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31
08, 2010
President Serzh Sargsyan talks to excellent students and schoolchildren
President Serzh Sargsyan hosted today in the Presidential Palace medal recipients for 2009-2010 academic year from Armenia’s secondary schools, students-laureates of international Olympiads and winners of Kangaroo math competition. After the award giving ceremony, the students and schoolchildren conversed with the President of Armenia on different issues.
The participants of the meeting asked the President what were new opportunities for the development of science and education in our country which would be helpful in achieving success at the international Olympiads. Noting that winning in the Olympiads is really noteworthy, the President of Armenia said that it is not the only indicator for our schools or society. “We should be able to bring our school and higher education establishments in line with contemporary standards; we should be able to bring our education system in line with international standards. It is quite clear what needs to be done to get there; it will require resources, determination, and plan of action. And I am confident that reforms that are being implemented today will bring qualitative changes to our schools and colleges. Nobody is allowed to censure the system of the 1930-s, 40-s, 70-s or 80-s. However each of us should do his or her best to make each system, including the education system, move forward. I trust in people who set the bar high. The bar that we have set for our schools and universities is really essential for our society. I am confident that if we are able to reach that bar, we will make a considerable contribution to the empowerment and development of our country. We can reach that bar through the efforts of the teachers and students and, of course, by amplifying state resources.”
A student asked the President of Armenia about his ideal of the contemporary Armenian young man or woman. “I would like to see him or her well-educated, knowledgeable, devoted to our values, patriotic, dedicate to our country. I would like to see him or her active, interested in the problems of our country and our society, maintaining active life style and, finally, I would like to see him or her dignified, ambitious and resolute to shape the future. I wish he or she comprehend that our country’s success to some degree depends also on their position and participation; should everyone think that strong army, independent judicial and success in any other area could be achieved without his or her participation, we will not have a truly strong state. I want young people to know that great achievements are impossible without them. I would like everyone to take part or at least to aspire to take part in these achievements,” stressed the President of Armenia.
One of the students inquired about three indispensable qualities that every President should have – except for those envisaged by the Constitution. Serzh Sargsyan noted that every President should have many positive qualities and of course principles. “I believe first and foremost every President should love his or her country and the people. This is number one. Number two: for every President the interests of his or her country and people must be above all, factually above everything and not just in form of declarations but in form of concrete actions. Third, I believe that in a country such as ours, probably in many other places too, the President should work day and night,” Serzh Sargsyan underscored.
One of the young people, who have chosen medical profession and have already become a student of the Heratsi Medical University, asked the President’s opinion regarding the practices of inviting specialists from abroad. According to the young man, in Armenia it is quite possible to study well and become as a good specialist - just as those invited from other countries. President Sargsyan replied that reciprocal visits and contacts between the specialists, including between those from medical area, contain no danger, nothing negative. On the contrary, they are very useful because closing up in contemporary world, trying to do everything by ourselves is not right. “Of course, we should be able to interact with our counterparts as equals. And if our doctors, and we have got many doctors, who correspond to these standards can interact with their colleagues it is only to everyone’s benefit. Thus, I wish that during your years in the University you obtain knowledge, become excellent professionals and laudably represent our country,” answered President Sargsyan.
Another student, who was admitted to the Legal Department of Yerevan State University and because of the reduction of the tuition free quota is compelled to pay for the studies, asked President Sargsyan to comment on why he has to pay tuition fees despite the fact that he had graduated with the medal. The President of Armenia clarified how the state-sponsored system works and why the state is not able in current situation to pay for many students. “Unfortunately, we don’t have sufficient resources, probably other countries have, to sponsor tuition for all specialties. The state makes a decision which specialties to pay for. In this particular case, as to why such decision was made the reason is the following: to be honest, there are too many students who want to become lawyers. That’s the main reason however there are opportunities in this case as well to assist those who cannot pay their tuition fee. All students of good performance will be informed of that opportunities.”
On the question about the President’s viewpoint regarding studies abroad, Serzh Sargsyan responded that it’s quite natural, even necessary to get education abroad, particularly on some specialties which are not taught in Armenia. “Sometimes I advice even those who studied in Armenia to retrain abroad. We encourage those who get education abroad and it’s no coincidence that there, in the Presidential Palace we meet with all those students who are studying at the world’s leading institutions. We provide many of them with fellowships. One thing is quite obvious: If the same specialty can be obtained in Armenia and abroad then, of course, one should rather study in Armenia. However, if we don’t have that opportunities, getting specialty abroad is commendable and should be encouraged. But the thing is that after receiving that education, specialists ought to come back. In case the obtained specialty cannot be utilized in Armenia, I thing it’s nothing wrong with staying abroad for a while and then come back to Armenia. There are such cases. As I have already told you, our roots are here, and every Armenian should remember every moment that he or she ought to come back to the roots, to homeland, because out motherland always awaits her children. And I repeat: If a person is not able to fully utilize his or her talent here, at home, I don’t see any problem with staying abroad. I can give you a simple example: there can be a specialty, or a scientific area which is not developed in Armenia – there are no relevant laboratories or necessary conditions. In that case it is quite justified. However when our young people in foreign countries do some job which can easily be done in Armenia too, I don’t understand those young people who prefer to stay abroad. Thus, study and get knowledge. We will be waiting for you to come back to Armenia and use your knowledge for the benefit of our nation.”
A student from the Transportation Department of the Yerevan State University for Architecture and Construction asked a question about prospects for his specialty, and development of transport communication in particular. “I think I have mentioned already that transportation system is the pulse of the country, it’s blood vessels, which are indispensable in the contemporary world; the world becomes a smaller place thanks to transport communications. Regarding concrete programs, I should say, yes, we have certain plans for the development of that area. I am confident that by the time you have graduated from the University we will have an established system of communications with out neighbors. Now we want to build the North-South transportation route. As for complying with the contemporary transportation standards, we have already started the implementation of that program and most probably the works will commence next spring. Resources are available, drafting is underway. The tender has been already announced, if I am not mistaken, or will be announced soon. With regard to railroad communications we want to implement such a project and establish rail link with the Islamic Republic of Iran. A lot has been done already and we will bring to conclusion this very important project. We need high class specialists. I hope that you and your friends will fill the void.”
One of the students inquired which were the President’s favorite subjects in school or University. Serzh Sargsyan said that in school he was interested in history, and in the University the favorite subjects were the Armenian language and literature.
The students wanted also to know what books the President of Armenia reads and what kind of music he loves. Serzh Sargsyan said that he often rereads the books he had read in the past since perception of the works by great authors is different in every age. “I manage to find some time and read some contemporary works, the works that have received world-wide acclaim, it is simply necessary. I love our folk music. I listen to the pieces by our great Arno Babajanian regularly and our classical music in general, I also like Robert Amirkhanian’s works,” said President Sargsyan.
A student asked the President if he has any unfulfilled dream, not related to homeland. Serzh Sargsyan said that Presidents are ordinary people and have ordinary dreams. “I cannot tell off the top of my head about a dream that’s not related to the Motherland and has not been fulfilled yet.”
A student from Sisian’s Secondary School N. 2 requested the President of Armenia and the Minister of Education present at the meeting to equip the biology, chemistry and physics laboratories of Sisian’s schools so that theoretical classes are accompanied by practical training.
President Sargsyan said that in recent year many units of equipment have been imported to Armenia which, obviously, was not enough to improve the situation in all school laboratories. The President promised to give corresponding instructions to continue works in that area.
Besides asking questions, the participants to the meeting congratulated each other on their success, thanked the President of Armenia for the meeting and expressed their views regarding the raised issues.
“I would like to salute everyone and to say that it is very inspiring – to receive the medal from the President himself. Thank you very much for encouraging us. Some believe that the medal is not a big deal, since, as you know, it gives no advantages for the admission to colleges or universities. For me this medal is a great deal, I have received it for my knowledge. It is also a responsibility, and as a citizen of the Republic of Armenia I feel more responsible. It entices to do more. I am proud to be Armenian and to live in Armenia, and I am proud to receive the medal from the President of the Republic himself. I want to assure that I promise to get great knowledge and use it for the benefit of Armenia,” said one of the medal recipients.
The President of Armenia responded to it by advising the student to pay no attention to those who discredit the significance of graduating with the medal. “There is such a special human type – they are not able to appreciate anything, or tell good from bad. If the medal is not a big deal why it is awarded only to dozens among ten thousands of schoolchildren? Anything can be said, but when you’re asked about the medal, tell them that this is something which distinguishes you from the others,” stressed the President of Armenia.
The participants of the meeting asked the President what were new opportunities for the development of science and education in our country which would be helpful in achieving success at the international Olympiads. Noting that winning in the Olympiads is really noteworthy, the President of Armenia said that it is not the only indicator for our schools or society. “We should be able to bring our school and higher education establishments in line with contemporary standards; we should be able to bring our education system in line with international standards. It is quite clear what needs to be done to get there; it will require resources, determination, and plan of action. And I am confident that reforms that are being implemented today will bring qualitative changes to our schools and colleges. Nobody is allowed to censure the system of the 1930-s, 40-s, 70-s or 80-s. However each of us should do his or her best to make each system, including the education system, move forward. I trust in people who set the bar high. The bar that we have set for our schools and universities is really essential for our society. I am confident that if we are able to reach that bar, we will make a considerable contribution to the empowerment and development of our country. We can reach that bar through the efforts of the teachers and students and, of course, by amplifying state resources.”
A student asked the President of Armenia about his ideal of the contemporary Armenian young man or woman. “I would like to see him or her well-educated, knowledgeable, devoted to our values, patriotic, dedicate to our country. I would like to see him or her active, interested in the problems of our country and our society, maintaining active life style and, finally, I would like to see him or her dignified, ambitious and resolute to shape the future. I wish he or she comprehend that our country’s success to some degree depends also on their position and participation; should everyone think that strong army, independent judicial and success in any other area could be achieved without his or her participation, we will not have a truly strong state. I want young people to know that great achievements are impossible without them. I would like everyone to take part or at least to aspire to take part in these achievements,” stressed the President of Armenia.
One of the students inquired about three indispensable qualities that every President should have – except for those envisaged by the Constitution. Serzh Sargsyan noted that every President should have many positive qualities and of course principles. “I believe first and foremost every President should love his or her country and the people. This is number one. Number two: for every President the interests of his or her country and people must be above all, factually above everything and not just in form of declarations but in form of concrete actions. Third, I believe that in a country such as ours, probably in many other places too, the President should work day and night,” Serzh Sargsyan underscored.
One of the young people, who have chosen medical profession and have already become a student of the Heratsi Medical University, asked the President’s opinion regarding the practices of inviting specialists from abroad. According to the young man, in Armenia it is quite possible to study well and become as a good specialist - just as those invited from other countries. President Sargsyan replied that reciprocal visits and contacts between the specialists, including between those from medical area, contain no danger, nothing negative. On the contrary, they are very useful because closing up in contemporary world, trying to do everything by ourselves is not right. “Of course, we should be able to interact with our counterparts as equals. And if our doctors, and we have got many doctors, who correspond to these standards can interact with their colleagues it is only to everyone’s benefit. Thus, I wish that during your years in the University you obtain knowledge, become excellent professionals and laudably represent our country,” answered President Sargsyan.
Another student, who was admitted to the Legal Department of Yerevan State University and because of the reduction of the tuition free quota is compelled to pay for the studies, asked President Sargsyan to comment on why he has to pay tuition fees despite the fact that he had graduated with the medal. The President of Armenia clarified how the state-sponsored system works and why the state is not able in current situation to pay for many students. “Unfortunately, we don’t have sufficient resources, probably other countries have, to sponsor tuition for all specialties. The state makes a decision which specialties to pay for. In this particular case, as to why such decision was made the reason is the following: to be honest, there are too many students who want to become lawyers. That’s the main reason however there are opportunities in this case as well to assist those who cannot pay their tuition fee. All students of good performance will be informed of that opportunities.”
On the question about the President’s viewpoint regarding studies abroad, Serzh Sargsyan responded that it’s quite natural, even necessary to get education abroad, particularly on some specialties which are not taught in Armenia. “Sometimes I advice even those who studied in Armenia to retrain abroad. We encourage those who get education abroad and it’s no coincidence that there, in the Presidential Palace we meet with all those students who are studying at the world’s leading institutions. We provide many of them with fellowships. One thing is quite obvious: If the same specialty can be obtained in Armenia and abroad then, of course, one should rather study in Armenia. However, if we don’t have that opportunities, getting specialty abroad is commendable and should be encouraged. But the thing is that after receiving that education, specialists ought to come back. In case the obtained specialty cannot be utilized in Armenia, I thing it’s nothing wrong with staying abroad for a while and then come back to Armenia. There are such cases. As I have already told you, our roots are here, and every Armenian should remember every moment that he or she ought to come back to the roots, to homeland, because out motherland always awaits her children. And I repeat: If a person is not able to fully utilize his or her talent here, at home, I don’t see any problem with staying abroad. I can give you a simple example: there can be a specialty, or a scientific area which is not developed in Armenia – there are no relevant laboratories or necessary conditions. In that case it is quite justified. However when our young people in foreign countries do some job which can easily be done in Armenia too, I don’t understand those young people who prefer to stay abroad. Thus, study and get knowledge. We will be waiting for you to come back to Armenia and use your knowledge for the benefit of our nation.”
A student from the Transportation Department of the Yerevan State University for Architecture and Construction asked a question about prospects for his specialty, and development of transport communication in particular. “I think I have mentioned already that transportation system is the pulse of the country, it’s blood vessels, which are indispensable in the contemporary world; the world becomes a smaller place thanks to transport communications. Regarding concrete programs, I should say, yes, we have certain plans for the development of that area. I am confident that by the time you have graduated from the University we will have an established system of communications with out neighbors. Now we want to build the North-South transportation route. As for complying with the contemporary transportation standards, we have already started the implementation of that program and most probably the works will commence next spring. Resources are available, drafting is underway. The tender has been already announced, if I am not mistaken, or will be announced soon. With regard to railroad communications we want to implement such a project and establish rail link with the Islamic Republic of Iran. A lot has been done already and we will bring to conclusion this very important project. We need high class specialists. I hope that you and your friends will fill the void.”
One of the students inquired which were the President’s favorite subjects in school or University. Serzh Sargsyan said that in school he was interested in history, and in the University the favorite subjects were the Armenian language and literature.
The students wanted also to know what books the President of Armenia reads and what kind of music he loves. Serzh Sargsyan said that he often rereads the books he had read in the past since perception of the works by great authors is different in every age. “I manage to find some time and read some contemporary works, the works that have received world-wide acclaim, it is simply necessary. I love our folk music. I listen to the pieces by our great Arno Babajanian regularly and our classical music in general, I also like Robert Amirkhanian’s works,” said President Sargsyan.
A student asked the President if he has any unfulfilled dream, not related to homeland. Serzh Sargsyan said that Presidents are ordinary people and have ordinary dreams. “I cannot tell off the top of my head about a dream that’s not related to the Motherland and has not been fulfilled yet.”
A student from Sisian’s Secondary School N. 2 requested the President of Armenia and the Minister of Education present at the meeting to equip the biology, chemistry and physics laboratories of Sisian’s schools so that theoretical classes are accompanied by practical training.
President Sargsyan said that in recent year many units of equipment have been imported to Armenia which, obviously, was not enough to improve the situation in all school laboratories. The President promised to give corresponding instructions to continue works in that area.
Besides asking questions, the participants to the meeting congratulated each other on their success, thanked the President of Armenia for the meeting and expressed their views regarding the raised issues.
“I would like to salute everyone and to say that it is very inspiring – to receive the medal from the President himself. Thank you very much for encouraging us. Some believe that the medal is not a big deal, since, as you know, it gives no advantages for the admission to colleges or universities. For me this medal is a great deal, I have received it for my knowledge. It is also a responsibility, and as a citizen of the Republic of Armenia I feel more responsible. It entices to do more. I am proud to be Armenian and to live in Armenia, and I am proud to receive the medal from the President of the Republic himself. I want to assure that I promise to get great knowledge and use it for the benefit of Armenia,” said one of the medal recipients.
The President of Armenia responded to it by advising the student to pay no attention to those who discredit the significance of graduating with the medal. “There is such a special human type – they are not able to appreciate anything, or tell good from bad. If the medal is not a big deal why it is awarded only to dozens among ten thousands of schoolchildren? Anything can be said, but when you’re asked about the medal, tell them that this is something which distinguishes you from the others,” stressed the President of Armenia.