School Uniform Selection in Schools is Free, Says Deputy Mayor

As the new academic year approaches, the problems, solutions, and upcoming plans in the field of general education were discussed by Tigran Virabyan, the Deputy Mayor of Yerevan, during a meeting with school principals. This was reported by the information and public relations department of the mayor's office.

Conveying the Mayor's greetings, Tigran Virabyan expressed hope that the outcomes of the programs for the 2019-2020 academic year should enhance the quality of education further.

The Deputy Mayor noted that some issues have been raised by the Ministry as well as members of the Yerevan Council. “We are receiving quite a few complaints regarding uniforms. In particular, it has been mentioned that teachers are directing parents to specific tailors, which is unacceptable. The choice of uniforms in our schools is free. Please take this into account and exclude this phenomenon,” emphasized the Deputy Mayor.

Virabyan also addressed the issue of fundraising and stressed that any manifestation of it is unacceptable. “In some schools today, indeed, certain movements have begun in various formats. We must completely eliminate fundraising in our schools. Of course, there are also cases when the reports are based on false grounds. We are consistently following the trails of each such report,” noted the Deputy Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor also touched on the issue of leasing spaces. “The areas of schools presented for lease often contradict the actual areas occupied. For example, an area of 30 square meters is proposed for leasing by the administration, but later it turns out that the lessee is actually using a much larger area. If such cases are recorded, know that no one will take responsibility in place of the principal. Therefore, please clearly send us the areas that lessees will be using. We ask you to be attentive, to bring all transactions into the legal field to be protected and avoid future issues,” emphasized Tigran Virabyan.

Regarding buffets, it was noted that the mayor's office is discussing the implementation of a unified program whereby all school buffets will have the same design, service, and food menu, without cash transactions, also using special mobile applications. Until then, schools may conclude contracts with separate organizations while following the food selection criteria set by the Ministry of Health.

Starting in September, community schools will be sorting waste and will first separate paper. Special areas will be designated for waste sorting, and separate bins and containers will be installed.

“This will be the first pilot program. Teachers have a large role here. It is essential to explain to students during class hours the importance of waste sorting for the city and the country. We should encourage children to also bring paper from home. Sorted waste will be transported by separate organizations,” stated Tigran Virabyan.

During the meeting, Anna Stepanyan, head of the general education department, presented the plans and reforms for the new academic year, mentioning that special schools are currently being reorganized into pedagogical support centers through inclusive education initiatives. During this period, educational needs assessments of 260 students have been conducted, and schools have been selected where these children can continue their education.

Speaking about inclusive education, Tigran Virabyan noted that the task is not only to comply with laws but also to ensure an appropriate atmosphere in schools so that children requiring special educational conditions can fully integrate into new educational environments.

To reveal students' interests and creative potential, the general education department has initiated several programs. Student clubs will be established in schools focusing on literature, environmental protection, as well as professional orientation. For the first time this academic year, a “Startup Summit Yerevan” will be held.

The Deputy Mayor also mentioned that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport to make these types of meetings more frequent.