Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture, Sports Arayik Harutyunyan stated at a July 19 press conference in Ijevan that he had issued a directive that public schools in the border villages of Tavush be outfitted as temporary shelters from Azerbaijani shelling.

Hetq talked to Nerkin Karmiraghbyur village school Director Naira Papyan on the matter.

The school principal welcomed the minister's visit, saying that in this way the ministry was showing its support for the border communities.

Papyan told Hetq that her school has two shelters, one of which needs improvement. Harutyunyan issued orders that it be repaired in time for the fall semester.

 "The minister was concerned about whether we could ensure the safety of the children, both because of the epidemic and the shootings, to resume classes on September 1. The minister was concerned about this issue, he wanted to see with his own eyes, to understand whether we can ensure the safety of children or not. I noticed the great desire of the minister to reopen the schools on September 1,” said Papyan

She emphasized that everyone in the community is united, there is no panic, and no one plans to leave the community.

Papyan then added, with a smile, that people in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur, regardless of age or gender, are studying the types of Azerbaijani drones shot down by the Armenian military. She said that the school is engaged in various educational programs, trying to do all it can so that the children get a better education and become skilled professionals.

"I want there to be many children along our border. It is true, we are proud of our army, but children and families must live behind the soldiers. That is how the border will be strengthened. Imagine the mental state of the soldiers when they know that children live behind them," said Papyan.

She said that the school teaches children to grow up to become specialists in their chosen field and to then return to their place of birth.

"You want to become a good doctor, do so, but start working here.  Don’t take up residence in the city. Bring the city to the village. Don’t take the village to the city. Everyone here is a struggler. There’s no one sitting with folded hands.”

Papyan said that a good team of teachers has gathered in the community. They cooperate with the Teach Armenia program. There are teachers from Yerevan, and Vanadzor who do their best to provide the community with quality education.

"When they know that they will work in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur, they refuse to work in better places. They come and work here with pleasure. Let me give you an example. Seven teachers came from Berd in one car, without any complaint.” Papyan said.

Photo from Naira Papyan's Facebook page