Within the framework of the “Promotion of the French Language in Armenia” program implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and the Embassy of the Republic of France in the Republic of Armenia, the awarding of certificates to French language teacher trainers took place today at Yerevan Hakob Karapentz Primary School No. 6.
The certificates were awarded by the Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Armenia, Olivier Decotigny. The event was also attended by Deputy Ministers of Education, Culture, and Sports Artur Martirosyan and Araxia Svajyan, Director of the KZNAK Foundation Jeanne Harutyunyan, and representatives of the Ministry and the Embassy.
Welcoming those present, Jeanne Andreasyan highlighted the importance of summarizing the interim results of this program, implemented in cooperation with the Embassy of France, emphasizing that institutional foundations for promoting the French language have been established in Armenia.
“I am convinced that the system that we are forming together will become one of the most important tools for the continuous development and expansion of the French language. We already have 24 trainers who play a key role in developing French teaching skills and will continue their important mission, providing teachers with ample opportunities for professional growth and continuous improvement,” the Minister noted.
He was pleased to note that the number of schools offering in-depth French-language training has expanded within the program’s framework and emphasized that work in this direction will continue.
“I also attach particular importance to the fact that cooperation is planned in the next stage of the program in the development of French textbooks. We also plan to provide trainers with opportunities to pursue further education and professional development. I am confident that joint efforts will play an important role in the development of the Francophone environment in Armenia,” noted Zhanna Andreasyan, recalling that in 2027 Armenia will host the 10th Francophonie Sports and Cultural Games.
The Minister thanked the French Embassy in Armenia and the program participants for their efforts and joint work.
Ambassador Olivier Decotigny also welcomed the participants, reaffirming that teaching French in Armenia is a strategic choice.
“There are more than 80 countries and numerous French-speaking communities in the world. In the context of Francophonie, Armenia plays an important and active role and is a full member of the International Organization of Francophonie. In 2018, Armenia hosted the Francophonie Summit, and in 2027, it is planned to hold the sports games,” the ambassador noted, highlighting the importance of joint initiatives.
According to him, over the past two years, cooperation between Armenia and France in the field of education has become more systematic and substantive.
“We already have tangible achievements. The number of students enrolled in the intensive French language program has increased by about 50 percent in recent years. At the same time, educational mobility visits to France have significantly multiplied, both for teachers and students,” he emphasized.
According to the ambassador, one of the program’s significant results is the presence of specialists training French teachers in Armenia, which effectively ensures the formation of a national network of trainers. “This network will ensure the continuity of the program, making it available in different regions and communities,” concluded Olivier Decotigny, expressing gratitude for the efforts made.
The “Promotion of the French Language in Armenia” program was implemented within the framework of the memorandum signed between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and the Embassy of the Republic of France in the Republic of Armenia, by the French operator “France Education International” in collaboration with the National Center for Educational Development and Innovation.
