This weekend, the COAF SMART Campus in Lori was alive with vibrant events celebrating #EuropeDay2024.
Europe Day symbolizes peace and unity, offering a chance to learn more about the European Union’s initiatives in Armenia. As a proud partner of the EU, the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) was delighted to host this significant day at its COAF SMART Center and Concept by COAF.
The festivities began with the “Europe Is Us” photo exhibition, showcasing the positive impact of EU-funded projects on individuals and regional development across Armenia. The next highlight was a media literacy seminar for SMART students, led by Young EU Ambassadors Tsovik Sargsyan and Artur Zakare Harutyunyan. Following this interactive session, COAF’s Global Executive Director, Ara Barsam, delivered an inspiring opening speech ahead of an insightful panel discussion titled #EU4Region. Ara emphasized the transformative journey of EU programs and their continued impact on Armenia’s regions through our partnership.
The day continued with a reception at the Concept Hotel by COAF, featuring speeches from EU Ambassador Vasilis Maragos, Lori Governor Aram Ghazaryan, and COAF CEO Liana Ghaltaghchyan. Liana highlighted the significant role of the SMART Center in Lori, relaying how “Our six years of experience at the SMART Center in Lori have shown that this educational center profoundly impacts the lives of children and their families in our communities. We assure the EU and its member states that the SMART Centers in Syunik, Goris, and Kapan will bring about similar transformative changes. This initiative is a vital contribution to human capital and the country’s development.”
The “Europe Day 2024” celebrations concluded with a grand, multi-genre concert at the COAF SMART Campus open area. The evening featured performances by Aram MP3, the rock band “Lav Eli,” Hayk Petrosyan, Vahagn Hayrapetyan, Dave Geodakian, Arman Mnatsakanyan, and Daniel Melkonyan with a musical tribute titled “Thank You to Charles,” honoring the 100th anniversary of Charles Aznavour.
We deeply value this important collaboration between COAF and the EU, and we look forward to sharing more about our joint efforts in the future.
