In once prosperous, now emptying Vaghatin there live 700 people, among them Sevada Grigoryan with his two children Zareh and Nareh, and his aged mother Lena. The children grow without mother: Sevada has lost his wife 4 years ago. In 2015 Varduhi died of heart attack. They remember Varduhi in the family every day, but they go on living without surrendering, sharing everyday hardship. 54-year-old Sevada teaches at the village school since moving to Vaghatin. He has been the head of the school, now he is the teacher of Church History.
Village Vaghatin does not live the brightest days. In Soviet years the village was mainly inhabited by Azerbaijanis, but after the collapse of the Union, when Azerbaijanis had to leave their houses, the village emptied, and continues to empty because of inner migration, which is conditioned by the economic problems.
Nareh is 8 years old.
They grow potato and beans for their own consumption. Now it’s time to sow potato.
Sevada and his son Zareh take care of the animals.
He says there was a time, when there were about 300 students at the school, now the number of the students reaches to 55. He goes to school several times a week, the other days he passes at home, helps his children, occupies himself with agriculture, farming: they have several sheep, pigs, and chickens. Zareh – Sevada’s 16-year-old son – helps his father in agriculture. He dreams to become a historian, wants to go to Stepanakert or Yerevan after finishing the school, apply to the university. There are relatives in both places, he will have a place to stay, says Zareh with modest optimism.
The photograph of Sevada’s young years.
Sevada works as the Church History teacher at Vaghatin school.
In the living room of Grigoryans.
The restroom of Grigoryans.
The household which is always so hard.
A photograph from the life of Sevada and Varduhi together.
Sevada’s little daughter – 8-year-old Nareh – has her own plans. At first sight the not talkative child proudly announces after some chat, that when she grows, she will become a doctor. “I want to heal, she says smiling, to heal people… my grandmother.” Nareh’s grandmother – 78-year-old Lena – despite her health problems, carries the household burden on her shoulders: she cooks, helps the children with their lessons.
– My Varduhi was a very good daughter-in-law, but now when she is gone, I am both a daughter-in-law, a mother-in-law, everything.
Sevada invites a priest every year for blessing the house. He doesn’t consider himself unfortunate, he says “God has given one life, it depends on the person how he lives it.” And he lives his life devoted to his family and his dear Vaghatin.
Zareh goes to school just occasionally, he passes his time at home.
Sevada in the living room.
Zareh trains with kingboxing, which Nareh also likes. Zareh is not against her will to occupy herself with it. If she decides to go for it professionally, he will support her.
Sevada wakes Nareh up at 7:30 every morning to train together.
“This photo story was funded through a Department of State Public Affairs Section grant, and the opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed herein are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of State.“