ashakert.am website launched as new tool to address government

PanARMENIAN.Net - New school portal titled ashakert.am has been launched. It will enable school student councils and teachers to express their viewpoints on government decisions regarding education-related issues.

“Teachers and school children have their separate pages in the website and can participate in forum discussions or initiate new ones. They can also address state institutions. Up until now we have negotiated with Ombudsman’s office, Ministry of Education and Science and the National Assembly. Memorandum of understandings will further be concluded to enable each state institution to have persons in charge of responding children’s’ questions,” Narine Levonyan, who is responsible for the website, told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

According to her, the website aims to foster formation of student councils.

The website still undergoes a testing stage, with 30 schools from Armenian cities of Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor involved.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) allotted USD 60 000 for project implementation.

“The funds allocated were directed to implementing of information campaigns at schools, conducting trainings with students and teachers on website rules and regulations, besides the creating the site design,” Levonyan said.