Free Language Education for All in Ghukasavan Village

“I used to understand English, but I found it difficult to speak. I was ashamed to do it. But now, I want to speak in English because I can.”
– Armenuhi Matevosyan, program participant

 

This powerful statement captures the essence of the “Free Language Education for All” initiative, implemented by Armenia Corps Development Initiative in partnership with ESL volunteer Karen Aroian and the Ghukasavan village administration.

The program delivered free English classes to youth and women in Ghukasavan, aiming to enhance socio-economic opportunity, personal empowerment, and community resilience through language education.

Through Ms. Aroian’s strengths-based teaching approach, students gained more than English proficiency—they overcame personal insecurities and discovered the confidence to speak out, dream bigger, and imagine new futures.

On July 25, 2024, stakeholders, including guests from the International Women’s Association of Yerevan (IWAY), gathered for the project’s culmination. Students demonstrated their progress with presentations in English, sharing aspirations and offering heartfelt thanks to Ms. Aroian for her dedication.

Speeches by village head Qristine Hayrapetyan and Ms. Aroian underscored the project’s significance in promoting both personal and professional development in rural Armenia.

The event concluded with a certificate ceremony led by ArmeniaCorps founder Hayasa Tahmazyan, who also acknowledged Karen Aroian for her exceptional voluntary work, Qristine Martirosyan for coordination and quality assurance, Narine Hambarchyan, director of Innovation & Technology School, for hosting the classes, and Qristine Hayrapetyan for community support.

By enabling access to language education, the program contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably those related to Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)—all rooted in an asset-based, sustainable livelihoods approach that recognizes and builds on local strengths.