Admission of First-Graders in Artsakh Has Already Started

Despite difficulties, a new academic year in the besieged Artsakh will start on time.

Goods left from the previous year have been taken out from stock. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Artsakh has issued a statement that the blockade makes it impossible to hold a traditional event to provide first-graders with backpacks and stationery.

The Ministry of Education received new books from Armenia annually and distributed them to schools. This year, agreements have also been signed, however, the delivery problem emerged. Due to the blockade, biology and chemistry laboratories as well as geography cabinets, which were supposed to be delivered to secondary schools in Martuni and Vaguhas, have been left in Goris since last year. 57 musical instruments have been also left in Goris.

Another challenge is transportation. The absence of transportation in Stepanakert creates even more obstacles.

There is also a significant lack of teachers in Artsakh: 2 154 vacancies for almost every subject. All the challenges are vital; however, the heating problem remains the key one. No school has stocked up firewood, which means, classes will continue as long as weather allows.

The challenges also apply to elementary and art schools as well as kindergartens.