Story of Impact Emergency Education Response : Making Progress in Artsakh
Ruben , who is an 11-year-old student , was displaced from Stepanakert due to the war . Finding refuge in Tavush , he temporarily resettled in Armenia with his four sisters . According to him , he loves to chew on pens , a habit his teachers have not gotten him to shake , and has a reputation for mischief . Regardless of his naughty habits , Mher Melikyan — a Teacher-Leader who had been serving in Artsakh — believes in his potential . It was through Teach For Armenia ’ s Emergency Education Response that Mher became Ruben ’ s teacher .
Mher will never forget his first interaction with Ruben : Ruben : “ What subject do you teach ?” Mher : “ I ’ ll be teaching English .” Ruben : “ Oh no ! I do not like English . I would much rather do math .”
While Ruben was initially hesitant to learn English , especially in the face of uncertainty caused by the war , his relationship with Mher grew . In a private conversation , Ruben explained that in his old school teachers only focused their attention on the “ good students ” — making him feel less than worthy .
With this in mind , Mher set out to teach English in the most interesting way possible . He organized various games . For example , students took a box of chocolates and turned each piece into a letter . In turn , those letters were used to compose words that the class had learned . From time to time , students even played the role of teacher and asked other students questions . These kinds of activities created a positive classroom culture where everyone felt respected , included , and safe . In the end , Ruben became one of the most eager students under Mher ’ s care , even demanding additional assignments !
As students like Ruben return to Artsakh , it is stories like his that remind us at Teach For Armenia of the power of teachers . Teachers have the power to unlock potential and rebuild hope .
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