“The training was incredibly useful for us. The lessons were engaging because they were interactive; we led classes for our colleagues, participated in many group activities, and were not just passive listeners. We’ve learnt new skills that we will pass on to the teachers leading the 'Healthy Lifestyle' course," said Anush Torosyan, a participant in the mentor training programme for the 'Healthy Lifestyle' course, during our conversation. Ms Torosyan, who teaches Informatics at Vanadzor School No. 19, applied to join the mentor group after learning about the course. "I’m very pleased with this opportunity because I believe introducing a healthy lifestyle in schools is crucial. It should be a way of life. We aim to instill the right values in children from a young age, which will help them maintain their health, as prevention is much easier than combating harmful habits that have already formed."

The 'Healthy Lifestyle' mentor training programme, which took place from 21 to 24 August 2024, was organised by the joint efforts of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF, and WFP. A total of 81 mentors from across Armenia, including Yerevan, participated in the training, led by ten experts from different thematic fields.

"This year's mentor training is part of the preparatory work for the nationwide operationalisation of the 'Healthy Lifestyle' course. As you know, last year, as part of the universal introduction of the new general education standard, the course was introduced in the 5th and 7th grades. This academic year, it will be extended to the 6th, 8th, and 10th grades. It was important for our mentors to familiarise themselves with the materials and methods for these grades, so they can train other teachers during the upcoming autumn holidays," said Anna Barfyan, Youth Programme Analyst at UNFPA Armenia. She added, "UNFPA, as the coordinator of the working group implementing this initiative, is committed to continuing its support to the Ministry, alongside other UN agencies, to ensure the course is fully integrated and operationalised. We have also begun discussions with our colleagues on institutionalising the course to explore how the 'Healthy Lifestyle' curriculum can be integrated into pedagogical education."

This year’s training emphasised new teaching methods and interactive learning processes presented in the teachers' manuals. Mentors themselves led lessons based on the manuals and discussed with the experts the successful aspects and those that needed improvement.

Ashkhen Vahanyan, a mentor who teaches biology and natural sciences at Panik Secondary School in Artik and leads the 'Healthy Lifestyle' course, shared her experience:

"The classes were very effective. We run the lessons ourselves and received useful advice from our mentors. Over time, we have become very close to each other, almost like a big family. There is a sense of longing since we hadn’t seen each other for a year. Our mentors are also wonderful professionals, and we stay in touch if we have any questions."

Ms Vahanyan also highlighted the importance of transparency in communicating with parents: "Before starting the course, we informed parents during separate meetings, presenting the manual and the topics we would cover. We work very transparently, and as a result, we no longer face any resistance from parents." However, she noted some initial challenges when working with teachers: "There were teachers with very stereotype views on issues like violence and gender equality, but for example, the last time I met one of my colleagues, he said, 'Ms Vahanyan, I’ve changed my opinion.' That makes me happy because it shows our work is making a difference."

Another mentor, Artavazd Abrahamyan, Director of Khnatsakh Secondary School in the Syunik region, noted that the work with teachers had been smooth:

"From day one, we tried to help each other overcome stereotypes. I stay in contact with all the trained teachers and will pass on the new skills I've gained from this training." Mr Abrahamyan highlighted the key piece of advice he received from mentors: "Before starting the lesson, it's crucial to create an atmosphere of trust and common sense. For certain topics, like diseases, we need to ensure we don't pass on any negativity that might affect the overall atmosphere in the classroom."

Susanna Yesayan, another training participant and mentor, previously led the course at Yerevan School No. 150.

"Working with teachers was challenging at first, as there were negative attitudes towards the course. But through joint efforts, these attitudes changed. The manual is incredibly helpful; the topics are well-chosen, smoothly developed, and presented in an accessible way," said Ms Yesayan. She added that teachers simply need to follow the manual, and the lessons will be effective. Speaking about her experience working with parents, she noted: "When I was conducting the lessons as a teacher, I presented the materials to the parents beforehand, and they responded very positively because they saw that their children will receive accurate and reliable information, not relying on incorrect information from the internet."

The 'Healthy Lifestyle' course is a part of the new public education standard approved by the Armenian government on 4 February 2021, which focuses on competency-based learning with clear outcomes for each educational level.

"In line with the new standards, the Ministry has committed to making 'Healthy Lifestyle' an important component of public education. It is essential that the teachers share the values and are equipped with the methodological aspects of the 'Healthy Lifestyle' course. In this context, mentor training becomes crucial, as mentors will, in turn, train other teachers," said Anahit Muradyan, Chief Specialist of the General Education Department at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia. "We are closely monitoring the full integration of the 'Healthy Lifestyle' course in schools and would like to express our gratitude to UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF, and WFP for their ongoing cooperation and support."