UWC Dilijan celebrates its 10th anniversary: how the school for the future has transformed the city

10 years ago, UWC Dilijan, a boarding school, opened on one of the scenic slopes of Dilijan, marking a new chapter in the city's history and its presence on the global stage. Since then, Dilijan has become one of 18 locations around the world where a unique school of the United World Colleges network has been established.

The idea to establish a school in Armenia following the UWC (United World College) model was conceived by Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend in 2006. The couple envisioned creating an international education institution in Armenia that would bring together young people from diverse backgrounds: different countries, religions, and social classes. This ambitious initiative became a reality in 2014, thanks to the efforts of the founders and their support from over three hundred people from around the world. In the first year, the school accepted 94 students from 49 countries, and today it has 220 students from 80 different countries. More than 70% of students receive full or partial financial assistance, ensuring that talented young people from various socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue their education.

The primary objective of the founders of UWC Dilijan is to promote cultural exchange, provide high-quality education, facilitate interaction with the local community, and contribute to the development of Armenia, as well as enhance its global recognition.

Students at the school follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which aims to comprehensively develop students' personalities in the face of global challenges. Rather than focusing solely on academic rigor, this program emphasizes the development of skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making. The school's founders believe these skills are essential in today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, where information becomes obsolete quickly. This approach allows students to remain flexible and adaptable to new developments. These experiences help students gain practical experience and Be flexible. An integral part of the curriculum is active involvement in a variety of activities, including social projects and volunteering.

UWC Dilijan graduates have the opportunity to gain admission to some of the world's most prestigious universities, including Yale, Harvard, and Columbia, among others. These institutions will help them spread the values they have been instilled with on different continents.

The presence of UWC in Dilijan has a significant impact on the students' worldview, as they learn about the region, its unique features, and issues related to conflict resolution. Through volunteering and outdoor learning activities such as hiking, historical and natural research, and sightseeing tours, students gain a deeper understanding of the country they are visiting, as well as establish stronger intercultural connections. Each year, UWC students contribute more than 9,000 hours of service to the community, collaborating with local educational and social organizations. It is not an exaggeration to state that every UWC student becomes a future ambassador for Dilijan and Armenia.

The school has contributed to the development of the city in several ways. Firstly, as previously mentioned, the city's presence on the educational landscape has been enhanced by the addition of the school to the UWC network, alongside 17 other schools. With the opening of UWC Dilijan, there has been an increase in the number of tourists and professionals visiting the city, which has led to economic growth. This has resulted in the creation of approximately 300 full-time and 1,700 part-time jobs. Secondly, UWC Dilijan is actively engaged in educational and cultural initiatives for local residents. One such initiative is the establishment of a campus in partnership with Samsung Electronics in 2021 to provide advanced IT training for Armenian youth.

Dilijan International School (DIS), which is also located on the premises of UWC Dilijan and initially intended for the children of staff members, has evolved into a fully-fledged institution over the past 10 years. The school welcomes students from preschool to grade 10, with more than 70 pupils and 16 teachers representing nine different countries. Thanks to its high academic standards, DIS has recently received accreditation from the Cambridge International Schools organization, which represents a significant milestone in the development of Dilijan as a center for educational excellence.

The architecture of the UWC Dilijan campus deserves special attention. The modern design of the buildings incorporates local elements, such as the use of local stone and wooden balconies, which demonstrates a commitment to balance between progress and respect for traditional values. The campus is built with advanced eco-friendly technologies, such as collecting water from natural sources and using rainwater for irrigation and water treatment. Students have access to a gym, indoor swimming pool, sports fields, library, IT center, canteen, medical center, and even a pottery workshop on campus. All of this is set against the backdrop of the wooded mountains that form the national reserve, creating ideal conditions for study and living.

Over the past 10 years, UWC Dilijan has firmly established itself as an integral part of the educational and cultural part of Dilijan, Armenia, and the broader UWC network. Despite the challenges presented by the current regional situation, the school continues to engage in active operations, inspiring students, educators, donors, and local community members to foster productive collaboration and mutual influence.