ArmInfo. The UK will open three new education centers in Armenia. RA Minister of Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan and Ambassador of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to RA Judith Margaret Farnworth signed the Memorandum of Intent on February 1.
According to the project, it is planned that new educational centers will be opened in Vayq, Jermuk and Berd. The implementation of the provisions of the memorandum will enable schoolchildren and teachers from the regions of the country to study and develop English, think critically and develop the skills of conducting discussions. In addition, the English centers opened within the framework of the "Improving Abilities for a Strong Society" educational program will enable Armenian teachers in these areas to develop skills not only in the direction of quality retraining, but also for the first time to introduce a modern technological platform in Armenia. Through this platform, teachers will be able to videotape classes and share with the mentors of the British Council in order to obtain a professional assessment.
Commenting on the signing of the memorandum, Arayik Harutyunyan noted the importance of this document for Armenia and expressed hope for further cooperation in this direction. "Today's event is very important for us, especially considering that this project fits into the framework of programs implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia. This program will contribute to the improvement and development of a foreign language among students and teachers in the regions and will allow developing critical thinking, analytical thinking, which is one of our goals. And, in the end, we said that we were striving after graduating from school to produce students who would have independent and free thinking will have discussion skills that our society does not have. Within the framework of this program, these problems can be solved, and I am glad that in Armenia, in addition to the existing 6 English centers, three more centers will open. Moreover, these centers become not just a place where the language is studied; they literally become a cultural club, where various events, debates and discussions take place, which allows students in various regions of Armenia to acquire the necessary skills for active participation in various venues. Since my appointment, cooperation with the UK has been developing positively and effectively, and I am confident that this cooperation and assistance will become even more effective, "said the Minister of Education and Science in his speech.
In turn, Judith Margaret Farnworth noted that the British Council implements the program and funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). "I am pleased to be at the second stage of opening British centers in Armenia. I am sure that this program will take as a basis those successes that were recorded in 6 newly opened British centers, particularly in Yerevan, Ashtarak, Vanadzor. These centers provide an opportunity not only to deepen knowledge language, but also the ability to conduct discussions, considerations, and development of analysis among students. It is important to emphasize that the opening of the centers provides an opportunity not only for students, but also for the professional development of teachers.
I have already met with the teachers of these centers, and I received quite positive feedback. Perhaps a network will be created to deepen collaboration among faculty members. For three years now, as I have been in Armenia and fully understand how important it is for Armenian families to have a quality education. I think that high-quality education will be a good foundation for Armenia to become an even more prosperous and developed country, " the British Ambassador said.
The diplomat also stressed that the United Kingdom and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) are open for cooperation and are ready to assist programs at various levels, as well as continue to deepen cooperation with the team of the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia. Judith Margaret Farnworth also expressed the hope that together with the Armenian minister they will be able to personally visit one of the newly opened centers in Armenian regions.