The first edition of “168 hours” weekly featured an article about Alik
Kharatyan who, at the age of ten, lost his eyesight and left hand
during a missile explosion. Alik, who is a 2nd year student at the
state university in Ijevan, had decided to drop out of the university
due to various difficulties. As soon as the article got printed in the
newspaper, a young man named Ara came to our editorial-office and asked
us to hand Alik a sound recorder that he had bought so that he could
record the class lectures.
Others such as journalists from “Afisha”, “Aravot”(Morning) newspapers,
the “Investigative Journalists Association” and the “Club” restaurant
responded by sending discs for Alik. A total of 60 discs were collected
which is about a one month supply for Alik. We also received batteries,
accumulators, etc. The “Monte Melkonyan Fund” granted Alik with a warm
leather jacket and new clothes. “168 hours” weekly thanks all those who
helped Alik out. However, the help provided is not enough. The teenage
student still has another three years until he graduages and he needs
approximately 260 discs for one semester.
Perhaps a benevolent organization may lend a helping hand, since there
are so many of them in Armenia. If any organization wishes to help Alik
out, we will give his address.
G.A.