Today a new classroom was officially opened in “Anatole France French Educational Complex” Foundation which was attended by the RA ESCS Minister Vahram Dumanyan, Secretary of State to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne and Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia Jonathan Lakota. The symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out by the Minister and the Secretary of State, after which the guests toured the school, got acquainted with the construction process in the educational institution, also talked with teachers, parents and pupils.

Welcoming the participants of the event, Minister Vahram Dumanyan noted that the opening of the classroom is really symbolic as a proof of strengthening of the Armenian-French friendship.

“As an educational-cultural training center, it will best contribute to the development of the French language in Armenia and increase the effectiveness of teaching French in public schools. Taking into account the specifics of French language teaching, I hope that in the medium and long term perspectives, the educational complex will also implement new program initiatives aimed at developing the capabilities of French language teachers in general education schools in Armenia. I am confident that our cooperation will be long-lasting and effective, and will also become the basis for new initiatives for the benefit of the development of our two States,” noted Vahram Dumanyan.

“I am very impressed and excited as I have witnessed the development of this school. Currently, the school has 200-250 students. In the near future, it may reach to 400-450. This is a symbolic program between Armenia and France, because thanks to the Armenian Government, we have this building," said Secretary of State to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne.

To the question of the guests why the students chose that educational complex, the pupils answered that they like the teaching approaches and the learning environment. According to one of the pupils, the educational complex integrates the Armenian and French educational systems, despite the differences and commonalities of the curriculum. According to the pupils, the school has, for example, hygiene and safety councils, through which their opinions impact on decision-making, which is encouraging. It was also mentioned that during the Artsakh War, the school hosted 13 Artsakh students free of charge, some of whom have already returned to their permanent place of residence.

After the meeting, the guests made a note in the Memory Book. "I am impressed by the rich traditions of the school, which is very important for any educational institution," Minister Vahram Dumanyan shared his impressions.

Note that the “French School after Anatole France” has been operating since 2007 and is the only institution licensed by the Ministry of National Education of France and is recognized by the interstate agreement between France and Armenia. Education at school is realized in accordance with the educational programs of the French Republic and its Charter. The implementation of educational programs (at the preschool and primary levels) is supervised by a special inspector under the license of the Ministry of Education of France, and in secondary and high schools - by the National Center for Remote Teaching, acting under the Ministry of Education of France.

In 2019, the “Anatole France French School” Foundation was renamed the “Anatole France French Educational Complex” Foundation. In 2020, by the RA Government Decree, the building of the former school №16 was allocated to the educational complex for free exploitation. Thus, the RA Government made its contribution to the Armenia-France relations, fulfilling its commitment to the Francophonie. In 2020, the educational complex was granted a license to carry out activities in the secondary general education program in the literary Armenian language. The school has 2 departments: French and Armenian. The French department provides a complete and comprehensive educational program for children and students aged 2-18. The students of the French department receive the internationally accepted diploma of Baccalaureate. Armenian Department provides High School curriculum.

Note that the exploitation of the building is scheduled for 2021.