ABOUT ME

“So, what can you do with that degree—solve all the world’s problems?”

“Not all of them. But I’ll surely try to tackle those I can.”

This is one of the questions I’ve often been asked when I say I chose to study International Relations. As you can see, I already have a prepared answer—and throughout my journey, I’ve tried to prove that my answer isn’t just words. Let’s get acquainted.

I’m Mariam, from the town of Yeghvard in the Kotayk region. I’ve recently graduated from school and am fully preparing for the next important stage of my life: continuing my education in Vienna.

Symbolically, my 18th birthday gift was the acceptance letter from Modul University Vienna’s Bachelor’s program in International Relations and Sustainable Development. I’m happy to share that I’ve also been awarded the MCC scholarship for community leadership. However, it only covers 50% of the tuition fee, and to make this opportunity a reality, I now seek your support.

MY BACKGROUND

At 14, I joined the free ACCESS English course by PH International. At first, it seemed like just a language course—but it turned out to be so much more. ACCESS taught me what community is, what responsibility toward your country means, and how important it is to have a voice. It taught me that education is not only about personal success but about creating change with the knowledge you gain.

Knowing a foreign language opened my path to international experiences. At 15, I went to Bulgaria as the youngest participant in an exchange program. Representing Armenia felt like both an honor and a responsibility.

Back in Armenia, I initiated a year-long debate club, “In Front of the Microphone,” at my school. It became a platform where students could voice their concerns—my first long-term community project.

Later, I joined the Child and Youth Advisory Council attached to the Human Rights Defender’s Office, supported by UNICEF. The Council aimed to raise awareness on children’s and youth rights and advise decision-makers. Thanks to my active involvement, I was selected to represent Armenia in international discussions, including the ENYA forum in Malta and ENOC’s annual summit in Belgium.

In Malta (2023), I had planned to speak about the blockade of Artsakh, but the organizers said the speeches had to be “non-political.” So I raised awareness through one-on-one conversations. Later, at the Belgium summit, military actions had already begun in Artsakh. This time, I couldn’t stay silent. With my team’s support, I delivered a speech—factual, clear, and responsible. I had the honor to speak in front of the world’s leading human rights experts and made full use of my opportunity to represent Armenia.

As a council member, I also worked on the national report on children’s rights in Armenia and was part of the team that traveled to Geneva to attend a session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

My rights-based advocacy also took other forms. In partnership with the Armenian Red Cross, I created an educational game called “Did You Know You Have…” based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We played it with over 200 children aged 8–12.

In 2024, ACCESS nominated me for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. It covered international relations, human rights, and community leadership, held at Purdue and Georgetown Universities. We also visited key institutions like the White House.

There, I presented my community project “Nairyan Days,” for which I received a small grant. The project addressed two issues:

• Lack of connection between young people from different districts of the enlarged Nairi community
• Low awareness of local cultural heritage

The project’s new philosophy became: “We love our community because we know it.” You can see the results in the short film we made.

I’ve also participated in several major programs, including the National Assembly Summer School, CCC student club, and the NextGen Leadership Academy. More about my work is on my LinkedIn.

MY GOALS

I chose Modul University Vienna because it combines academic education with practical experience. The internship opportunities tie learning to the real world, while the international environment fosters cooperation and diplomatic thinking.

Vienna is not just a city—it’s a historical center for international diplomacy, home to the OSCE, the UN Office, and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), where key decisions on law, migration, and human rights are made.

My aim is to specialize in international law and human rights. I’ve already gained some experience in representing Armenia and working with international audiences. But to make real impact, I need deeper knowledge and professional training. Modul gives me that chance.

During a UN visit, I asked Armenia’s Human Rights Defender if our country is well-represented internationally in legal expertise. His answer was honest: “There’s still so much to be done.” That “still” has become my biggest motivation.

WHY I NEED SUPPORT

Now that I’ve been accepted and received a partial scholarship, I face the last step: financial proof. I studied in a public school in Yeghvard, and now I’m aiming to grow in a professional, international setting.

By October 10th, I must provide proof of €4000 to secure my spot in the program. I’ll also need around €3000–4000 more for housing. The total amount required: up to €8000.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

View:

• Budget
• MCC Scholarship Info
• Acceptance Letter

You can support me via ReArmenia or directly:

ARDSHINBANK– MARIAM TONOYAN

Accounts:

AMD: 2473702848350010

USD: 2473702848350038

EUR: 2473702848350029

RUB: 2473702848350047

CONTACT ME

For any questions, feel free to reach out on Facebook or LinkedIn.

I’ve always believed that big changes start with small steps. I’ve taken my first steps—starting initiatives, connecting people, and raising awareness.

Now, it’s time to take the next step—with deeper knowledge and professional training.

Your support can become the foundation of the next stage of my journey.

Support me—so that tomorrow’s decisions in Armenia are made by conscious, responsible, and prepared people.