FAR Joins “Education Cannot Wait” Mission with UNICEF

For every child, childhood should feel like a fairy tale, a time of joyful moments, learning, and growing up in a safe and nurturing environment. For more than two decades, FAR has been dedicated to helping preserve that magic, working hand in hand with preschools across Armenia to create spaces that foster both education and well-being.

In partnership with UNICEF’s “Education Cannot Wait” mission, FAR is proud to have joined yet another impactful initiative focused on creating safe and inspiring spaces for young children. Recently, classrooms at Abovyan Kindergarten #9 and Artashat Kindergarten #4 were beautifully renovated, opening their doors to 80 more children each year giving them access to quality early childhood education. In addition, through our crowdfunding platform, AYO, we purchased 110 new bedding sets, including pillows, blankets, and mattresses for Artashat Kindergarten #4 through its Sleep Tight project.

“Preschool education is so important because it’s within these walls that children are nurtured, develop social skills, and take their first steps toward formal education,” said Margarit Piliposyan, FAR’s Executive Director of Operations, addressing the children her speech at the year-end performance. “Dear children, my wish for you is that as you leave kindergarten, move on to school, and journey through all stages of life, you carry the fairy tale within you. Let it be your companion. But also remember: study hard, work diligently, and keep building that fairy tale for yourselves and for your own children one day. Thank you to everyone for this wonderful collaboration. Together, we achieved what we set out to do, giving children the chance to enjoy a happy childhood, learn, and grow.”

This project came to life thanks to the combined efforts of UNICEF, FAR, the “Step by Step” Benevolent Foundation, and local municipalities, under UNICEF’s broader goal to expand inclusive early learning opportunities for refugee and host community children alike.

“This initiative goes beyond infrastructure-it’s about inclusion and giving every child the opportunity to access early learning,” said Silvia Mestroni, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Armenia. “Research shows that children who attend preschool are more likely to perform better academically and socially later on. Early childhood education is a right that should be guaranteed for every child. Investing in it benefits children, families, and society as a whole.”

To support these new learning spaces, 230 educators and caregivers have received training in inclusive teaching methods, positive parenting, psychological first aid, and emergency preparedness, ensuring that every classroom is a place where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.