The re-launch of the “Help me read” program with the support of the “Hovnanyan Family Foundation”

In December 2022 we re-launched our Help Me Read project for 10 more schools in Lori region, Armenia. This is our core project, which aims to develop capacity for quality foundational reading provision for disadvantaged readers by supporting partner schools and Republican Pedagogical Psychological Center’s local and national staff.

In our induction meeting with school principals and vice principals, primary teachers and middle school Armenian teachers, teaching assistants, and RPPC local staff from Vanadzor and Alaverdi we had focus group discussions to analyze the issue of fundamental literacy, challenges, opportunities, and resources available to solve the issue. In addition, all engaged stakeholders reflected on their leadership as community leaders of literacy.

 ‘We have been so immersed in all issues related to foundational learning on a day-to-day basis, that it has been hard to recognize it as a core issue on its own, that needs special attention and action’, mentioned Mrs. Mesrobyan, the principal of Arjut village in Lori.

Aghasi Tovmasyan, the principal of Basic School N21 in Vanadzor, emphasized the significance of holding high expectations from all children regardless of their social status or family background. Meanwhile, he manifested the formation of a new professional learning community centered around teaching and learning, that has tremendous potential for becoming the driving force of positive change in education.

Help Me Read was partially funded by the Hovnanian Family Foundation during this period. The project is implemented in close partnership with the Republic of Armenia Republican Pedagogical Psychological Center (RPPC) and directly engages their local staff in training and support in Lori.