The 7th and 8th graders at the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks, CA, are now learning Western Armenian with AVC. The lessons started in fall 2019. They are using AVC’s hybrid (blended) education method, which makes learning more engaging and interesting through the use of technology. AVC’s online instructor Ani Dekirmenchian provides the necessary support and guidance to the local teacher Mayda Manoyan.

In December 2019, AVC’s hybrid program coordinator Arpine Tavakalyan facilitated an online social event for the school students and told about the Armenian holiday traditions.

In 2019, AVC started collaboration with the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, thanks to the initiative and efforts of Mary Gulumian, Director of ANEC.  AVC organizes monthly social events for the participants of the “Siamanto Academy”, which offers classes on Armenian history, culture, and current issues.

The Prelacy is taking active steps to launch AVC’s hybrid program in several of Armenian schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Michigan, Maryland and Illinois states. About 20 Armenian teachers enrolled in the AVC intensive training program, to be prepared to teach the AVC Armenian courses to their students. The program introduces them to the pedagogical and technical aspects of e-learning and the content of AVC’s online courses.