April 2, 2013 - 15:03 AMT
AGBU initiates new long-term project in Artsakh

In October 2012, a new educational and cultural initiative by Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) was announced by Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) President Bako Sahakyan and AGBU President Berge Setrakian.

Today, plans are already underway for the development of AGBU cultural, educational and artistic complex in Stepanakert - the AGBU NKR Campus. The initiative will provide new and innovative opportunities to the scholastically diverse urban and rural communities throughout NKR. The center will serve students of all ages, MPs, government officials, and offer courses in English language improvement, preparatory classes for university entrance exams, and creative and media technologies (animation, video game design, web development and more). In addition, classes in music, management, tourism development and more will be offered.

"AGBU is pleased to announce the latest AGBU program in Nagorno Karabakh. We are convinced that education and culture are key factors in the development of any nation. The AGBU NKR Campus will become a hub of learning activity that will provide people of all ages in Nagorno Karabakh with new opportunities,” Mr Setrakian said.

To realize this ambitious initiative, AGBU signed an agreement with the American University of Armenia (AUA) in February, to develop a Continuing Education Program (CEP), through its Extension Program. This program will launch in April 2013 at a temporary location while the AGBU NKR Campus is being built in Stepanakert and it is expected to serve several hundred students. AGBU has committed to supporting the CEP in the amount of $575,000, over the course of five years, AGBU press service reported.