The Ripple Effect
AGBU Milan’s Gayane Khodaveerdi takes small actions to make a big impact
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March 05, 2008
Yervant Zorian Presents New AGBU Virtual School at Aleppo Event
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A lecture program by Silicon Valley innovator, Yervant Zorian, was held in the AGBU Gulbenkian Center in Aleppo, Syria last fall. The event was organized by AGBU Aleppo.
Zorian, who is vice president and chief scientist of Virage Logic in Silicon Valley, California, presented the computerized Armenian distance learning program prepared jointly by AGBU Silicon Valley and experts at Yerevan State University.
Opening remarks were delivered by Zepure Tamerian, who spoke about the opportunities provided by the new age of computers and the Internet and the wonderful things that can be achieved with both. She introduced Zorian and mentioned that, as a third-generation AGBU member, he follows in the path of his father and grandfather, who were both strong supporters of AGBU's mission and endeavors.
Before beginning his demonstration of the new virtual school, Zorian presented extensive data that suggests that only five percent of Armenian students throughout the diaspora attend Armenian schools and receive Armenian language or other Armenian education. This reality, he suggested, demanded that we develop educational programs that suit present-day conditions and appeal to today's students.
Zorian expressed enthusiasm that the computerized Armenian distance learning program will be able to fill an important educational void. Students learning through this virtual college created by AGBU will receive a full-fledged Armenian education, irrespective of their age and knowledge levels.
The online program is made up of 12 courses (four Armenian language courses, four history courses, four culture courses), and instruction will be available in Armenian (Eastern & Western), English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
This virtual institute complements AGBU's educational institutions around the world and will be launched in September 2008 to provide Armenians the opportunity to receive an Armenian education, regardless of their country of residence or citizenship.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Bedros Boyadjian, Chairman of the AGBU Syria District Committee, honored Zorian with the local AGBU Centennial souvenir medal.
Zorian is an honorary doctor of the Armenian Academy of Sciences, program chairman of the Armenian Technology (Armtech) Congress, and member of the governing council of the American University of Armenia. He is also president of the AGBU Silicon Valley chapter in California.
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