Summary of the essay competition dedicated to International Education Day

International Education Day is celebrated worldwide on January 24, highlighting education as a fundamental value and a driving force for peace and development. The UNESCO Chair on “Education for Sustainable Development” at the Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia organized an essay competition.

📅 On April 13, the closing event of the competition took place, bringing together students, teachers, and parents from both Yerevan and various regions of Armenia.

📝 The theme of the competition was:
“What would I change in education if I were in charge of the education sector for one day?”
Within this framework, participants presented insightful and creative approaches to improving education.

🏆 The following nominations were awarded:

🔹 Tamar Margaryan (Artsvanik Secondary School, Syunik Region) – “Thoughtful Analyst” — for emphasizing the restoration of meaning in education and the importance of critical thinking

🔹 Ellada Petrosyan (Artsrun Khachatryan Secondary School of Tsovinar, Gegharkunik Region) – “Vision of a Sustainable Future” — for highlighting the priority of environmental education

🔹 Hasmik Movsisyan (School No. 197, Yerevan) – “Empathetic Approach” — for raising the importance of students’ psychological support

🔹 Mariam Movsisyan (School No. 197, Yerevan) – “Advocate of Practical Education” — for proposals on financial literacy and career guidance

🔹 Diana Sardaryan (Artsrun Khachatryan Secondary School of Tsovinar, Gegharkunik Region) – “Ambassador of Cooperation” — for emphasizing school-parent collaboration and the development of libraries

🔹 Mare Grigoryan (Khachatur Abovyan Basic School No. 2, Yerevan) – “Creative Reformer” — for viewing education as a platform for self-expression

🔹 Gurgen Sardaryan (Artsrun Khachatryan Secondary School of Tsovinar, Gegharkunik Region) – “Voice of Human-Centered Education” — for prioritizing student individuality and mental health

🔹 Sona Amirshadyan (Henrik Khachatryan School No. 199) – “Architect of Future Education” — for proposing innovative transformations in the education system

This competition once again demonstrated that the voices of students are essential in shaping the future of education.

Thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm, depth of thought, and commitment to bringing change.