The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) has taken a significant step toward making innovative education more accessible in Armenia’s Lori region through the generous support of Armenian-American philanthropist Jack Youredjian.
With the introduction of a new fleet of buses and optimized routes, COAF is ensuring that transportation does not stand in the way of SMART students and program beneficiaries. This initiative is more than just a transportation solution—it represents a transformative opportunity for underserved youth to engage in world-class educational programs without any financial cost.
These textbooks signify a strategic scaling up from a localized approach to a national impact, the result of years of dedicated effort and expertise. They are part of a comprehensive vision for English education that encompasses teacher training, curriculum development, and programs actively operating in 46 communities across Armenia.
Explore what makes these textbooks unique, the two-decade journey that has shaped COAF’s pioneering approach, and the transformative impact this initiative is having across the country.
Making Education Accessible: A Game-Changer for Lori’s Youth
The new fleet of 16 state-of-the-art buses, generously funded by the Youredjian Family Foundation, aims to serve over 1,500 students weekly from across the Lori region. The routes also connect communities to COAF’s Child Development Center, which focuses on support for early education, psychological care, and families.
While COAF has long provided a free transportation service, this latest investment enhances the experience, capacity, and sustainability of COAF’s fleet. Operating Monday through Sunday across 30 strategic stops, bus schedules are carefully aligned with afterschool program hours, ensuring maximum accessibility for students in the region.
“COAF SMART Center’s new transportation system will not only ensure the safe transportation for children but also aims to shift society’s attitude toward road safety.We strive to achieve this goal by fostering a culture of responsible driving among our drivers and by teaching our children from an early age to be aware and responsible passengers.”
-Liana Ghaltaghchyan, COAF Executive Director
Safety First: Prioritizing Student Well-being
Safety has been a top priority in implementing this transportation initiative. COAF has taken meticulous care to oversee the quality of drivers and vehicles. Each bus is equipped with:
- GPS tracking systems for real-time location monitoring
- Advanced driver behavior monitoring systems
- CCTV coverage for both driver and passenger areas
- Comprehensive biometric security features
By incorporating these features, COAF is setting a new benchmark for student transportation safety in rural Armenia.
Building on a Legacy of Transportation Improvements
One of COAF’s new buses at the Debed village bus stop, built in 2021.
COAF has been enhancing transportation in rural Armenia for nearly two decades. In 2006, COAF launched an Inter-Village Transportation System in Lernagog, Armavir. This initiative provided a thirteen-seat van to connect cluster villages to community events, essential services, and major hubs in Armavir and Yerevan.
Launch of COAF-built bus stop in Argina, Armavir. 2013.
In 2022, COAF partnered with the Embassy of Japan to upgrade Lori’s public transportation, introducing a state-of-the-art bus service for seven rural communities. The project added covered bus stops, disability-friendly access, and real-time schedule tracking, also connecting key hubs like the COAF SMART Center in Debet and Dsegh Health Center.
From early transportation projects to large-scale infrastructure improvements, the newly launched enhanced bus service in Lori reflects years of dedication to accessibility.
“We are deeply grateful to the Jack and Zarig Youredjian Foundation for their visionary support. Their commitment to empowering Armenia’s youth has made it possible to transform how we deliver educational opportunities to rural communities.”
-Dr. Garo Armen, COAF’s founder
Bridging Distances, Building Futures
COAF’s new buses in Lori are not just vehicles; they are bridges to brighter futures, bringing students closer to the knowledge and opportunities they deserve. As COAF expands its SMART Center model to other regions, initiatives like this will continue to play a crucial role in shaping a future where no child is left behind due to geographical limitations.
How You Can Get Involved
The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) is a network of a 200-person staff, executing initiatives across healthcare, education, psycho-social support, and economic development throughout rural Armenia. All of our initiatives are fueled by the generosity of people who are passionate about helping rural Armenians tap into their potential.
If you believe in COAF’s mission and want to play a part in transforming young lives, consider becoming a monthly giver and supporting these life-changing initiatives year-round.
