Monday, March 11 2024 21:27

ArmInfo.TUMO will reconstruct the historic Gyumri market to establish an international culinary  school and implement a project aimed at long-term economic development with a 2.5 million euro grant provided by the European Union.

According to the TUMO press service, the grant agreement was  signed today in Gyumri by EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos  and TUMO CEO Marie Lou Papazian.  The Gyumri Market and Culinary  School initiative is set to position Gyumri as a regional hub for  tourism and gastronomy, all while blending the rich heritage of  Armenian cuisine with innovative culinary techniques and approaches.

In collaboration with the esteemed French institution Institut Lyfe  (formerly Institut Paul Bocuse), TUMO will craft a curriculum that  integrates the best practices and globally recognized standards in  culinary education.  Outstanding students who complete the two-year  program will have the chance to continue their studies at Institut  Lyfe in Lyon, France.  "Our main goal with this new education program  is to craft a new generation of Armenian chefs by combining the  curriculum of the renowned French culinary school with tried and true  methodologies from TUMO Studios, already implemented in Armenia.  Students will incorporate their learning with workshops guided by  international experts," said TUMO CEO Marie Lou Papazian.  The  culinary school will accommodate 30 students annually, most of whom  will receive scholarships to pursue their studies entirely  free-of-charge.

"This project represents the beginning of a new chapter for the  economy of Gyumri. By empowering the people, especially the youth and  entrepreneurs, with skills and opportunities, we are empowering  Gyumri to fulfill its immense promise and potential. The EU is proud  to support initiatives that unleash human capabilities and foster  sustainable economic development in the regions of Armenia. Last but  not least, we would like to thank TUMO and the Municipality of Gyumri  for their cooperation and partnership in this project." said  Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia. 

The project will revitalize the old market area of Gyumri, which has  been abandoned for years. TUMO will oversee the reconstruction of the  building.  Upon completion, the market will be turned into a space  that serves as a hub for education, culinary arts, and economic  development.  The hub will also accommodate:

Spaces for workshops and other educational events;

Booths for local vendors to work in secure and hygienic environments;  Restaurants;

Shops for artisanal and handmade goods;

Venue for festivals, concerts, fairs and other events

In addition to EU funding, the project will be supported by the John  and Hasmik Mgrdichian Foundation as well as Judith Saryan and Victor  Zarougian.  In the upcoming weeks, an international architectural  competition will be launched to choose the team responsible for  reconstructing the center.  Once the team has been selected,  construction will begin promptly. The grand opening of the market and  culinary school is scheduled for 2026.