Dalarik Children Full of Expectations for New High School

COAF Awards Contract for the Renovation of the School in Dalarik

Yerevan, Armenia, June 16, 2006 — Following town hall meetings with the community and continuous discussions with the Coordinating Committee elected by the Dalarik community, COAF signed a bi-lateral agreement with the local Municipality delineating the cooperative arrangements for the reconstruction of the Dalarik School. Subsequently, through a transparent and competitive procurement process, COAF awarded the reconstruction contract to Epal LLC, a construction company based in Hrazdan.

In the words of Dr. Garo H. Armen, COAF Founder and Chairman, “the stakes are higher than ever before. Without our immediate intervention, this generation of young Armenians may forever lose the opportunity to pursue the best in themselves.” Ensuring a better quality of life continues to be at the heart of all activities pursued by COAF as part of its integrated rural development program. Pargev Saghatelyan, the Mayor of Dalarik, emphasized the importance of providing the children of Dalarik a better environment with improved sanitation and education.

This reconstruction project takes into account the additional needs that arise from the 12-grade system approved by the Ministry of Education for implementation in the next school year. The renovated school will accommodate 630 children in an improved environment, access to indoor lavatories with running water and central heating system. This COAF initiative also includes complete refurnishing and site development. The project is fully funded by COAF and is planned for completion by the New Year.

Procurement of the building design and reconstruction of other school and kindergarten projects within the COAF Model Cluster is in progress and will include public structures in Argina, Lernagog, Myasnikyan, and Shenik. Complementing reconstruction projects, COAF is realizing other infrastructure and economic development projects, together with health care, social and educational development activities that aim at building the capacity of rural communities for sustained growth and economic vitality.

Epal LLC, founded in 2003, is presently managed by Eduard Hovsepyan. Among its recent achievements in the field of infrastructure development are a series of renovations of high schools in various regions of Armenia, construction of heating systems, and design and construction of private homes. The company has a skillful and experienced staff and is equipped with necessary machinery and equipment to carry out its work effectively.

CONTACTS: Sunny Uberoi, (212) 994-8206; or e-mail info@coafkids.org