Parents’ Councils help improve quality of education for Gyumri’s students
A meeting recently organised by World Vision with members of Parents’ Councils from 6 schools in Gyumri, together with Education department representatives reflected the determination on both sides to ensure the best education for Gyumri’s children.
“Parents’ and Students’ Councils can have an input in quality education of Gyumri children. We have an aim to empower the Parents’ and Students’ Councils at all schools”, said Shaghik Maroukhyan, World Vision Armenia ADP Operations Manager.
“Our role is to manage and control the schooling issues. We expect that the parents will overcome psychological barriers and will discuss critical issues with us. Only two-sided open discussions can help the Education Department to propose improved structures and methodologies”, said the head of the Shirak Marz Education Department Sahak Minasyan.
“Absence of prolonged school hours, improper usage of natural science and computer labs, poor parents-student-teacher relationships, lack of books and teaching materials are issues in almost all schools”, said Taguhi Darbinyan, a mother of a second-grade student from #41 school in Gyumri.
World Vision had also arranged a meeting with students to learn about their concerns. The students indicated many of the same issues as their parents.
“According to the new system, the board appoints the school principle. Two out of six board members are parents. This is a serious authority provided by the government. Here the parents should be consistent and should advocate for the best candidates”, said the deputy head of Shirak Marz Education Department Vardan Aslanyan.
Mr. Minasyan assured that the Education Department will follow up these discussions and will propose solutions. It was also suggested to arrange a three-dimensional meeting where not only parents but also students will participate and will contribute to the formation of better school systems.
World Vision’s Gyumri ADP team will use the valuable feedback and information gained during the discussion in the planning of its programmes for the coming years.
“Parents’ and Students’ Councils can have an input in quality education of Gyumri children. We have an aim to empower the Parents’ and Students’ Councils at all schools”, said Shaghik Maroukhyan, World Vision Armenia ADP Operations Manager.
“Our role is to manage and control the schooling issues. We expect that the parents will overcome psychological barriers and will discuss critical issues with us. Only two-sided open discussions can help the Education Department to propose improved structures and methodologies”, said the head of the Shirak Marz Education Department Sahak Minasyan.
“Absence of prolonged school hours, improper usage of natural science and computer labs, poor parents-student-teacher relationships, lack of books and teaching materials are issues in almost all schools”, said Taguhi Darbinyan, a mother of a second-grade student from #41 school in Gyumri.
World Vision had also arranged a meeting with students to learn about their concerns. The students indicated many of the same issues as their parents.
“According to the new system, the board appoints the school principle. Two out of six board members are parents. This is a serious authority provided by the government. Here the parents should be consistent and should advocate for the best candidates”, said the deputy head of Shirak Marz Education Department Vardan Aslanyan.
Mr. Minasyan assured that the Education Department will follow up these discussions and will propose solutions. It was also suggested to arrange a three-dimensional meeting where not only parents but also students will participate and will contribute to the formation of better school systems.
World Vision’s Gyumri ADP team will use the valuable feedback and information gained during the discussion in the planning of its programmes for the coming years.
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