17:50,
YEREVAN, AUGUST 25, ARMENPRESS. It has been a month since the "Generation AI" high school pilot project was launched and is being presented in various regions of Armenia engaged in this initiative. This program is developed by the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) and implemented in partnership with the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MoESCS) and field organizations. In pursuit of presenting program details and perspectives, the FAST's team visited the south of Armenia, Syunik region, to meet with teaching staff, parents, and students of Kapan High School N2. The Foundation also donated computers to the school to empower students with modern resources, enabling them to delve into the world of artificial intelligence and become proficient in its applications.
“The main goal of the "Generation AI" program is to nurture a generation of competitive AI specialists right from their school years. Recognizing Syunik's pivotal role in Armenia, the decision was made to modernize the school's computer infrastructure. This step is crucial in equipping students with the essential resources required for a superior education. With this, we encourage the involvement of different organizations in the process of supporting the schools and enhancing the schools' labs with new technologies", mentioned Suzanna Shamakhyan, Vice President of Strategic Programming at FAST. She highlighted the importance of consolidating the efforts of various ecosystem players to achieve systemic change in the country.
An interactive info session was held, during which beneficiaries were introduced about the program's components, benefits, and prospects of artificial intelligence, including its recent advancements and practical applications. The ceremonial opening of the newly outfitted computer lab occurred in participation with the director of Kapan High School N2, Rita Ovchyan, and Suzanna Shamakhyan. On that day, the students also had the opportunity to test their learning skills with one of the program's educational platforms for Python programming.
Sixteen high schools, from six different regions and Yerevan, will execute the “Generation AI” program beginning in September 2023. The program will involve at least 250 high school students and 40 educators in the 2023-2024 school year.
In the framework of the visit, Gevorg Parsyan, the mayor of Kapan, met the representatives of the Foundation, Suzanna Shamakhyan and Anush Ayvazyan. They discussed the details of the "Generation AI" program during which the Foundation team underscored the importance and readiness of combined efforts from various sectors to drive technological advancements and achieve substantial outcomes in the Kapan community.
As the Foundation's regional visits continue, the upcoming events will unfold in other cities, featuring interactions with industry professionals in Gyumri and Vanadzor. The momentum of the "Generation AI" program highlights a collaborative spirit aimed at propelling Armenia's educational and technological landscape forward.
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FAST was founded in 2017 by aiming to support Armenia's transformation into a science-driven, innovative country by 2041 through scientific discovery and innovation. To reach this milestone, FAST has designed and structured numerous programs and initiatives to become independent parts of the STI ecosystem, ensuring continuous sustainability. FAST has implemented 25 programs impacting more than 10,000 beneficiaries in the last six years.