Armenian State Pedagogical University after Khachatur Abovyan has successfully implemented a government-initiated program “Survey on Soldiers’ Educational Needs
Assessments and Implementation of Programs in RA AF Military Units.”
For three months in a row, the lecturer-professorial team of the Pedagogical University, as well as PhD and MA degree students lectured soldiers in military units of Ararat and Noubarashen on a voluntary basis.
The program aimed at preparing soldiers for continuing studies at Armenian universities, primary and secondary vocational educational institutions through a number of subjects.
Tatevik Asryan, who works at the Faculty of Foreign Languages of the Pedagogical University, joined the program from the very beginning. She says in the past her visions about the army and servicemen were restricted. On the first days of teaching, she had serious concerns: she feared lest the lessons might be ineffective and fail to yield the expected results.
All the fear has left her today. “I think we were able to fill the soldiers’ routine with our regular visits and reduce their terms of service. I am convinced that the knowledge, abilities and skills obtained during the three-month program will enable the soldiers to continue their studies in the educational institutions of their choice,” she said.
Private Andranik Papoyan, a native of Vanadzor city, is celebrating a double holiday today. The soldier, who has overcome numerous difficulties in the last two years and worthily fulfilled his duty to the Fatherland, is to be demobilized today. When Andranik was conscripted into the army, he could not even imagine that the idea to continue education and obtain a second profession [in the capital] would occur to him during the military service.
Private Vardan Baghdasaryan, who has already served 23 months in the military, will be discharged in a couple of days. Vardan, who only received secondary education, realized his desire to become a director after the launch of the program. He did not face any difficulty in choosing the university. His decision is firm and unchangeable: the Faculty of Culture at the Pedagogical University is the place where he will be able to master the skills of a director; the faculty will also put in him strong base for art.
Gagik Ghukasyan, a lieutenant colonel at the Noubarashen military unit, is delighted by the relations between soldiers, students and lecturers. He says our nation needs to get a good education, and the program greatly contributes to it.
Rita Gevorgyan, Head of the Strategic Development Department at the Pedagogical University, congratulated the soldiers
on the successful completion of the program.
“We can confidently say today that we have successfully implemented the program with join efforts. I am confident that the knowledge you received from our young pedagogues and deans of faculties will help enhance your future performance and progress. The Pedagogical University will be glad to celebrate the new academic year with you,” she said.
Seventy soldiers of the Noubarashen military unit, who were involved in the program, were granted certificates testifying to their participation in the program “Survey on Soldiers’ Educational Needs Assessments and Implementation of Programs in RA AF Military Units.” The leadership of the military unit had prepared a surprise for the Pedagogical University.
The participants of the program received diplomas for their contribution to training and education of the RA military personnel as well as for raising the educational level of soldiers.
The pilot program, which kicked off on March 10, proved to be a success.
