At least one year of preschool education should become mandatory: Zhanna Andreasian
In recent times, there has been increased attention to kindergartens in Armenia. According to the government’s decision, by 2026, it is planned to build, renovate, and reconstruct 500 kindergartens. According to Zhanna Andreasian, work has already been completed in 195 kindergartens.
During a panel discussion organized as part of the presentation of the World Bank’s report titled “Public Finance Review II (PFR II), Improving the Effectiveness of Fiscal and Budgetary Policy,” Zhanna Andreasian also spoke about new programs. She announced that at least one year of preschool education should become mandatory, and steps are already being developed in this direction. This means that before entering school, children will have to attend kindergarten for at least one year.
A strong emphasis is being placed on the development of preschool education worldwide, as all research shows that the earlier we start a child’s education, the better the results we achieve in later stages. This is a very important priority for the government, which is also enshrined in Armenia’s state program for the development of education until 2030, – stated Andreasian.
However, there is a lack of schools in several border villages of Armenia. This is due to the fact that there are few children in these areas. As a result, a pilot program has also been developed. According to this program, funding will be allocated based on the number of children, allowing individuals to organize the service on their own initiative, following certain criteria.