33 Teachers Joined the WorldView Mentorship Community

On March 28, the Visual Armenia Foundation hosted the closing ceremony of the WorldView Mentorship Scholarship 2024, a professional development program designed to empower educators. As a result, 33 teachers from various regions of Armenia became part of the ever-growing WorldView mentor community.

Our mentors, immersed in the joyous and emotional atmosphere of a graduation, were joined by distinguished guests from the National Center for Education Development and Innovation (NCEDI) Foundation, the KAZA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation, the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), Ameriabank, as well as like-minded partners, journalists, and dedicated professionals from the education sector.

Hovhannes Ghazaryan, Executive Director of the Visual Armenia Foundation and the Founder of the WorldView educational platform, addressed the audience, emphasizing the critical role of forming a community of leader educators. He highlighted that these educators are at the forefront of transforming the education system. The program’s 53 graduates from the 2023–2024 cohort have already shared their acquired knowledge with over 2,000 teachers in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Hovhannes Ghazaryan expressed his gratitude to the main sponsor of the Foundation, the President of Manoogian Simone Foundation, philanthropist Christine Simone, who is not only a caring and direct participant in the activities of the Foundation, but also has contributed to the conception and development of specific programs and in fact it was her idea to develop the mentorship scholarship program.

Recognizing the complexity and scale of national educational challenges, he stressed the importance of partnerships and collective efforts to address these issues efficiently and effectively, he appreciated the presence of partners at the graduation ceremony.

Lilit Mkrtchyan, Deputy Director of the NCEDI Foundation reaffirmed the role of independent educational organizations in driving meaningful change: “Without institutions like Visual Armenia, which bring fresh air into the system, reforms and achievements would be impossible. Yes, such organizations and initiatives can and do influence the national agenda. I am proud to have supported this program ideologically and to witness how far this team has come under the leadership of Hovhannes Ghazaryan.”

In a video address, Seda Kocharyan, the trainer of the Program, an international education expert based in Germany, and a dedicated advocate for advancing education in Armenia, extended her heartfelt greetings and appreciation. In her speech, she likened WorldView to the transformative contributions of pivotal historical and cultural figures such as Movses Khorenatsi, Mesrop Mashtots, and Khachatur Abovyan, emphasizing its profound impact on the future of education: “Dear mentors, you bear great responsibility, but I have no doubt that you will succeed. Your hard work and dedication are proof of that. Through Visual Armenia, we will bring the transformative change we all aspire to. I sincerely thank the Foundation and its leadership for undertaking this noble mission.”

Following the speeches, graduates were awarded certificates recognizing their successful completion of the WorldView Mentorship Scholarship, their selection as scholarship recipients, and their qualification as mentor teachers within the WorldView educational program.

The event also featured special recognitions. Amalya Zolyan, a history teacher from Gavar High School, received the WorldView medal for her outstanding contribution in promoting the WorldView Platform, as well as for her dedication to fostering a strong pedagogical culture. Zolyan shared her thoughts on behalf of the graduating mentors: “The key to any great idea’s success lies in its thoughtful design and dedicated execution. How can we characterize the Foundation’s short but promising and productive journey? It is driven by commitment, clear in its goals, teacher-centered in its approach, human-centered and nation-focused in its philosophy. We are continually amazed by the strategic vision behind its efforts and the tactical solutions that address real educational needs in our country.”

A surprise awaited the attendees when Harutyun Baghdasaryan, a dance instructor and the husband of mentor Arpenik Ghazaryan, invited everyone to join in the traditional Karno Kochari dance, adding a lively touch to the celebration.

The formal proceedings concluded with a roundtable discussion where each participant had two minutes to reflect on their experience with the mentorship program and offer suggestions for improvement. Many mentors noted how the program had significantly enhanced their professional skills, provided them with a wealth of new knowledge and tools, and boosted their confidence. Some compared the training to university-level education.

Lilit Mayilyan, a history teacher from Abovyan Secondary School No. 2, remarked: “I consider my certificate equivalent to a university diploma.”

Anush Mikaelyan, a history teacher from Gyumri’s Shirak State Pedagogical University High School, added: “Mastering WorldView has become a professional hallmark.”

Meanwhile, Anahit Arakelyan, from Gyumri Secondary School No. 28, humorously noted: “At last, we truly understand the purpose of a lesson.”
Mary Martirosyan, a history teacher from Kapan Secondary School No. 3, shared her perspective: “WorldView has been a game-changer in my remote lessons at Handi School, where I also teach just four students. My classes breathe through WorldView, from planning to execution. I am preparing to apply for a higher teaching qualification, and WorldView will be a core part of my application.”

The WorldView Mentorship Scholarship is a teacher empowerment initiative designed to foster continuous professional and leadership development. Through a rigorous six-month training program, selected educators refine their teaching methodologies and gain competencies aligned with 21st-century education standards.