ATP News

PRESS RELEASE
December 05, 2005

INTERVIEW: Armenia Tree Project Expands Environmental Education Program
Program Manager Gayane Ghukasyan Calls It Crucial for Armenia’s Future

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ATP staff member Anahit Gharibyan teaches environmental lessons to children at the International School in Yerevan

Question: What are some of the specific elements of the curriculum?

Answer: The curriculum includes items such as the “World Wildlife Fund International Checklist For Good Environmental Education Practice,” and lessons explore issues such as water, soil, and biodiversity conservation. It also includes sections on why forests are important, how forests can be sustainable, and the future of Armenia’s forests.

The interactive lesson guide is designed for middle school students (grades 4-9), and many lessons can be simplified for grades 1-3. Each lesson includes an introduction and step-by-step procedures for activities, and a conclusion. Various modules seek to slowly build confidence as teachers and students to explore their natural surroundings, and ultimately take responsibility for environmental care.

The Discovery Module encourages children and teachers to use art and science to discover the natural wonders of Armenia’s environment, with lessons for the different seasons of the year. A Backyard Exploration Module builds scientific skills while expanding the classroom to the local neighborhood environment. Also, the Environmental and Cultural Heritage Module emphasizes the importance of linking environmental conservation to the preservation of Armenia’s cultural heritage.

Question: How else is ATP addressing environmental education in Armenia? Approximately how many students are being taught by ATP, and where are the students from?

Answer: Actually, our staff has already taught hundreds of students this year alone, both at the Ohanian Education Center and in the villages. At our education center, Nursery Program Manager Samvel Ghandilyan has taught students from the schools in Karin village, as well as advanced students from Yerevan State University and the Agriculture Academy. These advanced lessons include subjects such as methods of soil cultivation, seed preparation, irrigation methods, environmental protection, and practical work in the ATP greenhouse and nursery.

In addition, we offer training to people from the communities where we plant trees all over Armenia, from urban sites to rural areas. For example, in Aygut village where we have our backyard nursery program, we began by establishing an environmental youth club in conjunction with the USDA.

These children and young adults are taught subjects by ATP staff such as fruit orchard care, soil preparation, and vegetable planting methods. Later, our staff expands the program to the families in the village, by teaching them about the establishment and care of backyard trees nurseries.

Question: What are some of the other important advancements ATP has made in the area of environmental education in Armenia?

Answer: In addition to the curriculum being field-tested by Peace Corps volunteers, ATP initiated a two-day workshop in August on “Environmental Education for Rural Youth Program Volunteers.” This was organized in collaboration with the Peace Corps and CARD (Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development), which is funded by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Nearly 20 environmental youth club leaders from 10 different regions of Armenia participated in the workshop, which was led by ATP staff and Peace Corps volunteers. Sessions from ATP’s environmental education curriculum addressed human interaction with the environment, trash bag archeology, and background on Armenia’s environment. Outdoor activities included an eco-scavenger hunt and an overview of the life of a tree.

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