The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) announces the launch of Im Armenia [My Armenia], a new travel app that takes children on a virtual journey through Yerevan and its surroundings. Im Armenia is the first travel guide to introduce children to the sites of Armenia in a fun and interactive way.
Im Armenia teaches basic vocabulary words in Eastern Armenian, offers easy-to-navigate maps and colorful graphics of some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, including Holy Etchmiadzin, Matenadaran, Sardarapat, Cascade and many more. Users can take their own pictures, select photos from the gallery and write their thoughts in a journal at each location.
The app can be used by children of all ages to prepare them for their trip to Armenia, to keep them engaged on their trip and to spark curiosity about the country. “We just took our kids to Armenia for the first time and they loved using Im Armenia! They loved setting up their profile and reading about each site before getting there. It was fun and exciting for them to find some of the hidden symbols at each site,” said Maria Stepanian, a mother of children ages 11 and 14.
Designed for both iPhone and iPad, Im Armenia is available for download through the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices. The app is currently available in English and plans are in the works to develop versions in French, Spanish and other languages of the diaspora. “This beautifully illustrated app offers many ways to learn about Yerevan. We have plans to expand outside of the city and into the diverse regions of Armenia with future versions,” said Natalie Gabrelian, Director of Scholarships and Alternative Education at AGBU.
Im Armenia is part of AGBU Education Innovation, a series of quality Armenian e-products for children, parents and teachers that strives to make educational apps, e-books and online language courses readily available to all. Earlier this year, AGBU Education Innovation released Exploring Yerevan: A Look Inside the City’s Past & Present, the second in its series of interactive e-books by the Armenian Virtual College (AVC).
The pioneering multimedia e-book series is designed to offer historical, social and demographic information to readers interested in visiting Yerevan or learning about the city. The e-book offers a variety of information, ranging from city tours and hikes to cultural and social events. Videos, interactive maps, virtual visits, picture galleries, 3D and panoramic images and puzzles are used to introduce readers to the city and its surrounding areas.
“With a groundbreaking presentation and a fresh wave of information, the Exploring Yerevan e-book is a perfect resource for anyone who wants to make the most out of their visit to Yerevan and learn about one of the oldest cities in the world. I am sure this book will acquire a broad readership and will contribute to making Yerevan one of the best touristic destinations in the world,” said Dr. Yervant Zorian, AVC founder and president.
The English version of the e-book will be accompanied by Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, Russian, French, Spanish and Turkish translations. Exploring Yerevan is preceded by the first AGBU AVC e-book, The Armenian Highland, released in 2014. Both books are available for free download and online browsing on computers and mobile devices through the Apple iBook store, the AVC website and AGBU online bookstore.