AGBU Press Office
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New York, NY 10022-1112
Website: www.agbu.org
PRESS RELEASE
Monday,
NEW OPPORTUNITIES INTRODUCED FOR FRANCOPHONES IN ARMENIA
AGBU CHAPTERS LAUNCH A NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND WRITING COMPETITION TO
ENCOURAGE ENHANCEMENT OF FRENCH-LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN ARMENIA
In the light of this year's Francophonie Summit held in Yerevan, AGBU Montreal
and AGBU France have launched new projects in an effort to support
French-speaking youth in Armenia, as well as promote French language and
culture. Every two years, the Francophonie Summit-the main decision-making body
of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF)-brings together
leaders and representatives of 84 member-states for a series of discussions.
For 48 years, OIF has actively advocated French language, linguistic diversity
and humanist values across the world.
On October 12, the final day of the Summit, AGBU Montreal and the Agence
universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), a global network of French-language
universities and research institutions, signed a framework agreement creating
new educational opportunities for Armenia's Francophone students. Each year,
four students from Armenia accepted to Quebec's French-language universities
will get scholarships to pursue their doctoral degrees. AUF will grant the
shortlisted candidates the exemption for tuition fees, while AGBU will oversee
the selection process, provide some financial assistance to these students and
facilitate their integration into the global Francophone community. The signing
ceremony was held at the AGBU Armenia Office, with Armenia's Minister of
Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as government and university
officials in attendance.
"This agreement creates better opportunities for Armenian students to pursue
higher education in French, thus targeting the objectives of OIF of spreading
French language around the world," said Rector of AUF Jean-Paul de Gaudemar.
Chairman of AGBU Montreal Chahé Tanachian noted that commitment to education is
at the core of AGBU's mission. "It is a special agreement that we signed with
AUF on the sidelines of the Francophonie Summit. Having students from Armenia
in French universities will enhance cooperation in the field of education
between Canada and Armenia and will make French language more popular in the
Armenian society," Tanachian said. "AGBU is also looking forward to more
closely working with Armenia's Ministry of Education to develop better
expertise and skills in areas needed today."
In an effort to promote French-Armenian connections and boost people's interest
in French language, AGBU France-in partnership with the French Embassy in
Armenia-announced the launch of a contest of short stories themed "Armenia of
My Dreams in 2050 AGBU France-in partnership with the French Embassy in
Armenia-announced the launch of a contest of short stories themed "Armenia of
My Dreams in 2050."
This contest is set to encourage the Francophones citizens of Armenia to
imagine a better future for their homeland given the recent revival of
democracy. "Taking advantage of this important moment, the Francophonie Summit
in Yerevan, AGBU France contributes to the promotion of French language in
Armenia through this contest. This contest is also a tribute to Charles
Aznavour who skillfully used this language,'' said President of AGBU France and
AGBU Europe Nadia Gortzounian. ''We hope that the contest's theme will inspire
many applicants."
The contest is open to the residents of Armenia who can submit their short
stories in French -up to three pages or 4,500 characters-through December 15.
Authors of the top three stories will receive monetary awards.
For more information about the contest, please visit
ugabfrance.org/2018/10/concours-recits/.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world's largest non-profit
organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational,
cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a
difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the
Armenian diaspora. Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal:
to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit
www.agbu.org.