Here comes the end of another wonderful school year, which was full of fun projects, educational trips, and collaborative-bridging activities. Below, I would like to summarize our year in two words (as difficult as it may seem), hoping that the coming one, and our last one, will be no less interesting and educational.

We started the year, or more specifically, the daily routine, no matter how interesting it sounds, not in September, but in July-August, within the framework of the “Mutk” camp. Irina Apoyan, our wonderful teacher, who was responsible for that stream, was involved in the organizational work. I also participated in those works of my own free will, motivated by interest and with great dedication. I hope that I was able to make my small contribution and teach and introduce newcomers to our beautiful educational environment and platform of wide opportunities.

The founder-principal of the EduComplex Ashot Bleyan is discussing with the newcomers.

In addition to the requirements of formal education, during the classes we had interesting discussions and debates, essays, research project presentations and exchanges of ideas and viewpoints with each other. The essays, which were largely chosen by the students themselves and at their own request, were unique, original, and all worthy of attention, as they raised important topics, from social to environmental, from cultural to political.

Below is a package of all my essays.

Strengthening the ties

The most recent essay (topic: Do you think creativity is something you are born with or something you build?) became the idea-direction of a new educational exchange, as we chose that very topic for online discussions with our Istanbul-Armenian compatriots. Undoubtedly, such a project, which, by the way, is rarely implemented in other state general education schools, opened great opportunities and doors in terms of understanding the opinions and positions of two public circles of the same homeland, supporting each other, establishing ties of mutual understanding and cooperation. We are grateful to Irina Apoyan for such an important initiative.

This question gave rise to a lively and thoughtful conversation, as students explored the nature of creativity from various cultural and personal viewpoints. Participants shared their insights on whether creativity is an inborn trait or a skill developed over time, and offered unique definitions based on their experiences and perspectives.

The New Project

Since April 2024, we have been discussing with Miss Irina what kind of project we could implement this year in the 11th grade. Inspired by the “Business and Advertising” and “Mock Trial” projects, we decided to hold an educational event in the political-diplomatic field this year. We chose a topic, appointed delegations headed by presidents or foreign ministers, developed and edited texts with our group, practiced for two whole months, and in November we recorded a wonderful result.

The conference consisted of three parts:

  • The countries present their countries’ problems related to the topic
  • Answer the questions prepared by the chairmen in a question-and-answer format
  • Decision-making phase

“Collaboration is an important component of every successful process, which is the basis of project-based learning. The “UN Mock Session” project had been in my mind since last year, but the students had not yet had the desire to implement it. As a specialist in that field, I approached social scientist, historian Armen Voskanyan and the idea was approved. During the September project week, the positive feedback from the students encouraged us and we, along with the 11th graders, came together around the project.” — Irina Apoyan

Thus, we conclude our brief summary. This academic year, in my opinion, taught us all a very important principle: there is no success without cooperation.

In conclusion, I would also like to emphasize the role of a teacher as a leader and inspirer in building a strong society. Irina Apoyan is one of those unique teachers who rightfully bears the title of the best teacher, because without her support (I remember how we were discussing scenarios late at night), constant availability, reliability, trust, cooperation, motivation and inspiration we would not have achieved today’s results.

My life has certainly changed for the better since meeting Miss Irina. Expressing my deep gratitude to her, I wish that there were many caring, generous and helpful people like her in our world. Thank you for your attention.