Armenian students opposed to abolition of monthly stipends

PanARMENIAN.Net - At November 17 conference RA education minister Armen Ashotyan said that the ministry of education intends to cancel the monthly student stipend, amounting 5000 AMD since 1990's. According to him, this amount will go to introduction of student loans to become available for a wide range of students.



PanARMENIAN.Net reporter asked students of the major educational institution of the country - Yerevan State University (YSU) to comment on this decision.



"Students' stipend in 5000 AMD does not cover even the most basic costs a student has, although virtually it is designed exactly for that purpose. But in any case, the stipend is meant to encouraging students, no matter the size of the sum. The stipend became a part of traditional life of a student. Besides, stipend is not a loan for students, it is monthly donation, and turning it to a credit program will not be equivalent for students. I am against the abolition of grants, because they are the first own money of the student, and if it does not cover anything, better make sure to turn it into stipends, that will be equal to minimal cost of transport and meal, " Ani Papoyan, YSU student said.



The Minister of Education and Science of Armenia Armen Ashotyan promised a program with mechanisms to provide students with loans. However, the promise is not yet assuring in the future productivity of the program. A monthly stipend has just become a tradition for all students, and it serves as a motovation to advance academically.