PRESS RELEASE:
Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Avenida de: 
Berna 45-A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact: Vera Cunha
Telephone: (351) 21 782 3658
Web: gulbenkian.pt:
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GALUST KULPENKEAN FOUNDATION WILL STAND AN ARROW TO TEACHERS IN LEBANON 
UPGRADE PROGRAM
The Armenian branch of Galust Kulpenkean Foundation in Lebanon for teaching 
initiated a new requalification program. American University in Lebanon 
In partnership with (LAU), the Foundation stands firm in Armenian schools 
to the special requalification program for teachers teaching in Armenian. In 2019, the Foundation planned a comprehensive strategy for Lebanon 
developed, focusing on schools, educational development and Armenian language 
strengthening. One of the important components of that strategy is teachers 
the need for a special program aimed at encouraging innovation 
pedagogical approaches and critical thinking. The application was prepared for the education department of the American University of Lebanon 
by and will include a two-year course, theoretical and 
with practical components. Among the subjects to be taught, the following can be noted: 
teaching methods, pedagogical theory, child psychology, 
special education and evaluation of the learning process. The program also includes: 
an extensive application section that will encourage teachers to 
apply the new science inside the classrooms. "It is not enough to praise the teachers for their heroic work," says Razmik 
Panosian, director of the Armenian department. "They need the necessary skills and 
to acquire pedagogical knowledge in order to involve the students in their order: 
keeping pace with the pedagogic requirements of the 21st century". And he adds: "The program of the American University of Lebanon is a decisive step in that direction. By developing their ability to teach Armenian to future generations, 
teachers should encourage students to think in Western Armenian, 
communicate, discover their talent and create." The requalification program will start in the fall of 2021. It should be free, but 
the number of planned participants is limited. Interested teachers are needed 
apply directly to the American University of Lebanon. Those who successfully complete the process 
they will receive a corresponding certificate from the university. At the end of the course, a booklet for teachers will be published in Armenian 
and English languages. This teacher retraining program is coming to Lebanon 
It is one of the main components of the foundation's contribution to other initiatives 
next to it. The foundation also provided material allowance and computer 
tools directly to schools, awards encouraging innovative culture in Armenian, 
humanitarian assistance, special education assistance, university 
scholarships, pedagogical or linguistic initiatives 
appropriations. For more information on this program and other initiatives 
visit this website 
  and subscribe to our newsletter. --
 Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Supports Armenian Teacher Development Program 
in Lebanon:
The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has: 
initiated a new teacher development program in Lebanon. Partnering with the: 
Department of Education at the Lebanese American University (LAU), the: 
Foundation is supporting the custom-made In-Service Teacher Development 
Program for teachers in Armenian schools who teach in Armenian 
language. The Foundation developed in 2019 a comprehensive strategy specifically for: 
Lebanon, focusing on schools, educational programs and the Armenian language. One of the important elements of the strategy is the need for a targeted 
program for teachers to encourage innovative educational approaches and: 
promote critical thinking. Designed and to be delivered by LAU’s Department of Education, this innovative 
programme is a two-year course that will incorporate theoretical and practical 
components. Topics will include curriculum and instructional design, educational 
theories, child psychology, special education and assessment of student 
learning. A strong practical segment will encourage teachers to apply the 
knowledge and skills developed during the coursework within the contexts of 
their classrooms. “We must go beyond praising the heroic work of teachers; we must provide them 
with the necessary tools, the pedagogical knowledge and the skills needed to 
engage with students in the 21st century,” said Razmik Panossian, the Director 
of the Armenian Communities Department. He added, “The LAU programme is a 
crucial step in this direction. By developing further expertise in the 
transmission of the Armenian language to future generations, teachers will 
enable students to think, communicate, discover and create in Western Armenian.”
The development programme will start in the fall semester of 2021. It will be 
free of charge, but with a limited number of places. Interested teachers must 
submit an application directly to the LAU. Participants will receive a 
certificate from LAU after successfully completing the programme. At the 
conclusion of the project, a teaching manual will also be published, in Armenian 
and in English. The In-Service Teacher Development Programme at the LAU is a major component of 
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s engagement with the Armenian community in 
Lebanon. Other initiatives include direct school support and the provision of IT 
equipment, grants for creative culture in Armenian, humanitarian aid, support to 
special education, university scholarships and funding for various other 
education or language related initiatives. For more information about this programme and other initiatives visit the 
website 
  and subscribe to the newsletter.