Children of Armavir District Learn the A,B,Cs

Bryusov Linguistic University and Children of Armenia Fund Complete English Language Pilot Program in the Model Cluster

Armavir District, Republic of Armenia, August 24, 2006 — The Cultural Center of Dalarik village became the venue for a lively performance by the students of the English Language Summer School. Launched in July 2006, this pilot program of teaching English as a Second Language intended to provide basic knowledge of the English language to children aged six to eight. Eighty-eight children from Argina, Dalarik, Karakert, Lernagog, Myasnikyan, and Shenik, in Armavir District participated in the project. The program was developed and sponsored by Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) and implemented by a group of young tutors from the Bryusov Linguistic University.

During the one-month program, children in one of Armenia’s most disadvantaged rural areas gained basic knowledge of English: the alphabet, songs and poems, colors, numbers, and a rich vocabulary of fruits, vegetables, and animals.

Parents and community members believe the project was very successful and should be continued. The young tutors were acknowledged for their superb performance in teaching and working with children. The teachers had successfully applied modern teaching methods and psychological approaches in working with their young audience. This fact was witnessed by the enthusiasm the children showed during the performance and words of appreciation addressed to the young teachers and COAF staff.

At the closing of the event, children were presented certificates of completion. As one of the parents noted, “We hope that these first certificates in the lives of our children will open to them a new era of opportunities allowing them to flourish as educated citizens of Armenia.”

COAF will evaluate the completed pilot project and offer English courses again in the fall of 2006, expanding the program based on high public demand and positive results thus far.

COAF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that seeks to reverse the impoverished conditions affecting significant numbers of Armenia’s children by revitalizing Armenia’s villages and implementing projects that provide immediate and sustainable benefits to children and youth.

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