On June 3rd 2019, CINF’s annual summer course program launched in Artsakh for its third year. In addition to English and Philosophy courses also held in 2018, Italian language courses were added, to help the Artsakhtsi prepare for our upcoming vocational courses lead by Veneto artisans. CINF initially planned to offer 18 courses in these subjects. Six teachers were hired: two Americans, one Italian, and three local Artsakhtsi. Our Artsakh teachers were from among our most promising students in 2018. In June they trained with our American teachers to utilize CINF’s specialized methodology and teaching approach.
When courses began on June 3rd, we were immediately hit with a surge of new enrollments. Within two weeks of the program, student demand was so great that we had to open 12 additional sections to accommodate new students. In June we taught six courses, in July thirteen, and in August nine. Courses were offered for four age groups: children 10-14 years old, high school students, university students, and adults. Students came from across Artsakh and from many different backgrounds.
Courses this year were held both at Mesrob Mashtots University and at Artsakh State University.
In every way, the program surpassed our work last year:
In 2018, more than 200 registered in our classes. This year, 471 registered.
In 2018, CINF worked with around 180 students. This year, CINF taught 325.
In 2018, CINF graduated only 41 students. This year, CINF will graduate 207. Compared to 2018, graduates have increased by more than 400%.
CINF’s biggest problems in 2018 were with student retention and walk-ins. Program changes since then have met both issues.
Student retention in 2018 was around 30%. This year it is around 70%.
About half of CINF’s students in 2018 were walk-ins. This year, the vast majority formally enrolled.
In addition to courses, our teachers also spent many hours working with students outside of the classroom. Especially for our youngest students, 9 Field Days, 3 Movie Nights, and a 4th of July Party were organized.
All of our work aims to go beyond courses; to further build friendships with the Artsakhtsi and support them and work with them in their endeavors. We believe that the 2019 program did just this, but it is better to let our Artsakhtsi friends speak for themselves:
“The skillset [CINF] gave us is precious. If our motherland had had many teachers like [CINF’s] we wouldn’t have worries anymore. The students will love their chosen professions and will come to classes with pleasure.” – CINF Student
“I had never read a book in English before and it was helpful and challenging for us at the same time. […] The classes were very productive because we were not just reading the books but discussing together each chapter. […] The discussion was very interesting and deep, not similar to the ones we had at our university during the class. I liked this approach to learning and studying a foreign language.” – CINF Student
“All of [these courses] were a great opportunity to improve our spoken English. […] [These courses] changed a lot in me, I have started to look at things differently, and if many people imagine that a wonderful summer is at the seaside or in parties, this time, for me, was wonderful and incomparable with the past summers.” – CINF Student
“I thought that, most likely, this will be the usual course, during which we will sit quietly. But from the first day my opinion was completely changed. My teachers, Stephanie and Avery, explained everything to the smallest detail. So everything immediately became clear. […] Thanks so much for this amazing course.” – CINF Student
“Teaching for CINF has been a great experience. I had never taught before, and I had no teaching experience, except the month that Stephanie and Avery practiced with me. Teaching gave me a lot. It helped me to understand people well, to care for them more, to think more and help them think as well. […] I can say it wasn’t just a job for me, but an important virtue to be carried by me.” – Artsakhtsi Teacher
“When I am working with the kids, it’s not just to teach them English, but to not be afraid, to be willing to learn. […] When I see them afraid to make mistakes, it reminds me of my education. I teach them to be willing to make mistakes, practice in class, and become as perfect as they can.” – Artsakhtsi Teacher
“I learned how to communicate with teens, kids, and adults. I understood what they need and what’s interesting to them, and I tried to give them the material they needed. […] It was a really interesting and unique experience.” – Artsakhtsi Teacher “It is beyond doubt that the activity that CINF caries out in Artsakh brings only positive results to the life and development of Artsakh people. Taking in to consideration the enthusiasm of the teaching staff, their skillfulness, interactive methods of teaching used and the readiness of the audience to cooperate and learn allows us to state that these Courses will definitely contribute to the development and personal growth of the youth and the adults of Artsakh which in turn will allow the Artsakhtsi people to build a brighter and more prosperous future for their country.” – Mesrob Mashtots University