Youth Academy
Proud Roots.
Bold Future.
The WCA Youth Academy develops self-aware, confident, and effective young Aramean leaders — connecting youth from across the diaspora with their identity, history, and each other.
Building the Next Generation of Aramean Leaders
The future of the Aramean people depends on this generation. If young Arameans do not know who they are, where they come from, and what they stand for, there will be no one left to carry the Aramean identity and cause into the future. That is why WCA founded its Youth Academy in 2011.
Through study sessions, seminars, and international gatherings, we bring together young Arameans from across the diaspora to learn about their identity, heritage, and language — and to connect with each other. From Europe to the Middle East, from the USA to Australia, we empower youth to engage in local, national, and international Aramean affairs.
We seek talented young men and women with the purpose of educating, inspiring, preparing, and guiding them as the next generation of leaders in the local, national, and international organizations of the Aramean people.
— WCA Youth Academy Mission
Identity
We help our youth rediscover, value, and learn the riches of the Aramean identity, history, and language.
Leadership
We develop young Arameans to become effective and visionary leaders with skills for tomorrow.
Politics
We inform our youth about human rights and geopolitics, preparing them to advocate for Arameans globally.
We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
— Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)
Dr. Aramia Sauma
Dr. Sauma leads the Youth Academy’s programs. She is also the co-founder and chairwoman of Arameans in Medicine — combining her passion for healthcare with Aramean youth empowerment.
A Decade of Empowering Aramean Youth
Since 2011, the WCA Youth Academy has organized study sessions, seminars, and gatherings across Europe, the Middle East, and the USA — always with the goal of training the next generation of Aramean leaders.
Below are highlights of our journey, from our early beginnings to our most notable events.
28 young Arameans from across Europe embarked on a 9-day all-inclusive journey from 19-27 August 2025 through TourAbdin — monasteries, villages, and ancestral homeland.
On 17 December 2023, over 50 young Arameans from Midyat, Hah, Bsorino, Midin, Arkah, Mzizah, and other villages gathered in Midyat to share their vision for the future.
25 Arameans from 7 European countries spent 9 unforgettable days exploring the ancient Aramean heritage in TourAbdin, from 5-13 November 2022.
From 5-10 August 2022, 23 young Arameans from Israel visited Germany and The Netherlands for a cultural exchange, hosted by WCA, its Federations, and Suryoyo Sat – in cooperation with the Israeli Christian Aramaic Association.
In 2022, a global online series exploring the Aramean diaspora, from Chile to India — connecting youth worldwide through stories and identity.
In cooperation with the Aramaic American Association, the WCA Youth Academy crossed the Atlantic to train Aramean youth in the USA from 1-3 March 2013. In loving memory of Annmarie Kerimo (Hadodo) († 24 January 2025), a true angel and a beloved pillar of the WCA who played a key role in organizing this study session. May God bless her beautiful soul! 🤍
25 young Arameans from 10 countries trained at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, from 25 June- 2July 2011, in cooperation with the Council of Europe.
Tony Messo represented WCA at the European Youth Centre in Budapest, from 21-29 March 2011, to prepare for our upcoming study session in Strasbourg later that year.
From 27 February till 3 March, the Youth Academy Preparatory Team gathered in Strasbourg to organize the upcoming study session sponsored by the Council of Europe.
Youth Reached
Years of Impact
Countries
Events Organized
TourAbdin Youth Trips
One of the most impactful programs of the Youth Academy is the trip to TourAbdin, an ancient Aramean heartland in southeast Turkey. Young Arameans from across Europe visit monasteries, villages, and historical sites, meeting the local community and reconnecting with their roots. For many, it is the first time they set foot on the land of their ancestors.
In 2022, 25 Arameans from 7 European countries spent 9 days in TourAbdin exploring the rich Aramean heritage. The trip was documented in a beautiful 75-minute film by participant Diana Alfia:
What Participants Say
“
The trip to TourAbdin was a way to experience a whole different world than the one I live in daily — a world and a place that represents who we are and always have been. Being able to see that way of life with my own eyes was more real than anything I had ever imagined. Since visiting the place of my heritage, I’ve realized that no vacation can compare to – or replace – what you feel when you’re there.
“
The trip to TourAbdin felt like returning to a place that has always shaped me, even though I had never been there before. It deepened my understanding of our Aramean identity and the difficult history our ancestors endured, while showing me the resilience and warmth of the community that remains. It also opened my eyes to the richness of our Syriac Orthodox Church. It’s an experience that connects you to your roots in the most profound way, and I would encourage all young Suryoye to take part in this journey.
“
Raised with Arabic and Western cultures, I had only a vague understanding that my ancestors came from Turkey. WCA’s trip magnified the little exposure I had—entire villages who cohesively prioritize the Syriac Orthodox identity and lifestyle over assimilation. The kindness of our people across TourAbdin’s villages, churches, and schools made me realize that Christ’s love has been preserved in the Syriac lifestyle for centuries. Take this trip and discover the richness in simplicity, the TourAbdin in you.
Invest in the future of the Aramean people. Support the Youth Academy.
Call to the Aramean Youth Worldwide
In 2020, WCA President Johny Messo addressed the Aramean youth across the world with a powerful message — a call to action that remains as urgent and relevant as ever. Read the full letter and watch the video message.
We strive to guide and inspire our youth, and wherever possible, support them in realizing their dreams.
— Johny Messo, President of the World Council of Arameans (Syriacs)
Join the Aramean
Youth Movement
Are you Aramean, between 16 and 35, and ready to make a difference? Connect with us, join our events, and be part of shaping the Aramean future.
Send Us a Message
Questions, ideas, or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you.
Help Us Build
Tomorrow’s Aramean Leaders
Your contribution helps finance study sessions, TourAbdin trips, and leadership training for the next generation of Aramean youth.