As part of her working visit to Shirak region, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan visited Akhuryan Youth Centre.

The Youth Centre has been operating since June 2025. It was founded in cooperation with the ESCS Ministry, Akhuryan community and the “Pando” NGO.

Zhanna Andreasyan got acquainted with the activities of the Youth Centre, talked with the students and youth attending it. She familiarized herself with the activities of the Youth Centre, talked with attending students and young people. The Centre currently has over 50 beneficiaries from Akhuryan and neighbouring communities. The participants actively participate in various educational, cultural and joint initiatives, showing great interest in the proposed programs and sharing their ideas. They told the Minister about the preferred forms of engagement and discussions, emphasizing that the Centre has become a space not only for training, but also for building friendships and acquiring new skills.

Zhanna Andreasyan expressed confidence that an accessible educational, social and participatory environment will make a significant contribution to the skill-building, leadership and civic engagement of young people in the community. According to her, the youth Centre should also become a platform promoting the civic engagement of young people, organize intellectual entertainment, and contribute to raising awareness.

The Minister inquired to what extent the Centre’s environment and facilities ensure adequate inclusivity. During the tour of the Centre, it was noted that accessibility issues had been addressed: a vertical electric lift has been installed, enabling individuals with mobility impairments to fully access the Centre’s services.

The centre has guest lounges, an event hall, a game room, a dining area, and a library with a reading room. The students actively participate in various educational programs, film screenings, tea parties and thematic discussions, often with the participation of invited speakers. Open days are also organized regularly, during which parents and other interested parties get acquainted with the Centre's activities and services.

The Minister was informed that the Centre operates in three main directions: Digital Youthwork, Rural Youthwork, and Mental Health. These directions were chosen following the needs of the youth. The Centre operates based on the methodology of youth leadership, where young people themselves determine the content of their programs and events.

The ESCS Minister also emphasized the significance of cooperation with high schools to present the Centre's main programs and scope of activity, as well as non-formal educational opportunities to students.

The Youth Centre is located in the former building of Akhuryan Municipal Services Department, which was provided by the Municipality for free use. The fully renovated Centre covers an area of 230 square meters: it will serve 35 neighbouring settlements and is designed for around 300 young people.