Open Education Launches ‘English for Kids’ Program in Goris

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GORIS, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is excited to announce that the University’s Open Education (Open EDU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on January 19, 2021, with Partnership and Teaching (P&T) NGO. The MoU establishes collaboration of the parties in launching a children’s English educational program in Goris. The MoU sets forth the terms and conditions of cooperation between the parties, their respective roles and commitments for the joint implementation of the “English for Kids” Program. The MoU provides the right platform for complementing Open EDU’s experience and educational, professional, and methodological prowess with the appropriate learning environment that P&T NGO will avail.

Starting from February 1, 2021, children of Goris and Artsakh ages 5-8 will have the opportunity to enroll in the “English for Kids” program taught by qualified instructors in modern and specially equipped facilities. Enrollment will be free of charge for the children of families from Artsakh that have taken refuge in Goris.

The children have expressed interest and excitement in the launch of this program, some even looking forward to visiting the AUA main campus some day. Giving these children the opportunity to access quality AUA Open Education English classes right at their doorstep at the Barekam Center in Goris is a great advantage. 

“I see so much enthusiasm and love for learning in the kids from Artsakh that are now in Goris and the surrounding villages. We owe it to them to nurture that curiosity and give them the best opportunities. This is one of the key roles of Open Education at AUA,” comments director of AUA Open Education, Loucine Hayes.

P&T NGO, with support from Save the Children International and in partnership with the Goris Municipality founded Barekam: Family, Children and Youth Development Community Center in Goris in December 2020. The center is attended by children and youth ages 5-18, including children with special needs. The aim of the center is to fill children’s days with exciting activities that contribute to their development. The center offers a suitable learning environment that best integrates the children and youth from Artsakh with those from the local Goris community through interactive activities and development games. 

Since January 20, 2021, the Barekam Center has enrolled over 150 participants. P&T NGO values this joint program as extremely important for uplifting the children in the post-war period by providing them with a constructive and integrated didactic environment that will develop their soft skills and help them learn English. The center also sponsors an educational program for parents to help them improve parenting skills. 

The center is well equipped with computer and audio equipment, thanks to the support of organizations and individuals. Aside from learning and developing new skills, the children and parents attending the center have access to a psychologist, social worker, and social pedagogue.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.