SHORT SUMMARY

In a rapidly changing world, it is more essential than ever to shape the future with our own hands. Today, amid uncertainty and global challenges, it is crucial for the new generation to have the opportunity to take initiative, identify problems, and propose solutions. The program also envisions elevating the social role of the teacher, recognizing that a teacher is not only an educator but also an initiator who creates new opportunities for themselves and their students.

The "Sebastatsiner" Educational Foundation is a true guarantee of this opportunity. Thanks to the Foundation's sustainable and purpose-driven work, students can participate in grant programs through which they will not only develop their thinking and analytical skills but also enhance their leadership, project design, and collaboration abilities.

The goal of the program is to contribute to the formation of a generation that, equipped with education, initiative, and social responsibility, is ready to respond to the most complex challenges of the 21st century.

IMPACT

The campaign is scheduled to launch in June 2025.

Every month, events, workshops, meetings, and open forums will be held, aimed at promoting educational projects and revealing the potential of youth.

Impact on Beneficiaries

Students:

They will have the opportunity to bring their projects to life with the Foundation’s grant support. By the end of the campaign, at least 30 students are expected to be involved in projects that will help them develop initiative, teamwork, leadership, and research skills.

Teachers and community members:

They will serve as mentors for initiatives and be involved in a mutual support network, fostering collaboration between the school and the community. Some programs will be implemented by teachers together with their students.

Impact on the Educational Sector

• The role of the student as an active agent, project designer, and decision-maker is strengthened in the educational culture, while teachers gain opportunities for development, initiation, and building new connections.
• New approaches are introduced into public education, based on initiative, real-world problem solving, and collaboration.
• Practical projects are developed that can serve as models for other educational institutions.
• In the long term, the campaign will become a platform where students play an active role in the development of their communities—bringing education out of the classroom and into real life.

PROBLEM

Today, there are several key challenges within the educational system and school environment that hinder the full development of students and teachers as initiative-taking, collaborative, and problem-solving individuals. In particular:

Lack of student initiative:

Students often lack practical platforms where they can express their ideas, show initiative, and engage in real projects.

Absence of teacher training and mentoring culture:

Teachers often lack the methodological support needed to become facilitators of student initiatives and educational mentors.

Gap between education and real life:

Many students struggle to connect the knowledge they acquire in school with real-life and community problems, which leads to a decrease in motivation toward learning.

To address these challenges, the program offers a practical, participatory, and continuous approach that encourages active involvement of both students and teachers in educational and community life.

SOLUTION

This educational initiative uses innovative approaches, participatory methods, and results-oriented programs to address the following challenges:

Challenge 1: Lack of student initiative

Solution:

• Grant competitions for students to present their ideas, implement projects, and solve community problems.
• Introduction of project-based learning methodologies that connect education with real-world issues.
• Creation of platforms for students to present and showcase their projects through exhibitions, festivals, and public discussions.

Challenge 2: Absence of teacher mentorship

Solution:

• Teacher training programs on project-based learning, mentorship, and guidance methods.
• Engagement of teachers as mentors in student projects and formation of collaborative teams.
• Opportunity for teachers to also submit educational projects and receive grant support.

Challenge 3: The gap between education and real life

Solution:

• Projects sponsored by the Foundation will focus on identifying and solving community problems, promoting students’ social responsibility.
• Collaboration with community institutions to provide hands-on experience and create real impact.
• Public exhibitions, discussions, and fieldwork that bring the educational process out of the school building and into life.

Implementation Phases

Preparation Phase (June 2025):

• Launch of an informational campaign to involve the community and stakeholders
• Definition of grant directions and criteria
• Training of teachers and mentors

Project Submission and Selection (July 2025):

• Submission of projects by students and teachers
• Expert evaluation of projects and announcement of selected teams

Project Implementation (August–November 2025):

• Support for implementation of projects (material, methodological, and advisory support)
• Regular meetings and mentorship
• Interim evaluation of results

Final Presentation and Summary (December 2025):

• Final presentation of projects in public forums (exhibition, festival, seminar)
• Collection of feedback and preparation of summary report
• Planning for the continuation of the best projects

Methods

• Project-based learning
• Mentorship and group support
• Hands-on work with community engagement
• Reflective learning – students assess outcomes and conduct reviews
• Seminars, workshops, and public meetings

Required Resources

Human Resources

• Project management team
• Teacher-mentors
• External experts/lecturers (as needed)

Financial and Material Resources

• Grant fund for projects
• Materials, equipment, technology (depending on project type)
• Printing services, design, promotional materials
• Transportation and organizational costs

Infrastructure

• Classrooms, studios, laboratories
• Computers, internet, visualization tools
• Venues for conferences and public events

TEAM

• Elya Sahakyan – Director of "Sebastatsiner" Educational Foundation, Development Specialist at "Mkhitar Sebastatsi" Educational Complex
• Lena Nalbandyan – Graphic design teacher and team coordinator at the Educational Complex
• Ani Gyozalyan – Accountant of "Sebastatsiner" Educational Foundation
• Ashot Bleyan – Founder of the "Sebastatsiner" Educational Foundation and "Mkhitar Sebastatsi" Educational Complex
• Susan Markosyan – Director of "Mkhitar Sebastatsi" Educational Complex

Board of Trustees of the "Sebastatsiner" Educational Foundation

• Gevorg Hakobyan – Chair
• Izabella Khanzratyan – Sebastatsi alumna
• Lilit Bleyan – Sebastatsi alumna
• Artur Shahnazaryan – Komitas expert
• Ruben Khachatryan – Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets
• Ashot Gabrielyan – Coordinator of the Teach for Armenia Foundation’s Emergency Education Program
• Vigen Avetis – Sculptor

BUDGET

FAQ

Q1: How can I participate in the program or campaign?

A: To participate, you need to fill out an application and send it to our team within the specified deadlines.

Q2: What are the criteria for selecting grant recipients?

A: Grant recipients are selected based on the innovation, practical applicability, and effectiveness of their proposed projects.

Q3: How can I follow the progress of the program?

A: The program’s progress will be shared on the Foundation’s official website and social media pages, along with regular updates for participants.

Q4: Where can I get additional information?

A: For more information, you can contact our main representative via email or phone.