An Exciting New Partnership with AUA
Original press release can be found here.
YEREVAN, Armenia – The American University of Armenia (AUA) and Goris-based Partnership and Teaching NGO (P&T NGO) have partnered to create opportunity for English-language school students in grades 7-12 all over Armenia.
In a five-year agreement, AUA has pledged to be the higher education sponsor of the National Poetry Recitation Contest (NPRC), an annual event run by P&T NGO. Contestants in the NPRC study, analyze, memorize and recite poetry in English. Hundreds of school students compete every year in regional contests, with 60 national finalists competing for 1st place. In 2018, the national finals will take place on Saturday, May 5 in Manoogian Hall at AUA in Yerevan.
“AUA is excited to support this national Olympiad for English-language students,” said Arina Zohrabian, Director of Admissions at AUA. “AUA is always looking to enroll high school graduates who are not only stellar students, but are engaged and active in extracurriculars such as the Poetry Recitation contest. Partnering with P&T NGO gives the University a chance to further develop relationships with Armenia’s rising generation. It will be great to see youth in action, and to work with them as they develop their English-language skills, capacity for critical thinking, and self-confidence in public speaking.”
AUA will host two of the NPRC’s ten regional contests in 2018. “We look forward to welcoming contestants from Lori and Shirak marzes to compete at our Extension facilities in Vanadzor and Gyumri,” said Sergey Tantushyan, Director of Extension Programs at AUA. Other regional contests will take place in Kapan, Goris, Sisian, Yeghegnadzor, Gavar, Hrazdan, Yerevan, and Artashat.
“AUA’s support of the NPRC allows us to ensure the contest is truly accessible to every English-speaking student in Armenia who chooses to take part,” said Artashes Torozyan, Executive Director of P&T NGO. “Transportation is the major challenge of running the competition as so many talented students come from small schools in remote villages. Financial and in-kind support from AUA over five years will be a game-changer. We look forward to growing the contest, and to supporting the development of ambitious English-language learners no matter where they live.”
Nane Baghdasarian is from a remote part of Syunik marz that borders Artsakh. This 2nd prize national finalist will compete again in 2018. “It is my dream to go to AUA and my dream to win first prize for 10th grade next spring,” said Nane. “It is so exciting to stand on the stage at AUA and to imagine my future there.”
Anahit Badalyan placed in last year’s national finals. Like Nane, she lives in Syunik marz. “Our mountains embrace us and usually make us feel safe and warm,” said Anahit, “but when I get on that big stage in Yerevan I feel self-confident and free. At AUA I can smell, taste, and see the future.”
About NPRC
Founded in 2010 in Hrazdan by a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, the National Poetry Recitation Contest is now in its eighth year and has grown to an annual event involving many hundreds of Armenian school students, grades 7-12 from every marz. Students compete in English in one of 10 regional contests that take place in late February/early March. Sixty national finalists will compete at AUA on Saturday May 5, 2018. The theme for 2018 will be revealed on December 11, 2017. Check www.nprcarmenia.com for details on how to enter. The National Poetry Recitation Contest is run by Partnership and Teaching NGO.
About AUA
The American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private institution of higher learning, offering a global education in Armenia.
Founded in 1991, AUA provides a high-quality graduate and undergraduate education that encourages civic engagement and promotes democratic values, fostering scholarship in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service to society.
AUA’s graduate program offers master’s degrees in nine fields of study: Business Administration, Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, Computer and Information Science, Political Science and International Affairs, Economics, Strategic Management, Public Health, Law, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. These programs are intended to develop critical analysis and depth of knowledge through advanced coursework, independent study, and research.
AUA’s undergraduate program offers bachelor’s degrees in English and Communications, Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, Business, and pending WSCUC approval, Data Science program starting Fall 2018. Through its undergraduate courses, the University offers students depth of knowledge for career preparation and further studies as well as breadth and a foundation of general knowledge and skills for lifelong learning. Study is in English.
AUA is affiliated with the University of California and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Partnership and Teaching NGO was founded in 2000 and is a local non-governmental organization with the mission of teaching and encouraging cooperation for the development of civil society.
P&T NGO supports the promotion of civil society in Armenia contributing to the development of the institutional capabilities of civil society organizations, educational institutions and local government. P&T NGO runs the National Poetry Recitation Contest.
P&T NGO is known as a leading service providing organization and has delivered services since 2003 through the P&T LCC. The organization has implemented many projects and services aimed at solving educational and community issues, establishing new educational methods, and developing strategies for the development of communities and community groups, including advocacy.
