When Lilit was establishing the very first Language School in Berd city of picturesque Tavush province, little did she anticipate the overwhelming popularity and demand it would soon garner among the locals. In a short span, enrollment surged, attracting a diverse range of students, from 7-year-olds to individuals aged 61 and beyond, with numbers growing from 10 to 40, all eager to partake in the extra classes offered by the visionary 26-year-old, Lilit Melkumyan.
This all started during COVID-19 pandemic, when Lilit, freshly graduated from Yerevan Brusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences, found herself at a crossroads, wishing to embark on her professional journey.
Originally from Berd, Lilit had a strong desire to kickstart a community-focused project in her hometown. When the pandemic hit, she came back to Berd and, driven by her passion, reached out to FAR to make her dream of starting an English Language School a reality and received support through the FAR’s Breaking the Cycle of Poverty project (BCPP).
Lilit candidly shares that the inception of the language school was a childhood dream. "I always aspired to become an English translator. Learning was akin to a cherished hobby for me. However, my ultimate ambition was to pursue teaching as a career and establish an English language center to enrich my community," she says.
Employing innovative teaching methodologies, Lilit ensures that her students remain thoroughly engaged. From lively discussions and interactive group activities to thought-provoking quizzes and immersive English movie screenings, her classes are a testament to her dedication to keeping learning dynamic and enjoyable. "I used to dream about walking into the school, feeling a warm sense of joy. Everyone was smiling and cheering, eager to learn and speak English. Here, it's not just about language; we also exercise our brains, especially with our senior students," she notes with a hint of pride.
“It's never too late to learn languages or new skills, and my students are living proof. They are the ones who inspire me every day. I feel empowered and resilient, and I hope to instill the same in my students,” she concludes.
Since 2013, FAR has been steadfast in supporting border communities in the Berd, and recently - Ijevan and Noyemberyan regions through the BCPP that is made possible by support from the Mardigian Family Foundation. To contribute towards empowering more women and driving change in Armenia's border communities, please donate to FAR today!
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