YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. UWC Dilijan College opened its doors to 94 new students who will start their studies based on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).”Armenpress” was informed from Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) that in 2015, UWC Dilijan will complete the two IB Diploma cohorts and so finally constitute the full establishment of the college during the first phase of its development.

Head of UWC Dilijan College John Puddefoot welcomed students and teachers. “One of the convictions that binds the visions of our Founders, the UWC movement, and the International Baccalaureate together, is that investment in education of the highest quality is what holds out hope for justice, peace and prosperity. It’s precisely why we are committing our time, efforts and funds both to class work and to out-of-class trainings. We hope the practice gained at UWC Dilijan College will transform us all inspiring to dedicate our lives to serving the society, our country and the entire world,” he said.

Chair of the Board of Governors of UWC Dilijan College Veronika Zonabend said that education and school are not contained in just the building. “The ‘title’ role belongs to the teachers as well as the children who come to study here. Head of UWC Dilijan College John Puddefoot has managed to bring together an interesting academic staff and owing to the unique selection system of UWC, we have bright, distinctive and talented children with an active lifestyle. An overly interesting but difficult work lies ahead of you – you should not only gain academic knowledge but also life experience in a multi-cultural environment, which will beyond doubt reshape your personality. I am happy this work is carried out not only at school but also across its walls since UWC Dilijan is an integral part of the city of Dilijan. Changes in the city’s life are already visible. Those changes occur owing to the interaction of the students and local young people. I hope these outcomes will be sustainable and long-term,” she said.

The main buildings and the campus have been given the final finishing touches and all the conditions needed to support world-class education have been created. In 2015, UWC Dilijan College received a number of reputable and international awards. The college became International Property Awards 2015 laureate in “Public Services Development” category (European region). It was also awarded IGRA Green Roof Leadership Award 2015 in “Trendsetting Architecture” category. In addition, it’s the only educational institution in the CIS certified by BREEAM sustainable building standards.

“The new buildings and facilities are looking magnificent, and I am struck by the quality and richness of the experience any student will enjoy here, as are all our visitors, most of whom end their tours by expressing the wish that they could be young again and able to study here. The college is situated in a country of outstanding natural beauty and overwhelming hospitality; it will stand comparison with any school in the world. I believe our students will not only gain amazing practice but will also enjoy studying and living here,” said John Puddefoot.