National Union of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of Armenia
The National Union of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of Armenia ("Astghik", meaning "guide in life"; ՀՀ Աղջիկ սկաուտների — գայդերի ԱՍԳԱՄ «Աստղիկ» ազգային միավորում) is the national Guiding union of Armenia. Guiding came to Armenia in 1988, the union was founded in 1996 and became an associate member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 2002 and a full member in 2014. The girls-only organization has 1200 members (as of 2014).[1]
| ՀՀ Աղջիկ սկաուտների — գայդերի "ԱՍՏՂԻԿ" ազգային միավորում | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 National Union of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of Armenia 'ASTGIK' | |||
| Country | Armenia | ||
| Founded | 1996 | ||
| Founder | Gohar and Amalya Mkhitaryan | ||
| Membership | 1200 | ||
| Chief Scout | Narine Hovhannisyan | ||
| Affiliation | World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts | ||
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| Website nagggs | |||
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History
The first Guide patrols in Armenia were founded in 1988 as part of a coeducational Scouting organization. In 1996, the girls left this organization and founded Astghik, a girls-only association. First contact with WAGGGS was established in 1997, and in 1999, the association received the status WAGGGS Certificate of Country Working Towards Membership. Meanwhile, Astghik was authorized by the Armenian Ministry of Justice in December 1998. In 2002, the association became an associate member of WAGGGS.
NUGGGS "Astghik" functions/operates in different regions of Armenia and the bases of the function of the Union are weekly meetings of the groups. The Union is a non-governmental organization working with non-formal educational programs which organizes different seminars, training, camps, cultural activities not only in Armenia but also abroad. The Union offers its members learning by doing, challenges, interesting and happy everyday life. The educational program of NUGGGS “Astghik” consists of the following 9 main points: Scouting family The society in which we live Discover yourself World around us Cultural world Nature Healthy life Widen/deepen your way of thinking Housewife
These above mentioned programs help women and girls to become independent self-confident individuals being able to make their own decisions. The Union is Lifestyle Fun Optimism New
The Movement unites girls and women of different countries helping to get partnership and teamwork, decisions making, listening and understanding abilities. It gives opportunity to do things that are interesting and exciting.
The union has three age groups: 6–10 years are called "Artsvik" 11–15 years are called "Arenush" 16–20 years are called "Parmanuhi"
Program
"Our mission in the dynamic world to promote the formation of spiritual, physical, intellectual abilities, social potential and the formation of character in girls and women as individuals: responsible citizens of the world."[2]
Uniform
All members wear a green short sleeved blouse with group neckerchief.
References
- http://www.girlguides.ca/default.asp?id=299 accessed on May 25, 2006
- http://www.aegee.org/cst/caucasus/partners.htm#armenia accessed on May 25, 2006