In just a few months, the more than 250 talented students and teachers at the State Art College of Dilijan will be able to enjoy a completely renovated facility.
Vice-Chairman of FAR’s Board of Directors Carl Bazarian and his wife, Linda, both of whom were in Armenia this fall to celebrate FAR’s 30th anniversary, recently visited the college with other board members, benefactors, and supporters. The Bazarian family, who funded the renovation of the college’s music hall, received a warm, celebratory reception from teachers and students.
The rest of the renovations are sponsored by FAR’s generous benefactors, the Toufayan family.
The college has long been a regional hub for music education in Tavush Province, as it provides support for 15 other music schools in the region. Dilijan Music School started in 1945 and was established as a college in 1997 to also cater to students between the ages of 16 and 20. For decades the school had fallen into disrepair. The full-scale renovation and refurbishment program will enable floors, walls and windows to all are replaced, repaired or upgraded. It is set to be completed by the end of the year.
“This project symbolizes the continuing commitment of FAR for the youngest generation. All of my friends and colleagues of the board have been very generous to Armenia. We love the opportunity to work for our brothers and sisters in building this region,” said Mr. Bazarian, who highlighted the importance of such programs in the lives of Armenians, and this project’s particular importance in creating a learning environment for musically gifted youth.
Governor of Tavush Province Hayk Chobanyan, Head of the State Art College Hasmik Mkrtumyan, teachers and parents thanked the FAR board and donors for their contribution toward the province’s development through various projects and programs.
Apart from renovations, FAR has also donated 37 musical instruments (pianos, violins, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, drums, duduks, pipes) to the school, which provides two levels of musical education: a seven-year program that offers after-school lessons to children ages 7 to 15; and a four-year vocational curriculum for the music school graduates, ages 16 to 20, who choose to major in music and become teachers in the future.
FAR also supports Dilijan’s students by covering transportation costs and providing stipends to those who are eligible.