of the event highlighted the scale and high level of all projects implemented by the Masis Development Foundation and AFFA in Armenia. Special appreciation was given to the fact that the foundations rely on the opinions and initiatives of young citizens, helping them to actively participate in improving the life of the city and the region as a whole, while attracting international partners and leveraging the potential of the Armenian diaspora in Francophone countries.
Representatives of the embassies of France, Belgium, Canada, and Luxembourg present at the event expressed their support for the continued development of joint projects in the fields of education, culture, and sports, stressing the importance of long-term partnerships. The founders of AFFA emphasized that only through joint efforts can the best results be achieved and invited all interested parties committed to Armenia’s development and to building strong international ties to join these projects.
//Peacemaking
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
100 YEARS MEMORY ALLEY
The name of the Alley was chosen not by chance: it was founded in the year of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. The motto of the project is “Memory. Gratitude. Faith in the Future.” Its objective is not only expressing gratitude to the countries that have recognized the fact of the Genocide, but also showing to the world the faith of the Armenian people in the great future of their country.
REBIRTH OF THE TATEV MONASTERY
The “Rebirth of the Tatev Monastery” project aims to restore one of Armenia’s oldest monastery complexes, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, located 20 km from the town of Goris.
Armenia is a country rich in culture and traditions, and it is the oldest Christian state in the world. The preservation and restoration of architectural monuments, churches and monasteries hold special significance here.
One of the most important goals of the project is strengthening the ties between Armenia and Artsakh. “Rebirth of Tatev” project aims to create conditions for maintaining a stable tourist flow, making Tatev and Goris convenient “transit hubs” for Armenians and foreign visitors travelling to Artsakh.
The “Rebirth of the Tatev Monastery” project brought together approximately 140 people from 18 countries. AFFA is proud to be part of this initiative, alongside the IDeA Foundation, the Government of the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
CONSTRUCTION OF SAINT GEVORG CHURCH
St. Gevorg Church in Masis, Armenia was built with the support of AFFA (Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement) and officially opened on November 1, 2009. The church has since become a spiritual and cultural center for the local community.
On April 11, 2015, a khachkar (Armenian cross-stone) was consecrated on the church grounds in commemoration of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, marking the 100th anniversary of the tragic events of 1915. The khachkar stands as a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and national identity.
In addition to its religious services, St. Gevorg Church hosts community gatherings and commemorative events, strengthening the spiritual life and historical consciousness of the region.
SUPPORT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION CATHEDRAL OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
AFFA (Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement) played a significant role in supporting the construction of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, a monumental project that became the centerpiece of the Armenian Church Complex in Moscow.
The cathedral’s foundation was laid in 1996 on Mira Avenue, one of Moscow’s central thoroughfares. After years of dedicated construction and artistic effort, the church was officially opened and consecrated on September 17, 2013, in a ceremony attended by religious leaders, dignitaries, and members of the Armenian diaspora.
With a total area of 25,000 square meters, the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral is the largest church of the Armenian Apostolic Church outside of Armenia. The complex includes not only the cathedral itself, but also facilities for educational, cultural, and administrative functions, serving as a major spiritual and cultural hub for Armenians in Russia.
The architecture of the cathedral reflects classical Armenian design elements, harmoniously integrated into the urban landscape of Moscow. It stands as a powerful symbol of faith, identity, and the enduring presence of the Armenian community abroad.
RECONSTRUCTION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS ON ROMANOV LANE
Before AFFA (Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement) and RD Group Holding began construction of the Romanov Dvor business quarter, the historic buildings on Romanov Lane were in a state of severe disrepair. Facades were crumbling, decorative elements had been partially lost, and the atriums required significant renovation. These buildings, some of which dated back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represented a unique layer of Moscow’s architectural and cultural heritage.
During the development of the business quarter, particularly the creation of the pedestrian street, Romanov Alley-these historic buildings were carefully restored by teams of architects, engineers, and conservation specialists. The renovation process prioritized the use of authentic materials and traditional construction techniques to maintain historical accuracy.
The revitalization effort not only preserved the architectural identity of Romanov Lane but also reanimated the area, transforming it into a vibrant urban space that blends heritage with modern functionality. Today, these restored buildings house boutique offices, cafes, and galleries, contributing to the cultural and commercial life of the Romanov Dvor complex and the broader city center. Their successful integration into the contemporary urban fabric stands as a model for the adaptive reuse of historic architecture in Moscow.
RESTORATION OF REKTORSKY DOM
Rektorsky Dom in the center of Moscow was built in the 1740s and was originally the palatial estate of the Princely House of Volkonsky. At the end of the 18th century, the building became the residence of the rector and professors of Lomonosov Moscow State University, serving as a significant cultural and academic hub.
By the 1990s, the mansion had fallen into critical condition due to neglect and urban decay. With the support of AFFA and the RD Group development holding, the mansion underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in 2005. The building’s 17th-century façade architecture and unique decorative elements were carefully restored, returning the estate to its historical grandeur.
Following the restoration, Rektorsky Dom has been repurposed as a prestigious cultural and commercial space, blending historical significance with modern functionality. Today, it houses exclusive office spaces, art galleries, and cultural venues. The building frequently hosts exhibitions, private events, and academic gatherings, reconnecting it with its original educational legacy. The restoration project has been widely recognized as a model for architectural preservation in Moscow, emphasizing the importance of integrating heritage buildings into the fabric of modern urban life.
MASIS
The development of Masis holds a special place among the priorities of the Adibekyan Family Fund for Future Advancement (AFFA). In collaboration with the City Hall and local residents, AFFA is driving a broad-based transformation of the town, focusing on improving infrastructure, education, and the overall quality of life.
Masis’s transformation began with memorial events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During these events, the “100 Years Memory Alley” project was launched, marked by the planting of 100 trees near Saint Gevorg Church – symbolizing remembrance and renewal.
One of the cornerstone projects is the construction of the Park of Francophonie, a vibrant public space that promotes intercultural dialogue and international cooperation. The park has quickly become a central gathering space for residents and includes an open-air sports complex that encourages physical health and active lifestyles, a children’s playground, offering a safe and joyful space for play and socialization and landscaped green areas, with walking paths, trees, and shaded seating to promote relaxation and community interaction.
These initiatives fall under the larger program titled “Creating a Better Masis”, emphasizing sustainable urban development where health, culture, and community intersect.
AFFA also places a strong emphasis on improving education in Masis. Key developments include the renovation of school building and modernization of educational facilities, especially at Secondary School No. 1. There are also initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of French language education, alongside support for after-school programs and the creation of a youth development center.
In addition, AFFA supports programs for Armenian students abroad, who commit to returning to Armenia to work in regional communities for at least five years. This initiative strengthens professional capacity while ensuring sustainable local development. This approach not only raises the level of professionalism but also ensures the long-term development of local communities.
These projects demonstrate a strategic approach to Armenia’s development through investments in culture, education, and human capital, with an emphasis on bringing back knowledge and experience to the country.
AFFA, together with the City Hall, has organized major public celebrations, including events related to Francophonie. Public spaces continue to be improved on a regular basis, with new social infrastructure facilities being added to meet the growing needs of the town.
These projects reflect AFFA’s strategic, long-term vision for Armenia’s growth through investments in culture, education, and human capital, ensuring that Masis becomes a model for sustainable and inclusive development. According to AFFA, this is only the beginning of a shared journey with the people of Masis toward a brighter future.
DILIJAN
The opening of the international school UWC Dilijan College in 2014 marked the beginning of an ambitious and comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the town of Dilijan into a major cultural, educational, and tourist center in Armenia.
This development project includes the creation of a modern and comfortable business and cultural environment, enhancement of residential infrastructure, preservation of Dilijan’s rich cultural and historical heritage, and the construction of up-to-date transportation systems.
The project led by Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) and with the support of Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement (AFFA) has attracted significant local and international investment.
The development of Dilijan has had a wide-ranging regional impact on the Tavush region and beyond:
UWC Dilijan has become a hub for international education, attracting students and educators from around the world. This promotes cultural exchange, raises educational standards, and fosters future leaders.
Improved infrastructure, along with increased promotion and investment in hospitality services, has significantly boosted tourism in Dilijan, often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland.”
Local businesses, from hospitality to construction, have seen increased demand, created jobs and encouraged entrepreneurship. The influx of professionals, visitors, and students has revitalized the local economy.
Investments have led to the renovation of public spaces, development of eco-friendly housing, and improvement of utilities, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Support for museums, local artisans, and cultural institutions ensures the protection and promotion of Armenian heritage while encouraging contemporary cultural initiatives.
Overall, the Dilijan development project is a model for sustainable regional growth, blending education, culture, and tourism to create long-term social and economic value for Armenia.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UWC DILIJAN COLLEGE
As of early 2025, UWC Dilijan enrolls approximately 220 to 227 students from around 70 to 80 different countries and nationalities worldwide – including Armenia, CIS countries, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, and even Australia.
The educational institution is a part of the prestigious network United World Colleges – UWC, and is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization for training under the IB Diploma program. Obtaining an IB diploma will enable the get admitted to enter the best universities of the world.
The initiators and ideologists of the educational project were Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman and a philanthropist, and his wife Veronika Zonabend. One of the sponsors and founding partners of UWC Dilijan College was Gagik Adibekyan, President of AFFA. On the whole, the construction of the international school was supported by more than 200 donors and personally by Serzh Sargsyan, who was the President of Armenia at the time.
Foundation of a world-level school in Dilijan became not only the impetus for economic development of the region, but also an opportunity for talented Armenian children to obtain free prestigious education.
CHRISTMAS CHARITY FAIRS
CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KONSTANTIN KHABENSKY FOUNDATION
SUPPORT FOR THE MYTISHCHI ORPHANAGE
Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement and RD Group Holding provide ongoing support to the Mytishchi orphanage, a music-focused educational school.
On the eve of 2015, representatives from the Holding and AFFA visited the children to congratulate them on the upcoming New Year and Christmas.