Innovative learning to boost citizens’ potential
In the early 1990s, factory closures and unemployment were widespread in Sevan, as a result of the prevailing political situation. Today, new perspectives based on tourism are helping to develop the city of the lake.
Vision and motivation
The learning city concept has a dual promise: it enables cities both to learn from others and to share what they know. This is the prospect held out by the UNESCO GNLC, which is the best platform both for the adoption of new ideas and for the synthesis of traditional and innovative programmes.
Challenges and goals
Most citizens have higher or vocational education, so there is significant human potential in Sevan. At the same time, there is a need for further accumulation of knowledge, training and retraining, using innovative ideas and tools. The future of the city is rooted in the education of its citizens, which is where real change begins. However, looking ahead, there is a lack of experience and knowledge which needs to be addressed.
Plan and implementation
Sevan has put its efforts into maintaining community resources such as libraries, community centres and art schools. Cultural activities, such as dance ensembles and science education (Natural Sciences Museum), are supported.
Sevan has achieved great success in building a learning city and believes there is much to gain from networking with other cities. Given the strength of the city’s established programmes, Sevan can present its experience to other cities. It also recognizes there is knowledge to be gained from others in areas where there are gaps. This approach can also be usefully applied to non-governmental organizations’ programmes in Sevan.
It is never too late to learn. Lifelong learning, moreover, is essential in ensuring the development of community life and in creating a prosperous society.
Mr Sargis Muradyan
UIL is not responsible for the content of this city profile.
