Over the past six years, a variety of educational projects have had a dramatic impact on learning in the communities in the Baghramian Region of Armavir Marz of Armenia. The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) launched its Comprehensive Rural Development Program there in 2004; improving the quality of general education and broadening its scope was and remains among its priorities. As a result, schools are now equipped with safe and bright classrooms, students and educators have access to up-to-date educational tools and technologies, and the educational experience has been enhanced by after-school and recreational programs, as well as by summer camps. COAF’s holistic approach goes beyond just the classroom or the school building: with its programs in Karakert, Lernagog, Miasnikian, Dalarik, Argina, Shenik, Aragatsavan and Baghramian it works to bring intellectual, creative, social and civic enrichment opportunities to the entire community. In addition to introducing new technologies and training for rural teachers, it strives to enhance communication among children, their teachers and their parents. According to Serob Khachatryan, COAF Executive Director, “Through our Education Program, we are facilitating the evolution of village schools into child-centered centers of excellence, contributing to the professional orientation of students and giving them new horizons for self-expression.” Upgraded infrastructure has been vital to improving the quality of education in these rural communities. For too long, the children were deprived of the most basic conditions for a healthy school environment. According to Hayser Kirakosyan, a History teacher at Dalarik School, “The newly renovated and refurbished school gifted to us by COAF is like a miracle, and I am absolutely convinced that our children now will strive for higher results and will attain tangible achievements.” In cooperation with Step by Step Benevolent Foundation, COAF is offering theTeachers’ Training Program, which aidslocal educators in upgrading their background knowledge and enriching their classes.Its training sessions, workshops, class observations, group discussions and joint lesson planning have brought new insights and new enthusiasm even to experienced teachers. Gayane Gabrielyan, Vice Principal of Lernagog School, thought she knew everything a teacher needed to know, but that was before she was introduced to more innovative elements and interactive methods of teaching. “Having participated in COAF’s education program activities, I realize that I still have much to learn,” Mrs. Gabrielyan now concludes. Her supervisor shares that opinion. “In the past, I thought that chalk and the blackboard were the best tools for teaching students. Through COAF’s programs I came to appreciate the important role new technologies play in the development of the young,” comments Koryun Makaryan, Lernagog School Principal. Another COAF initiative is the Small Grants for Rural Teachers project, which is designed to foster close collaboration in education and networking within and between the villages. At least two educators must collaborate on each proposal; the result has been a variety of innovative projects exploring new subjects and taking creative approaches that incorporate new teaching tools and methodologies. New models for learning are being created, and they will be shared with other schools. COAF and local educators are committed to providing this generation of young Armenians with opportunities for self-discovery and development. After-school activities expose students to learning in a more informal environment. According to Nara Martirosyan, COAF Education Program Manager, “It is gratifying to observe how the children living in socially insecure conditions who previously attended crumbling rural schools reveal their talents by being engaged in Student Councils, Photo and Video Clubs, English Language classes, Youth Clubs in Agriculture and Basketball. This way we are preparing students to be the scholars, artists, citizens and leaders of tomorrow.” COAF’s educational efforts don’t end with the academic year. It has introduced Summer Camps to Armenia. Each camp is organized locally, but its curriculum is always rich in education, entertainment and athletic activities, along with interactive games and visits by popular artists and athletes. Nine-year-old Harutyun Tovmasyan and fourteen-year-old Vahram Avagyan have fond memories of Karakert camp this summer. Both made new friends; Harutyun enjoyed the drawing class at the camp and learned how to play basketball. They look forward to the next year’s Summer Camp with great enthusiasm. About COAF The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2000 in New York that works to secure a brighter future for the children in Armenia’s impoverished rural villages through improved education, health care, community life and economic conditions. With the introduction of a unique clustering approach in 2004, COAF currently implements a Comprehensive Rural Development Program in ten villages in the Baghramian Region of Armavir Marz and two villages in Aragatsotn Marz. Over the past six years, more than 22,000 rural residents including 5,000 children from the communities of Argina, Arteni, Baghramian, Dalarik, Hushakert, Lernagog, Karakert, Miasnikian, Shenik and Yervandashat have benefited from COAF’s continuous development projects and the improved schools, kindergartens, health clinics, sport complexes, community centers, capacity building trainings and workshops, and business opportunities that have resulted.

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