Nareg Armenian School of Nicosia, Cyprus

The curriculum at the Nareg School has been undergoing serious changes,
and this without the knowledge and participation of parties concerned
such as The Parent's Association, parents and the community at large.
Armenian classes have been substantially eliminated and have given way
to Greek language classes which proportionally count more now.

Concerned parents who spoke to Gibrahayer said that while comparing the
number of Armenian classes of previous years, it was evident that
Armenian classes had been diminished. A young mother who wanted to stay
anonymous said. "If this is the product of a new policy, we should have
at least been informed, specially when most parents are preparing to
send their children to private English schools. Why has this policy
change taken place behind our back and prepared behind closed doors?"

With the Melkonian school closure slowly kicking in as a definite
reality, the clear indication from administrators and the School
Committee (Hokapartsoutiun) is that they are preparing the younger
Armenian generations for Greek Gymnasiums.

"How else can we explain the increase of Greek language classes" said
one father. "As this is not enough, the science classes, geography and
mathematics are being taught in Greek, causing confusion not only to
students but to teachers who used to teach these subjects in English or
Armenian", the same father concluded.

A mother of two children in Nareg said. "If they want to increase Greek
classes that is fine by me, but they should not do it over classes in
Armenian, as the only reason we send our children to Nareg is to get an
Armenian education.. ".

Gibrahayer e-magazine believe that if there is a need for more classes
in languages, or sports, computers or an all-round enhancement of the
level of education at Nareg Schools, the Hokapartsoutiun should
seriously consider the introduction of an all-day school.

Interested parties should collectively address the challenges of the
changing times, the effects of the the closure of Melkonian and most
important of all the level of Armenian education we want to include in
the school curriculum through which we will build the Armenian identity
of the future generations of our community.

Source: Gibrahayer e-Magazine
Nicosia November 14, 2005
Original Title: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NAREG?