The American University of Armenia (AUA) and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) have launched a collaborative initiative to help reignite the workforce in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

AGBU and AUA issued the announcement on Wednesday, April 3 during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Stepanakert School #3, attended by Karabakh Speaker of Parliament Ashot Ghulian, Karabakh Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan and other government officials.

Following the ceremony, AUA hosted two open house events at the school, introducing its graduate, undergraduate and extension programs to the local community.

While in Stepanakert, the AUA and AGBU delegation also visited Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan, a strong proponent for developing Karabakh education system.

“We are fully aware of what the American University of Armenia brings to Karabakh and I can assure you that we will do everything to support you fully,” said President Sahakyan. “More importantly, we will express our thanks and appreciation through our advancement as a result of your work. I believe this will be the best measure of your success.”

To achieve this ambitious goal, AGBU has committed $575,000 over five-years to support a comprehensive Continuing Education Program (CEP) in Karabakh through AUA Extension. CEP will offer six levels of English language instruction and 4 certification tracks in Strategic Management, Executive Leadership, Public Policy Planning & Administration, and Tourism & Hospitality Management.

“Education is key to sparking economic growth and AUA is excited to be working with AGBU to deploy a curriculum that helps create educational opportunities that translate into university degrees or prosperous careers in Karabakh, Armenia or the world,” said AUA President Bruce Boghosian. “Through CEP, AUA Extension will provide quality, continuing education opportunities in Karabakh that enhance career paths, promote higher education, and contribute to sustainable economic development.”

AUA Extension will begin offering its CEP courses at Stepanakert School #3 while AGBU builds a new cultural, educational and artistic complex to house this and other programs.

President Sahakyan noted AGBU as an organization that is an integral part of NKR, and it was foreseeable that AGBU would initiate such a program.

After the completion of the construction, the new AGBU NKR Campus will offer a wide range of programs for youth and adults, including training in the creative arts, media, and Internet technologies. These classes will be available to high school and college students, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and government officials.

Through the campus, CEP will offer university test preparatory courses, seminars in management, public speaking, and computer software, as well as workshops on career development, resume writing and interview skills, AGBU press service reported.