AYO will Renovate the Hovit School Gym
In May 2023, the "Renovation and furnishing of the gymnasium of Hovit secondary school" program was launched in Hovit settlement of Akhuryan consolidated community. It is implemented with the co-financing of the French AYO - Armenian Youth Organization and the support of their volunteers.
It all started in Shenavan
Our cooperation with "AYO" started in 2021. Together we renovated the only kindergarten in Shenavan village, Lori Marz, in 2021 and the dance hall and sports hall in 2022. The villagers, especially the children, happily remember the days spent with "AYO" volunteers in their village. Each of their visits to the village turned into a fantastic event. This time, "AYO" volunteers are going to Hovit.
Why Hovit
Hovit is a small settlement with a small percentage of emigration compared to other settlements. Despite the socio-economic difficulties, young people love their village and stay with their families. They are encouraged by every project that leads to the development of their village.
Hovit secondary school in Shirak Marz was founded in 1936. For many years, it has served the community as the only cultural, athletic, and educational institution where many generations have been educated. The school has been dilapidated after the devastating earthquake in 1988 for many years. It was put into service again after the rebuild in 1997.
So far, the school has yet to undergo significant repairs; therefore, the building and furniture have become old and worn out due to constant use. There is no local heating. The heating is provided by electric heaters, due to which a proper temperature is not maintained in the classrooms and gymnasium. When electric heaters are turned on for a long time, the electric wires melt, causing a f
ire. Luckily, thanks to the investments of the Embassy of Lithuania, a 30KW solar power panel was installed in the school, which will ease the situation with electricity.
During more than 20 years of operation, many problems have arisen also in the school gymnasium. There is a need for the acquisition of new sports equipment and furniture. The gymnasium bathrooms are also out of use.
The school gym will be renovated
The school gymnasium serves the 55 students of the school. After the school training sessions, the children and young people of the Gyumri Children and Youth Complex sports school have sambo training here. Thanks to this training, some of them have won honorable places in the world and European championships.
Physical education is essential in shaping the students' personality, ensuring their harmonious physical development, mental progress, education of moral and psychological qualities, and formation of their values. The students of Hovit secondary school spend not only the physical education lessons in the school gymnasium but also part of the Preliminary Military Training classes, a mandatory part of the state educational program. To meet all the academic standards, the school gymnasium must have all the necessary conditions, sports equipment, and furniture.
AYO volunteers got down to work
The school staff, the students, and their parents help and support the implementation of each new initiative and carefully maintain the school building and property. They are willing to take part in the repair work of the gymnasium. Besides this, the community will purchase the furniture after the completion of the renovation.
The repair works started on May 12, 2023, with the villagers' efforts. "AYO" volunteers joined them on July 21 and will stay till August 12. As in Shenavan, the French volunteers will participate in the repair work and organize workshops and games, making the summer days of Hovit's children brighter.
