Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Armenia’s Lori, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik provinces to inspect various development initiatives, both completed and in progress.
His first stop was the newly built Harutyun and Susan Mangoyan Secondary School in Debed. Pashinyan toured the facilities, funded with 780 million drams by the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), with furniture supplied by the government. The school has a capacity of 192 students, currently serving 114, and a government-funded gym is planned. Construction began in April 2024 and finished by September 1, 2025.
Pashinyan congratulated students and staff on the school’s opening and praised the Mangoyan family, COAF, and all contributors. He emphasized the need for new approaches to Armenia-Diaspora ties and promised a modern indoor gym for students.
He underscored the government’s “Study well to live well” message, arguing that aid alone does not improve lives—education does. “I’m convinced this school marks the beginning of a better life for Debet’s children,” he said.
Next, the PM visited Vanadzor Medical Center to view the new infectious disease ward, a 956 million dram project (214 million from the state budget). Construction ran from May 2023 to March 2025, with 99 million drams allocated for medical equipment.
He also stopped by Vanadzor’s School No. 8, currently undergoing a 245 million dram renovation, funded by the government. Completion is expected in October. The school is part of the “300 Schools by 2026” state program.
At Vanadzor’s School No. 9, full renovation and gym construction were completed with 364 million dram in state funding. It accommodates 183 students and is also included in the national education initiative.
In Kotayk, Pashinyan visited the newly built Hrazdan School No. 2, constructed under the Asian Development Bank’s seismic safety program with government co-financing. Costing about 1.912 billion drams, the school serves 432 students and was completed in August 2025.
The prime minister highlighted improved construction quality in educational infrastructure and urged students to appreciate the fact that schools are built using taxpayer money, stressing the importance of demanding receipts and developing civic responsibility.
“We envision Armenia as these schools: not flawless, never will be, but bright, full of life, with spirit and future,” Pashinyan said.
His visit continued to Hrazdan’s modular kindergarten for 144 children, now in its final construction phase, funded with 929 million drams from the state budget.
In Gegharkunik, he toured the newly built Jil Secondary School, a 1.397 billion dram project including a modular school and a 20-seat preschool. Construction began in 2021 and concluded in 2025.
Pashinyan urged students to feel empowered and free in their new school. “I want you to feel proud, free citizens here. Understand that every day you’re building your future.”
Referring to the slogan “The Future is Now,” he said it applies most to schools, where education shapes children's futures with 80% accuracy.
On poverty, Pashinyan stated that 80% of it is directly linked to the quality of education.
“Dear children, this is your space of talent. This is your home. Build your future here. These books, classrooms, and lessons—they are your key. I hope you find that key and open the door to a prosperous, happy, and free life,” he concluded.
