Schools to Receive State Grants for Improving Safety Conditions

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia announces a competition for the allocation of grants within the framework of the 'Safe School' program under the 2021 state budget, specifically for the 'Comprehensive Safety Assurance of Schools' initiative. This was reported by the ministry.

Winning public educational institutions will receive a grant of 23,722,000 AMD to implement actions aimed at reducing non-structural risks related to disaster risk management plans. The maximum amount for each grant is 2,372,200 AMD.

The objective of the 'Safe School' program is to support activities aimed at reducing non-structural risks in public educational institutions in the regions, thereby enhancing schools' disaster risk management plans and improving responses to emergencies.

Educational institutions can participate in the competition if they have developed and approved disaster risk management (or actions during emergencies) plans in accordance with established procedures. To participate, the public educational institution must submit a program detailing measures for reducing non-structural risks that threaten the establishment.

Applications can be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports from May 6 to May 24, 2021. To receive a competition invitation, it is necessary to apply to the ministry or download it from the 'Information' section under 'Announcements' on the ministry's official website. The ministry is obliged to provide the competition invitation to the authorized person who submitted a written request within two working days of receiving the application.

It is worth noting that last year, schools from nine border communities in the Syunik, Tavush, and Gegharkunik regions received grants under this program for improving safety infrastructure, including renovations of shelters, construction of security walls, and other purposes. Each school received a maximum of 2 million 372,200 AMD to carry out the works.

Additionally, the 'Safe School' program was launched in 2019. For that year, 13,589,800 AMD was allocated from the state budget to improve safety conditions in six schools across the country.