Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisan School
Education has long been an important aspect of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). In Yerevan, Armenia, the Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisian School is truly a jewel of our education program.
On May 24, 1999, with the encouragement of the Ministry of Education, the AMAA took over and reopened a closed Kindergarten located in one of the poorest districts known as “Bangladesh.” The Avedisian family generously donated funds to establish this school in memory of their parents, Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian, after whom the School was named.
Each year, another grade was added. The School has now grown to approximately 300 students in grades K through 7 from the initial 75 students. Besides the standard subjects approved by the Ministry of Education, the curriculum is enriched with Bible study, Armenian and foreign language lessons, and arts and crafts. The children in Kindergarten and First grade are also provided with meals. Indeed, the children have so much fun they often make their parents wait until they are finished playing at the day’s end.
Because of the School’s stellar reputation of tuition-free quality education, there is a very long waiting list of applicants desiring to register their children at the school. The School is blessed with well-qualified, dedicated teachers and administrators. In 2004, the Principal received the “Best Principal” (in all Armenia) award from the Ministry of Education. Grades 4 through 7 twice received first prize in the Russian Literature interschool competitions.
There are also many extra-curricular activities and special events, which are well-varied and keep the children interested. Activities include Choral, Drama, Dance, Chess, and Karate groups as well as field trips to culturally and spiritually significant venues and special holiday programs. The Dance, Chess, and Karate groups compete in interschool competitions.
The time spent at The Avedisian School allows the children to forget about their family difficulties for a while, and encourages them to have rich imaginations. They are provided with an unmatched quality of education, as well as material and spiritual provisions. The School is much more than just a school. It has revitalized a community, providing an inspired hope where before there was none. The Avedisian School provides a shining example of what is possible with the Lord’s guidance.