21 New Kindergartens to Open Across the Republic This September, Says Minister of Education

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Arayik Harutyunyan, visited the provinces of Aragatsotn and Ararat today, coinciding with the start of the school year, to attend the opening ceremonies for new kindergartens. The first stop was in the Geghardot community of Aragatsotn province.

Accompanied by the Governor of Aragatsotn, David Gevorgyan, and the director of the Center for Educational Programs, Grisha Hovhannisyan, Minister Harutyunyan toured the kindergartens, familiarized himself with the completed work, and spoke with educators and parents. He congratulated the residents of the communities on the opening of the kindergartens and noted that opportunities to address the concerns of students, parents, and school staff would be examined shortly.

“Preschool education is the foundation for a successful start to the educational process in schools, and the establishment of educational institutions through such programs is a crucial prerequisite for creating educated and knowledgeable citizens in the future,” said the minister.

As a result of the implemented program, the kindergartens have also been furnished with necessary equipment and supplied with all necessary materials for organizing preschool education. In the Geghadir community, one of the young students, Anna, showed the Minister of Education her toys and colorful lockers designated for her and her friends.

The minister's next stop was at School No. 4 in Ararat province, where a kindergarten was opened as part of the “Education Improvement” program, welcoming 30 students. This kindergarten also awaits its little students with beautifully decorated rooms filled with comfortable cabinets and play areas.

It is important to note that prior to this, training for educators working in the kindergartens had been conducted. All requirements for organizing inclusive education have been met, and the newly established kindergartens also provide adaptive environments for children with disabilities.

The Minister of Education concluded his tour of kindergartens at the middle school in the Getazat community. The newly opened kindergarten in Getazat will welcome 20 students this year. Guests toured the group rooms with the kindergarten director and also visited the kindergarten's yard. The director presented the process of creating the kindergarten, discussing the challenges faced and the upcoming tasks.

It should be noted that preliminary work on the implementation of preschool education micro-projects began back in November 2019, and is being carried out with co-financing from the World Bank under the “Education Improvement” credit program of the Center for Educational Programs. A total of 136 kindergartens have already been established.