‘TUMO x AGBU’ Partnership Takes Off in Gyumri

New center offers free afterschool learning environment to help equip youth with skills for future employment in the media and creative industries

On May 25, Tumo Center for Creative Technologies expanded its reach and opened in Gyumri. Inaugurated by President Serge Sarkisian, the center is the result of a partnership between the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Simonian Educational Foundation. Upon the initiative of Sarkisian, a telethon to raise funds for the launch of the center was implemented by Shant TV president Arthur Yezekyan last fall.

TUMO x AGBU Gyumri will accommodate up to 1,000 students, who will attend classes at the center twice a week for two hours.

During the opening event, Armenian youth toured the center along with other guests and became familiar with Tumo’s educational program. They also had an opportunity to enroll in the program, making them official Tumo members. For many excited young guests, it was an emotional moment. ”This is the realization of our dreams,” said 14-year-old Nareh during the center’s opening. Together with more than 50 other teenagers, she was part of the center’s first official visitors.

Shant TV president Arthur Yezekyan, TUMO founder Sam Simonian (center), and AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian (right) at the opening of AGBU x TUMO in Gyumri.

Gevorg, 14, has plans to become “a world-shaking musician and DJ,” while 13-year-old Angin mused about becoming “president…no, also a French linguist and translator… OK, let’s just say the president of France.” The future possibilities are limitless with the opening of the center bringing hope to the youth of this region.

The TUMO x AGBU Gyumri Center opened its doors at its location in the Gyumri Technopark. It will launch a free after-school program in September, promoting 21^st-century skills, focusing on animation, game development, web design and filmmaking. Starting in June, local youth and their parents will be able to visit the center and acquaint themselves with its curriculum. Students will be able to register for membership during this time. The Gyumri program will be available to 500-1,000 students. Students will participate twice a week for two hours per session.

On May 25, the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, a state-of-the-art facility that offers Armenian youth access to learning resources, digital media, and leading professionals in the fields of media and technology, opened a new location in Gyumri.

The partnership between the Simonian Educational Foundation and AGBU will also launch a second TUMO x AGBU center in Stepanakert later this year. This initiative is part of AGBU’s commitment to education and innovation in Armenia.

To learn more about the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, visit www.tumo.org/en. To watch a video of the event, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm21I9JahaM&feature=youtu.be.