Sebouh Baghdoyan and Ara Nahabedian, M.D.
As WiRED International approaches its 30th anniversary, we’re reminded not only of the organization’s longevity but of its enduring values — collaboration, service and unwavering commitment to communities in need.
Over the past decade, the two of us — Sebouh and Ara — have had the privilege of volunteering with WiRED in Armenia. Our roles have varied, our skill sets are different and our life experiences have shaped our individual perspectives. But one thing has always united us: the belief that meaningful change begins when people come together in service of a purpose: giving something of good value to others.
We have seen that WiRED is not just an organization — it’s a collection of hearts and minds pulling together toward a common goal. Some of us contribute through medical or technical expertise, others through communications, translation, logistics or simple willingness to step in where needed. What has always struck us is how seamlessly this diverse group of volunteers operates, driven not by profit or recognition but by the purpose.
Over the years, we’ve worked on projects ranging from building health education modules to helping distribute digital libraries to communities with limited access to healthcare information to training community health workers. Our tasks were often behind the scenes, yet they were never solitary. Whether we were refining content late at night, troubleshooting technical issues or brainstorming how best to reach underserved populations, we were never working alone. We were fortunate to have had the association of the MIASIN NGO of Armenia, whose team was always ready to help, offer feedback or pick up the slack when someone was stretched thin.
What motivates us? Perhaps it is the knowledge that our efforts ripple outward; that the information of a module might empower any interested person or a nurse or a social worker in a remote village; or that a young student reading our materials might grow into a health advocate in their community. Or maybe it is the sense of meaningful purpose that volunteering provides in a world often consumed by self-interest. Amid the constant headlines about wars, greed, corruption and division, WiRED has remained a quiet but powerful example of what can happen when people from different countries, religions, ideologies and professional backgrounds work together without asking what is in it for them.
The spirit of WiRED lies not just in its mission but in its people. We’ve witnessed volunteers from all walks of life — students, retirees, professionals, creatives — converge in this shared effort. There is a humility to the work, and a quiet pride that comes from knowing you are part of something larger than yourself. It’s a modern antidote to cynicism: a reminder that compassion, competence and collaboration still exist, and still matter.
As we look back on our 13 years of service with WiRED, what stands out most isn’t any single achievement, but the cumulative power of teamwork. We are proud to have been part of this journey, and as WiRED looks ahead to its next 30 years, we are honored to keep pulling the cart along with so many dedicated and inspiring people.
WiRED–Armenia
For nearly 15 years, our health education initiatives in Armenia, largely implemented through our close partner organization WiRED–Armenia, have offered a comprehensive range of training programs. These programs include technical medical training for professionals and a wide array of public health education tools designed to equip ordinary citizens with crucial disease prevention information for both infectious and non-communicable illnesses. Over the years, hundreds in Armenia have benefited from these valuable insights through numerous lectures, training sessions and public seminars.
While WiRED provided the training materials and modest support, Mr. Sebouh Baghdoyan and Dr. Ara Nahabidian directed all on-the-ground activities. They meticulously arranged meetings and ensured all necessary local support, guaranteeing the efficient operation of these training programs. Dr. Nahabidian also expertly oversaw the complex process of translating numerous modules into the Armenian language, supervising a dedicated team for this task.
Most recently, Mr. Baghdoyan and Dr. Nahabidian established an innovative community health worker (CHW) training program using WiRED’s rigorous basic training curriculum. Their adaptation of our training strategy employs a unique teaching approach that enables students from across Armenia to participate through self-study and weekly online sessions. During these real-time meetings, Dr. Nahabidian reviews the modules, answers questions and guides students through the CHW curriculum.
It has been genuine pleasure for me to collaborate with these gentlemen and to visit them in Armenia over the years as our programs have advanced. Our partnership has consistently been highly productive and thoroughly enjoyable.
—Gary Selnow, Executive Director, WiRED International
Mr. Sebouh Baghdoyan is a retired Programme Management Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria. He has been working as country manager for WiRED Armenia since 2012 and today coordinates all country activities, including partner relations, training and delivery of health education programs. Most recently, Mr. Baghdoyan organized a multi-partner CHW training program involving students from across Armenia.
Dr. Ara Nahabedian, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon (retired), Leighton Hospital, Crewe, Cheshire, England, United Kingdom. He began his humanitarian efforts in Armenia in 1988 after a major earthquake devastated the northern part of the country, killing nearly 45,000 people. He leads WiRED’s translation team as its Armenian translation director and medical consultant to WiRED programs in Armenia. For the first half of 2025, Dr. Nahabedian led an innovative training course teaching and mentoring students who were preparing to become CHWs. He helped develop effective strategies that allow for effective, remote training that WiRED plans to adapt for use in other countries.
