This week, the fourth wing of the Ounjian School finally opened, completing an 11-year renovation and restoration process that has brought an educational institution back to life.
For more than a decade, New York benefactor Doctor John Ounjian has worked with FAR to rebuild Gyumri Secondary School #21, which was completely destroyed by the devastating 1988 earthquake. The school has since been renamed after Dr. Ounjian’s parents Armenak and Yeghisabet Ounjian. Over the years, Dr. Ounjian has visited the school several times a year to familiarize himself with its needs and to help plan for the future. Also, since 2002, more than 100 students have received the Ounjian scholarship from the doctor’s personal foundation.
Construction has brought this school back to life piece by piece. The latest wing is comprised of six new standard classrooms and six extra large classrooms, which will be used for a library, a language lab, a computer room, as well as a gymnasium.
Many distinguished guests attended the new wing’s May 24 grand opening, including Prime Minister Tigan Sargsyan, Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan, Shirak Governor Ashot Giziryan, Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, Simon Balian, president of the Ounjian Foundation, FAR Country Director Bagrat Sargsyan, and others.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ounjian and congratulated all ceremony participants on the opening of the school’s new wing. FAR Press Secretary and Master of Ceremony Levon Lachikyan announced the medal given by the Prime Minister to Dr. Ounjian. That evening, Armenian President Serj Sargsyan arrived to personally welcome Dr. Ounjian.
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