Friday, February 1 2019 15:00

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.