Social Distancing or Social Isolation: Sofya Hovsepyan

Social DISTANCING or social ISOLATION? This is what Sofya Hovsepyan, a member of the Armenian National Assembly from the 'My Step' faction, wrote on her Facebook page.

She specifically stated: “Let’s address the organization of education: It is no secret that we have serious issues regarding the organization of education, as schools have constantly been deprived of independence. School directors, specialists, and other levels involved in education organization have primarily focused on how to avoid mistakes and comply with regulations during inspections rather than consider the ‘best interest of the child’ and organize in a way that maintains those regulations while ensuring that the child, as a student, does not suffer in between all of this.

It is also no secret that schools have constantly complained about not being given the freedom to manage and organize independently, as they are under the jurisdiction of state educational authorities, and the law and logic dictate this. However… today, albeit not perfectly (sometimes illogically), decisions are being sent to schools, leaving organization to the discretion of the directors. The directors then organize in the way they envision.

This one and a half years have been the best testing ground to understand which director can be an organizer and which cannot. (Another proof is the photographs published yesterday from several schools).

Now, in my observation, the situation is quite complicated, as there is neither freedom nor strict supervision, especially since we have not undergone a generational change in both directors and teachers.

In May 2020, I received a complaint about one of the schools in Yerevan and naturally forwarded that complaint to the Minister of Education and Science. After reading it, the minister informed me that just a few days ago, while passing by a school, he witnessed the handover of textbooks, which was very properly organized, and the same was reported concerning other schools. Naturally, I did not object, but I suggested that they be attentive since I had what I mentioned in mind, and I received agreement that they would indeed be vigilant.

What happened the next day—you all found out. One was celebrating, another was having a lavish event, and so on.

As a rule, I do not blame the schools, as yes! They need to be taught, and when they repeat these mistakes afterward, then it must be very strict. But... my approach is also wrong, as the governing body must have the appropriate skills when aspiring to manage this or that institution.

The essence of my lengthy writing is to ask, suggest, and demand from the responsible officials of education management, all educators, and education experts to always keep in mind the psychology of the child, age characteristics, child’s emotions, physical health, mental, and spiritual health, etc. Remember, what we ‘broke’ today will not glue back without a trace tomorrow.

SOCIAL DISTANCING addresses a health preservation issue; do not confuse it with SOCIAL ISOLATION.