President Sarkissian in the framework of More for Metsamor project was hosted at the N. 2 High School of Metsamor

During his working visit to Armavir marz, President Armen Sarkissian visited N. 2 High School and in the framework of the More for Metsamor project met with the students and residents of the town.

Present at the meeting was also the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia Sergei Kopirkin.

The More for Metsamor project, which is being implemented at the school by the Rosatom state corporation, is a multifaceted program to assist school education. It aims at bringing to school a new content and encourages pupils to engage directly in the shaping of their own future. In the framework of the project, the school organizes meetings with famous individuals, children visit scientific and research institutions and familiarize with their works.

President Armen Sarkissian responded to the questions from the audience, spoke about the importance of science and technologies for Armenia’s future.

“I am not suggesting that you all engage in science or new technologies. It’s hard to imagine a country where everyone is a scientist. My advice is to do whatever can to reveal your talent, desire, a new approach to life,” the President said addressing the students. “Whatever you do in your life, do it with great pleasure since if you have to do something, it will become a huge burden for you and it is difficult to achieve success by carrying a huge burden. On the contrary, if you have a talent, gift and do your job with pleasure, you will certainly be successful.”

He underlined that any child is gifted from birth and it is important for the family and teachers to reveal and cherish it. “Each of you has a talent and you, at this age should be able to find it and understand what you want. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes because the life will always correct your mistakes and will put you on the right track. Be honest with yourselves, never lie to yourselves,” the President noted. “Do not think that you should become scientists only because your parents were, try to find what is yours.”

Speaking of new technologies and their role, President Sarkissian noted that in the 21st century they are simply necessary. “No matter what you do in your lives, you will interact with new technologies which means you should be literate. The same is true for our country. In a sense, we are a consumer country when it comes to information technologies. If we want our country to succeed, we should be not consumers but producers,” the President said and noted, “Many might think that it is a dream but our people are able to do it because we have seen on many occasions how the individuals of the Armenian origin in different countries of the world become leaders in modern technologies. Why the same people, or the people of the same genetic origin, cannot become leaders of modern technologies in their own country? We can in principle, if all together decide to develop that area. It cannot be done by one individual, president, prime minister, or minister because it’s an immense job – to elevate Armenia to a totally new level. Some may start from zero and achieve success. It requires discipline, purposefulness, a precise vision, a precise program, and related changes.”

The President was asked about the Presidential ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) project aimed at the technological development of our country. Armen Sarkissian noted that the initiative aims at bringing to Armenia representatives of the international companies working in the areas of IT and high technologies, turning our country into a leading hub of artificial intelligence, large data management and mathematical modeling. He underscored that to become competitive in the 21st century a number of factors is necessary, among them a high quality education, and free-minded, confident young people.

“It is important to make Armenia a place where along with good education, startups, there are also international companies which will share their experience and knowledge with us,” the President noted. Speaking of the components of the initiative, President Sarkissian said that it would also have a Museum of Future for children or the first in Armenia Disneyland of artificial intelligence where every child will be able to see the future.

He underscored that a small country, thanks to its opportunities and abilities, can be strong and progressive. “Small countries can be not only beautiful but also strong and progressive, and we want to build a country just like it.”