Armenian-Chinese Friendship School was Launched in Yerevan
2018-08-22
Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Arayik Harutyunyan, the RA Minister of Education and Science, Tian Erlong, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Armenia, Ambassadors Accredited to Armenia, representatives of education sector, school directors, specialists and numerous guests attended the opening of the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School in Yerevan. Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the launch of this school opens a new chapter of Armenian-Chinese friendship. Nikol Pashinyan announced, “There is a very well-known proverb: As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being. Knowledge of Chinese, especially in this case, gives the opportunity to learn tremendous information and a huge layer of history of humanity and civilization. And I hope that this school may become the canal through which the Armenians will learn more about the tremendous impact China and Chinese civilization had on the development of mankind. The Armenian nation, too, comes from the depths of millennia and, indeed, I see a huge historic significance in the fact that the state flags of Armenia and China are waving side by side. This testifies to the unique mission of our peoples in mankind’s history. What brings our nations and peoples closer to each other? If we look at the map, we can see that our countries are far from each other, even as seen from the perspective of today’s ever-shrinking world’s logic. We are close by strategic thinking, as modern thinking, strategic thinking in the modern world can evidence that Armenia and China have many common interests, and many of these interests are of strategic importance. I am pleased to note that since the early days of independence the Armenian-Chinese relations have developed in a positive atmosphere and the launch of the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School should symbolize the opening of a new, more effective and closer and friendlier chapter of our relations. Also, I would like to thank the Chinese government, the Chinese people, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China for fostering such a positive atmosphere in our relations. Buses bearing Chinese flags are running in the streets of our Republic, ambulance cars with Chinese flags are rushing to help people in need of ambulance service. Our people highly appreciate this support.
As for the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School, its existence fully fits into the vision of our government, since we see Armenia as a highly intellectual society where the command of 2-3 foreign languages is a common thing. It is my pleasure to state that the presence of Chinese language in Armenia is not only a matter of civilization, but also an economic necessity, because we can see more and more Chinese tourists coming to our country every year and now, and in this new era, we witness increased interest for Armenia among the Chinese businessmen and investors.
Therefore, I consider that the launch of this school stands out as the embodiment of our shared optimism for the future of Armenia, Armenian-Chinese relations, our region and the world. So, long live the Armenian-Chinese relations! Long live the People’s Republic of China! Long live the Republic of Armenia! Long live knowledge and schooling!”
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Armenia Tian Erlong mentioned in his speech that this is a memorable day in the history of Armenian-Chinese bilateral relations. The construction of the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School with China’s gratuitous support has been completed successfully: a modern school has opened in Yerevan.
“My colleagues and I visited the construction site many times and could see Chinese specialists work night and day as if it was their own home. They sought to erect a pledge of friendship and a bridge of love for the friendly Armenian people,” he said, thanking all involved parties for their fruitful efforts.
Tian Erlong emphasized, “Prime Minister Pashinyan’s presence in the solemn opening ceremony of the school demonstrates Armenian Government’s great attention to the development of education and the Armenian-Chinese cooperation. I am hopeful that the School will become an emblem for the Armenian-Chinese traditional friendship, as well as home to Armenian specialists of Chinese language and all the advocates of Armenian-Chinese friendship.’
Following the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister toured the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School to get acquainted with the amenities and the classrooms’ equipment. Nikol Pashinyan and Tian Erlong signed and exchanged Opening Ceremony Honorary Guest Certificates.
Armenia’s general academic programs shall be implemented at the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School. Intended for 405 pupils, the institution will have 27 college-model classes phased out in 5-12 grades. All academic disciplines will be taught in Armenian. 3 classes a week shall be reserved for advanced teaching of Chinese language. Chinese teachers will be invited from the PRC, and the prescribed 450 textbooks will be provided with the support of the Chinese side.
This Armenian-Chinese unique project’s total cost is over USD 12 million, including construction and furnishing. Located at Sarkavag-14 Street of Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district in Yerevan, the new-built school will extend on an area of 14,000 square meters. The total area of educational buildings (classrooms, labs, hostel and gymnasium) is 8000 square meters. The School will have laboratories, language study rooms, a library, computer auditoriums, a dance hall, a cultural center, a gym, etc.
Armenian-Chinese Friendship School will also have a Chinese Museum.
Following the solemn opening ceremony, Arayik Harutyunyan, the RA Minister of Education and Science, mentioned that the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School had a larger number of applicants than the prescribed places were. Taking into account that the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School has legal status, the school admission procedure will be set by the Board of Trustees. The first session of the board will follow the opening of the school, after which official information will be given on the admission conditions and requirements. Arayik Harutyunyan added, "I urge parents to apply to other Chinese-language schools if their children are not admitted to this school. At present, there are 6 schools in Armenia where Chinese language courses are organized.”
