WorldView School Association Launched: Building an Important Platform for Innovative and Value-driven Educational Collaboration

On May 17, 2025, the WorldView School Association was officially launched. Sixty public schools from Yerevan and various regions of Armenia signed the Founding Declaration, affirming their commitment to a collaborative path focused on school empowerment and mutual support.

The idea for the Association was initiated by Artur Tashchyan, Principal of Abovyan School No. 2, who hosted the Visual Armenia Foundation and dozens of fellow school principals for the founding event. The ceremony began with the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia, performed by the school’s children’s choir. In his opening remarks, Mr. Tashchyan stated: “Dear colleagues, like many meaningful initiatives, this conference once felt nearly impossible. But Visual Armenia answered our call, and today we are here—laying the groundwork for a vital new platform of cooperation. The Association will encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience, nurture a culture of mentorship, and support joint efforts—from program development to festivals, camps, and conferences. Let us move forward with shared purpose and values. I wish us all a successful journey.”

Hovhannes Ghazaryan, Director of the Visual Armenia Foundation and creator of the WorldView educational platform, emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in the public education ecosystem: “From the beginning, Visual Armenia has developed programs through sincere dialogue with schools. As a result, our educational resources are now used in nearly 1,000 schools across Armenia, transforming how teaching and learning happen. Today marks a pivotal moment—we are taking a step forward together, deepening our collaboration, and putting our knowledge and experience in service of one another and of all public schools. I firmly believe that schools are a strategic pillar of national strength, and accelerating their development is our shared agenda and responsibility.”

Lilit Mkrtchyan, Deputy Director of National Center for Education Development and Innovation Foundation, also spoke, underscoring the significance of a public school leading such an initiative:“I see that most of the principals here today are women, and the fact that you’ve put aside your personal obligations on a Saturday to be here says a great deal. A school’s quality begins with its principal—when the principal is dedicated, the school flourishes. I know that among the country’s 1,400 principals, you are the driving force—those with the vision and ability to lead others. I wish this new initiative great momentum and success.”

During the event, participants engaged with the WorldView educational platform under the guidance of trainer Haykanush Ghevondyan. They also heard an inspiring story from Nina Ghuloyan, Principal of Gavar High School, titled “The Story of a Smart Board.” Her presentation highlighted how the introduction of WorldView and modern educational technologies served as a catalyst for the school’s transformation—ultimately leading to its near-complete renovation.

After the official program, guests gathered to celebrate the opening of the school’s new WorldView classroom—a vibrant, modern space at the heart of the school. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an open layout, it exemplifies a 21st-century learning environment, fully equipped with a smart board, the WorldView platform, and the latest educational technologies.

The event was marked by a warm and collegial atmosphere. Founding members shared ideas over coffee, exchanged contacts, joined a private coordination group, and concluded the day with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony in the schoolyard to mark the Association’s founding. The day closed with a mutual agreement: the next meeting will take the form of a roundtable for hands-on planning and action.

From this point on, the WorldView School Association will serve as a dynamic platform for meaningful collaboration—bringing together all schools that have joined the Foundation’s programs and signed the Declaration. It will foster ongoing partnerships, promote the exchange of knowledge and experience, and support joint initiatives—contributing to the advancement of public education and the resilience of the national education system.