Republican Party of Armenia

 Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan traveled today to Tavush Marz on a working visit to get acquainted with construction programs of the Dilijan international school and the training center of the Ministry of Finance.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan, Minister of Finance Gagik Khachatryan, Deputy Minister-Chief of Government Staff Gurgen Dumanyan, Governor of Tavush Marz Hovik Abovyan, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Manuk Mkrtchyan, other officials.

The head of government first from the post traced the progress of construction work of the Dilijan international school, then went on a building site, bypassed the already-built building. School Director John Padfut presented gave detailed information about the already completed and further work. In a briefing to reporters, the Prime Minister noted the importance of the activities of the international school, saying: “Government will possibly contribute to this program, and we will support any such initiative. Once again I want to thank the sponsors, the organizers and all participants.”

The Dilijan international school is a charity project with a total investment cost of about 190 million U.S. dollars, which was supported by the Government: on June 19, 2013, the National Assembly approved a bill on granting of tax and customs privileges within the framework of the Dilijan international school program by the Government.

The programme will be implemented in two phases: 110 million dollars of United States (end of building-31.07.2014) and 80 million dollars of the United States (completion-31.07.2017, 2002). The building employs about 800 people: 60 administrative employees and 740-directly in civil construction work, as well as more than 20 local organizations. Area educational complex is 88 hectares near the Dilijan National Park.

The program also aims at improving the socio-economic situation in Tavush Marz, helping to reduce unemployment, implement social programs, develop tourism and modernize infrastructure in Dilijan and ensure sustainable environmental development.

The College will accept the first 16-18 years old students in August, 2014. It is planned that the number of pupils in the year 2023 may reach a maximum of 650 people. Tuition is USD30,000, but 90 per cent of the students will study for free thanks to scholarships provided by private donors.

Operating costs will amount to more than USD10 million annually, there will be about 110 permanent jobs (82 teachers, about 30 administrative staff). In addition to educational and housing buildings, the complex has an indoor swimming pool, sports fields, performing arts centers, design, technology, and medicine.

From October 2013, the Dilijan international school is a member of the educational network of world colleges (United World Colleges-UWC) and has the name of UWC Dilijan (one of the 14 colleges). This year the UWC can host 17 RA citizens: 10-at the international school of Dilijan, UWC 7-at colleges in other countries.

The school receives accreditation for training according to the educational programs of Cambridge IGCSE for 14-16 year olds and IB Diploma courses for 16-19 year olds that will provide an opportunity to continue their studies at leading universities around the world. The language of instruction is English, and for the citizens of Armenian nationality will be required for teaching subjects.

In 2015, the Dilijan training center of the Ministry of finance will begin its activities, under construction at the rest home Union of Cinematographers of the USSR. The Prime Minister visited the construction site of the Center to get familiar with the completed activities. The Premier asked the Minister of Finance about current and further steps.

The reconstruction of this facility is expected to result in a training center relevant to international criteria. There will be programs for retraining, improvement of professional knowledge and skills of the staff of the Ministry of finance, exchange of experience, as well as regional and international conferences.

The exterior and the façade of the complex will be changed. The new complex will have sport grounds, children’s centers, facilities for conferences and meetings, a swimming pool, a cinema hall, restaurant, underground parking.