Iraq Armenian Community Works to Retain the Only Armenian Gymnasium

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Baghdad National United Gymnasium, founded in 1948 by uniting Tarkmanchats and Svachyan Gymnasiums, was nationalized by the ruling regime of Baas party in 1974. In 2003 a new law was adopted to restoring former national gymnasiums after the war and the collapse of the ruling regime. Taking the advantage of the law the Armenian community reopened the Gymnasium on October 15, 2004. Community pastor, archbishop Avag Asatryan assumed the leadership of the Gymnasium, which is only an elementary school now, where 171 pupils study. Besides subjects determined by the Government, Armenian, Foundations of Christian Faith and Music are taught there. There is also a computer calls with 31 computers in the Gymnasium.



The only Armenian Gymnasium in Iraq encounters many hardships. It is situated in the center of Baghdad, where terrorist acts are often. There are financial problems as well. Each pupil annually pays 100 thousand Iraqi dinars (some $70), including transport fare. Only few pupils are able to pay this sum. Meanwhile, some $350 is spent on each pupil and the cost is covered by the community. Its pastor and school leaders address Armenians worldwide, asking to contribute to preserving the Armenian Gymnasium in Iraq, reports Karabakh-online.