1 / 30

In 2022, the National Assembly adopted the State Programme for the Development of Education of the Republic of Armenia until 2030. The main objective of that strategic document is to ensure quality and internationally competitive, accessible education for every citizen: the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan said at the RA extraordinary sitting on April 19. It should be noted that since the previous day, Parliament has been debating the report on the implementation process and results of the Government programme of the Republic of Armenia (2021-2026) for 2022.

For the purpose of knowing the homeland, a new subject my homeland and me was introduced in schools. The Minister mentioned that we have around 25,000 immovable monuments of culture in Armenia, 7 out of which are registered in UNESCO. According to Zhanna Andreasyan, most citizens do not know their homeland properly, but knowing their homeland is an important prerequisite for patriotism.

Only last year, 1 million 78,000 people visited the museums of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports which is about 15% more than the visits of 2021.

From May 1 of this year, children up to 12 years old will have free admission to the above-mentioned museums, children over 12 years old and students will visit museums at half price. Privileges will also apply to other social groups.

In the financial year, a record 1 billion 284 million AMD was allocated for the purpose of improving the infrastructure of theaters and concert halls. In 2021, that number was 300 million AMD.

In order to popularize sports, access to sports infrastructures has been highlighted. Now 12 sports schools and sports organizations are under construction.

According to the Minister, in the financial year, the amount of awards to athletes has also increased.

In September 2022, the 6th Starmus international science and art festival was held in Armenia, which was attended by more than 100,000 people, including 7 Nobel Prize winners.

Around 200 scientific, educational and cultural events took place within the framework of the festival with the participation of famous scientists.

According to the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, in order to make being engaged in science attractive, the programme of gradual salary increase of researchers has been launched. Efforts are being made to suplement the field with young scientists.

The funding of the science sector in 2023 compared to 2018 increased by about 2.5 times or by 150%.

Touching upon the renovation works of schools and kindergartens, Zhanna Andreasyan stated that last year, renovation works were completed in 24 schools and 46 kindergartens. Currently, works are underway in 165 schools and 125 kindergartens. They will be commissioned with fully equipped new property.

Overall, it is planned to have 150 educational complexes in the republic, 40 out of which will be in Syunik region. It is designed to have 2 smart centers in Syunik together with Children of Armenia Fund.

Work is underway to equip schools with laboratories. The Minister also referred to the process of voluntary certification of teachers, noting its effectiveness.

Reforms have begun in the field of higher education. Preparations are already underway for the creation of an academic city.

The Minister also responded to the deputies’ various questions.