Headed by the RA Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Karen Trchunyan, the model of the “Armenia Civics for Engagement" program, implemented by the "Project Harmony" Inc. Armenia Office and funded by the US Agency for International Development, was discussed.

The program plans to establish the project model in 7 HEIs of RA, the objective of which is to enhance the level of civic education and engagement of youth in public life by ensuring corresponding opportunities and promoting enabling environment.

Welcoming the participants, Deputy Minister Karen Trchunyan noted that the main purpose of the meeting is to understand what impact the program may have on university processes, how and by what mechanisms the universities will ensure the continuity of the program.

“Each university has its own peculiarities, so individual approaches should be developed to avoid further issues. Universities, as beneficiaries, should clearly realize the expediency of the program, identify those target groups - students, the youth of the community and school children, with whom the activities will be carried out, and completely shape the frame of the final outcome,” noted the Deputy Minister highlighting the importance of the participation of the heads of the universities in the discussion.

Head of the “Armenia Civics for Engagement" program Mariam Martirosyan, presenting the main components and objectives of the program, stressed that the core activity of the center operating within the university is the creation of a responsible, active and conscious citizen and his engagement in public processes.

“Various events are planned to be held in the centers, the thematic components of which will contribute to the implementation of the goals provided for by the concept of positive youth development. The program has two components: formal education and improving the enabling environment for youth civic engagement. The second component of the program is aimed at implementing informal educational programs for youth over the age of 18. This component envisages the organization of summer schools, annual expo-competitions and other events for the youth. The program will also cooperate with all state, private and public organizations. Even after the end, it is assumed that the center should continue to operate in the university and serve the university and its main ideology,” stated Mariam Martirosyan.

The heads of the universities participating in the discussion, including regional ones, gave a positive assessment of the program aimed at enhancing the quality of civic education, as well as the idea of creating centers at universities.

During the meeting, a reference was made to the organizational, legal and administrative-economic parts of the program being implemented in universities.