MERSEILLES–Marseilles City Council provided a 7400 square meter land for 99 years–for the construction of a new building. Jemaran–a unique Armenian bilingual institution in Europe–which was established 21 years ago in a modest building with only four students–now enrolls over 250 students.
During his interview to the Azdak newspaper–Suren Sarkisian–chairman of the fundraising committee for the Jemaran–discussed the upcoming construction works. Sarkisian mentioned that the current 10 class–three-story building with offices and a kitchen will not be enough to accommodate all 250 students.
The construction will begin in August right after the architectural works are completed. The construction requires a total budget of 25 million French fran’s ($3.5 million)–with $2.5 million still to be acquired–which is expected by late 2002.
Several years ago during his first visit to Marseilles–the late Karekin I consecrated the Jemaran–which was supported by both Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram I.
