UNICEF and Partners Expand Inclusive Preschool Education Across Armenia

Despite notable progress in increasing preschool enrollment across Armenia - particularly among children aged 3–5, where gross enrollment rose from 63.6 to 68.6 per cent in 2023–2024 - significant disparities remain. A major bottleneck is the limited number of preschool facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas, which continues to hinder the realization of inclusive and universal early learning for all children in Armenia.

To address this gap, in 2024, UNICEF - with funding from Education Cannot Wait Foundation - embarked on supporting target communities across Kotayk, Armavir, Ararat and Vayots Dzor that had welcomed refugee families to establish and equip new learning spaces, including water and sanitation facilities. As a result, 13 new learning spaces were set up in eight kindergartens, allowing  350 children, including 180 refugee children, to participate in preschool education.

To ensure effective functioning of these new learning spaces, 230 educators and caregivers were trained in inclusive pedagogy, positive parenting, psychological first aid, and emergency preparedness. The training modules were based on the Nurturing Care Framework, launched by WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank, which emphasizes health, nutrition, safety, early learning, and responsive caregiving. Age-appropriate educational materials were also provided for children attending the new learning spaces as well as other preschool groups, benefitting a total of 5,000 children.

“This initiative goes beyond infrastructure - it’s about inclusion and giving every child the opportunity to access early learning,” said Silvia Mestroni, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Armenia. “Research shows that children who attend preschool are more likely to perform better academically and socially later on. Early childhood education is a right that should be guaranteed for every child. Investing in it benefits children, families, and society as a whole.”

Deputy Mayor of Artashat Suren Mkrtchyan expressed: “I am very happy that this kindergarten will now be able to welcome over 50 new children. Thanks to this collaboration, many children in Artashat and other communities are benefiting greatly - and that is what I am most proud of.” 

UNICEF Armenia’s National Ambassador and the Founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, Sergey Smbatyan also joined to mark the occasion. “We must join forces and rally around ideas that help improve the quality of life for children and provide them with better development opportunities. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive - and today, we saw that vision in action. I’m honoured to be part of this journey,” shared Mr. Smbatyan, inviting members of the Orchestra to perform well-loved cartoon themes for children, emphasizing the role of music in early development.