French Cultural Center to open in Kajaran, Syunik․ Kajaran

08-12-2025 - 08-12-2025

On December 6, in the French city of Saint-Chamond, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Manvel Paramazyan, Mayor of Kajaran; Axel Dugua, Mayor of Saint-Chamond; Thierry Kovacs, Mayor of Vienne and Head of the Auvergne–Rhône–Alpes – Syunik Sister Cities Network; and Hélène Ohanyan, Program Coordinator of the “France–Armenia Protestant Union” organization.

The cultural center to be established is intended to become an important environment for teaching the French language, holding cultural events and meetings, implementing art programs, and promoting French culture.

During the preparatory phase, a feasibility study will be carried out, a potential location for the center will be selected, management and financing models will be developed, and a draft of the future agreement will be prepared. Overall coordination of the work is entrusted to the Sister Cities Network, while local technical coordination is carried out by the SPFA organization. The city of Saint-Chamond undertakes to provide professional, linguistic, and cultural support by engaging its educational and cultural institutions and identifying potential French partners. The city of Kajaran undertakes to provide space for the center, ensure the necessary permits, support the operator organization, and participate in the selection of teachers and the development of the financing model.

The mission of the center includes conducting French language courses, organizing cultural and educational initiatives, promoting school and professional exchanges, creating an accessible environment for Francophone resources, and developing youth-oriented programs. The preparatory phase will be led by a joint committee, which will convene regular meetings to ensure a coordinated and transparent process.

Link: Official Facebook page of the Qajaran community: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2051385782314666

Official Facebook page of the commune of Saint-Chamond in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: https://www.facebook.com/SaintChamond/posts/pfbid02pk3dVjPTcmTyg36QVK63kk4fMgo5MjM3hgXd4Zp18yJfgjoydCUXXPd8sqS4DPzXl