HOUSE OF ARMENIAN STUDENTS

The Armenian General Benevolent Union was created in Cairo, Egypt in 1906 by Boghos Nubar Pacha. Along with a group of distinguished Armenians, he laid the groundwork for an important union that would assist the people living in the countryside in traditionally Armenian territories which border on the Ottoman Empire. Their goal was clear – to bring together the Armenian people, to contribute to their intellectual, economic and moral development, and thereby make it possible for them to remain in their native land. After the Genocide in 1915, the Union did intense work to assist survivors and took action in hundreds of sectors throughout the world. The Union was the executor for Boghos Nubar and so managed the House of Armenian Students from 1977 to 1990. Since that time, the Union has continued to support the House by founding 20 rooms. Mr Alexis Govciyan, President of the European chapter of the AGBU and Mr Michel Sabbagh, Treasurer, serve as representatives of the Union to the house Council. Many of the residents of the House also receive a scholarship from the Union. Every summer, trainees for the AGBU live in the House during their time in Paris.

In his will dated 18 June 1953, internationally-known benefactor and petroleum magnate Calouste Gulbenkian (1869-1955) created a foundation that was to receive much of his fortune and bear his name. As per the founder’s wishes, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, based in Lisbon, Portugal supports charitable, artistic, educational and scientific goals. The Gulbenkian Foundation today gives generous financial support and scholarships to hundreds of institutions and students to allow them to carry out their work and continue their studies. Many of the recipients of these scholarships are residents of the House of Armenian Students. The Foundation’s department for Armenian communities has supported the House for many years by managing the 15 rooms. They also donate various pieces of equipment such as computers, audio-visual equipment, books and a piano, thereby directly contributing to student life in the House. The director of the department, Dr Zaven Yegavian is a member of the House’s Council and represents the wishes of the founder’s family by ensuring donations are upheld.

This non-profit organisation was founded in 1974 by several women from the Armenian community in Paris and helps Armenian students residing at the Marie Nubar Foundation in the Cité Internationale in Paris.
A grant is given to the House of Armenian Students directly, and goes towards paying students’ housing fees; it covers costs for roughly 20 students, many of whom would find it financially impossible to continue their studies in France without this grant. The association’s voluntary work fundamentally helps the House’s founder, Boghos Nubar Pacha, to accomplish his mission.

This foundation finances accommodations at the House of Armenian Students for a young researcher of Armenian descent who is studying Art History. Mr and Mrs Michel Nafilyan have been in charge of the foundation’s work for many years.
Contact: Foundation for students and researchers in the field of Armenian art history
9, square Alboni
75016 Paris

The Armenian Social Assistance Association and the Blue Cross of the Armenians in France also assist students who are experiencing difficulties of any kind.