Torontonians Anna and Tivene are connecting diaspora and homeland through language
TORONTOHYE–When two young Torontonians, Anna Mouzenian and Tivene Derohanesian, first met as classmates at the ARS Armenian Private School, they could not have imagined that years later they would be working together to connect Armenia and the diaspora through a project of their own making. Today, that project—LanguageLink Armenia—is bridging communities and generations, offering free English tutoring to students in Armenia while creating meaningful bonds with volunteers in Canada and beyond.
Both Mouzenian and Derohanesian were born and raised in Toronto, where they were immersed in the vibrant network of Armenian schools, churches, dance classes, and summer camps that have sustained the community for decades. Their early experiences instilled a strong sense of belonging and shaped the way they understood their heritage. "Growing up, we were very involved in Toronto's Armenian community," Derohanesian recalled. "This led us to always feel a strong connection to our culture. The strength of the Armenian community in Toronto inspired us to want to contribute and build connections to the Armenian community in Armenia itself.”
That inspiration was reinforced during their university years: Mouzenian, who is now pursuing a master's degree in medical science, and Derohanesian, who recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, both attended the University of Toronto. Their different academic paths ultimately converged on a shared vision for giving back.
The idea for LanguageLink Armenia developed gradually, rooted in their lifelong desire to serve the Armenian community. For Mouzenian, the spark came when she realized how much access to English could mean for young people in Armenia. "We always felt a desire to give back to the Armenian community and to strengthen the connection between Armenians in the diaspora and those in Armenia," she explained. "Over time, we also came to realize how important English can be in opening doors to educational and career opportunities for students in Armenia. That realization sparked the idea of creating a program that could serve both purposes: supporting students in Armenia while also fostering a cultural exchange between Armenian Canadians and Armenians.”
The result was LanguageLink Armenia, a volunteer-driven initiative designed to help students develop their English skills while simultaneously reinforcing ties between homeland and diaspora.
At its core, the program provides free and accessible tutoring sessions that are structured yet flexible, tailored to meet the specific needs of each learner. Recruitment begins in Canada, where Mouzenian and Derohanesian reach out to volunteers through social media and through collaborations with community organizations such as the University of Toronto's Armenian Students' Association. "Each volunteer is committed to teaching and building meaningful connections with their students," said Derohanesian, emphasizing that the effort requires more than simply showing up to a weekly class.
On the other side of the program, students in Armenia are connected through partnerships with schools and organizations that understand the demand for English-language learning. Once enrolled, learners are grouped according to proficiency level and personal goals, ensuring that the lessons are not one-size-fits-all. Sessions typically take place once or twice a week, covering a range of topics that include grammar drills, reading comprehension, and free-flowing conversations designed to build confidence. "Many students have even shared their dreams of studying abroad in the future, and how essential English proficiency would be for that to be possible," Mouzenian said. "Our mission is to help them achieve their goals."
The founders attribute their success to partnerships in Armenia, which made this vision possible. The Armenian Missionary Association of Canada (AMAC) played a crucial role in connecting them with the Avedisian School in Yerevan, where eager students sought extra lessons beyond their classroom curriculum. More recently, Մարզերի երեխաները մարզերում (MEM Academy) has enabled the program to expand beyond the capital into Armenia's regions, where resources and opportunities to learn English can be significantly limited. "Our partnerships with the AMAC and MEM Academy have been integral to the success of our program," said Derohanesian. "Without them, we would not have been able to reach so many highly motivated students. Together, these partnerships help us connect with students from across the country, representing a wide range of ages and English levels." By reaching rural communities as well as urban centres, LanguageLink Armenia has been able to address some of the educational disparities that exist between Yerevan and the rest of the country.
Since its launch, the program has already supported more than 30 students, and both founders say the most rewarding part has been watching the learners grow in confidence. "The most significant change we have witnessed in the students is their growing confidence," said Mouzenian. "We prioritize creating an environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes. As a result, we have witnessed students become more willing to speak English and even share their perspectives and opinions." For many, the impact extends beyond grammar and vocabulary, as they eventually find the courage to express themselves in a second language and discover that their voices matter. That empowerment, the founders note, often translates into broader aspirations, from academic advancement to dreams of studying abroad.
Building and sustaining a grassroots program requires constant outreach, coordination, and a steady stream of volunteers and institutional partners. While Mouzenian and Derohanesian are grateful for the strong support they have received from AMAC and MEM Academy, they welcome additional connections in Armenia to scale their impact. "Additional contacts and connections would greatly help us grow our presence in Armenia,” Mouzenian emphasized. "If you have ties to schools or organizations in Armenia, we'd love to explore opportunities to collaborate." It is a call to action not just for potential partners in Armenia but also for members of the diaspora who may be in a position to open doors, make introductions, or volunteer their time.
Looking ahead, the two young founders are determined to deepen and expand their work. "Our long-term goal is to reach more students and broaden access to high-quality English tutoring," Derohanesian explained. "We view this not only as a way to support learners in Armenia, but also as a meaningful opportunity to support Armenian communities globally, including those in the diaspora. By doing so, we hope to strengthen ties between Armenia and the diaspora while equipping Armenians everywhere with valuable language skills that can open doors to education, professional opportunities, and deeper cultural exchange."
In this sense, LanguageLink Armenia does much more than teach a foreign language; it also strengthens bonds across borders, creating networks of mutual support and offering young Armenians the tools they need to pursue their ambitions. And for Toronto's Armenian community, it is also a homegrown reminder of what can be achieved when diaspora Armenians take the initiative to invest their skills and energy in the future of their homeland.
From its beginnings in the classrooms of ARS Armenian Private School to its current reach into Armenian schools and communities, LanguageLink Armenia is a story that belongs to both Toronto and Armenia. It demonstrates how even a small group of committed individuals can make a meaningful impact by combining practical support with cultural connection.
As Mouzenian and Derohanesian continue their work, they invite others—students, volunteers, and institutions alike—to join them in shaping a program that not only teaches language but also speaks to the enduring ties that bind Armenians everywhere. ֎
This piece was published in Torontohye's Oct. 2025 (#218) issue.
