The 405 Educational Alliance Development Foundation on March 12 officially announced the launch of its activities, reaffirming its commitment to uniting efforts and fostering systemic collaboration among public organizations for the advancement of education in Armenia.
This unique collaborative platform began taking shape in December 2022 as part of the “Civil Initiative for the Right to Education,” responding to violations of the educational rights of numerous children due to the blockade of Artsakh. In July 2024, the initiative was institutionalized, gaining legal status.
The alliance brings together leading experts in the field, both in Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, with the mission of ensuring fair and equal access to high-quality, value-based, and holistic education. Its key priorities include the full realization of the right to education, the development and implementation of a competitive and innovative Armenian educational model and fostering cooperation between local and international educational institutions. Additionally, the alliance seeks to enhance public oversight of the education sector and raise awareness of educational processes.
The co-founding organizations of 405 Educational Alliance include: “Armenian Educational Foundation,” “Ayb” Educational Foundation, “Armenian Missionary Association of America,” “Teach For Armenia Educational Foundation,” “Simonian Educational Foundation” (TUMO Center for Creative Technologies), “Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology,” “Armenian General Benevolent Union” Armenia.
The launch event was attended by representatives of the Armenian government, local and international organizations, as well as leading figures and experts from the educational community.
“We consider the “405 Educational Alliance” unprecedented because it has successfully brought together organizations and individuals with a strong dedication to education on a single platform. This is a call for collective responsibility – one that we extend to ourselves and everyone involved. True to its strategic mission, the alliance aims to contribute meaningful proposals to influence state educational policy and ensure public oversight in decision-making processes,” said Shamam Gevorgyan, Executive Director of the “405 Educational Alliance,” while presenting the organization’s strategic vision.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Suzanna Shamakhyan, emphasized: “The formation of this alliance stems from our shared responsibility for Armenia’s future. Education is the foundation of a strong society and state, and a long-term, innovative approach is essential for the development of our country and its education system. This is the core commitment of the alliance’s co-founders, and by uniting the educational community’s potential, we aim to drive lasting and meaningful change.”
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Araksia Svajyan highlighted the pressing need for expert discussions and counterbalancing arguments to enhance the effectiveness of educational policies and reforms. She underscored the significant potential of the newly formed alliance and expressed hope that, together, they could bring about real change in the education system.
The event concluded with a panel discussion, where the heads of the co-founding organizations reflected on the formation of the alliance and the ambitious shared goals that have united organizations with diverse backgrounds. These objectives extend beyond Armenia, encompassing the Armenian diaspora and serving a broader national mission.
The “405 Educational Alliance” remains open to partnerships and is ready to welcome new members and collaborators in implementing its strategic vision for the development of education in Armenia.
