EU Allocates €10 Million to COAF to Enhance Education Opportunities in Syunik, Armenia
In an effort to bolster Armenia's educational system, the European Union (EU) has announced a grant of €10 million ($10,548,500.00) at the Global Gateway Forum. The funding, formalized in the presence of President Vahagn Khachaturyan, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Olivér Várhelyi, and European Investment Bank’s Vice-President Ambroise Falloye, will be channeled through the EIB Global to enhance educational infrastructure in the Syunik region of Southern Armenia.
This initiative will witness the construction of two extracurricular education and teacher training centers in the municipalities of Kapan and Goris, facilitated by the esteemed Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities in rural Armenia. The centers will provide after-school educational programs and access to services for children and young adults aged 6 to 18.
One of the hallmarks of this project is its inclusivity, ensuring access to educational services for up to 6000 students. The curriculum will encompass a diverse range of subjects, including mechanics, programming, entrepreneurship, languages, arts, music, and athletics. Additionally, students will benefit from the expertise of social workers, education counselors, study trips, and presentations from external professionals, enriching their learning experience.
This endeavor aligns with the EU’s flagship initiative, ‘Investing in education, notably in the Syunik region,’ a crucial component of the European Union’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Eastern Partnership. It also forms an integral part of the Team Europe Initiative on Resilient Syunik, focusing on bolstering socio-economic resilience in a region profoundly impacted by the 2020 Artsakh war and the recent ethnic cleansing of Artsakh Armenians.
Expressing his satisfaction, EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi highlighted the EU’s dedication to education reforms in Armenia, emphasizing the construction of the two non-formal education centers as a tangible outcome of this commitment. He stressed that these centers would enhance the quality, modernization, and relevance of education, preparing young Armenians, including vulnerable groups, for competitive job markets. This investment reflects the EU’s comprehensive approach to education in Armenia, further exemplified by the recent allocation of a €32 million budget to support the implementation of the education strategy.
Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank, affirmed the EU's commitment to promoting human capital, economic resilience, and social cohesion in Armenia. He underscored the multifaceted impact of this initiative, emphasizing its contribution not only to the educational future of Armenian children but also to reducing urban-rural divides and gender disparities in the country.
President Vahagn Khachaturyan expressed his optimism, considering this initiative as a pivotal step toward bridging formal and non-formal education. He emphasized the broader goal of fostering development in the southern regions of Armenia, marking a significant milestone in the nation's educational journey.
This funding injection stands testament to the EU's enduring commitment to Armenia's educational progress, underlining the collaborative efforts aimed at nurturing the nation's youth and empowering them with the skills necessary for a prosperous future.
