It is not secret that field lessons are among the most effective ways to reinforce theoretical knowledge. The 11th-grade Social Studies course offers high school students not only the opportunity to gain essential foundational knowledge on the path to becoming legally aware citizens, but also to acquire practical skills by visiting public and civic institutions that relate to the curriculum.
It was with this goal in mind that students recently visited the Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center (TIAC), a non-governmental organization established in July 2000. The center aims to contribute to political, economic, and social reforms in Armenia and the region, while also fostering an informed civil society through educational programs.
Over its two decades of activity, TIAC has become one of Armenia’s leading NGOs in promoting good governance and monitoring anti-corruption efforts. The latest educational initiative, dedicated to the topic of corruption and its prevention, was attended by 11th-grade students.
During the meeting, speaker Anahit Hovakimyan, a representative of the organization, addressed the roots of corruption, its causes, manifestations, and various methods of combating it—highlighting both effective and ineffective mechanisms.
According to Armine Bareghamyan, the history and social studies teacher who initiated the visit, “No matter how engaging, dynamic, and comprehensive the classroom material may be, it’s crucial that students have the opportunity to connect with the subject matter through real-world examples. Visiting NGOs and relevant government institutions serves precisely that purpose and should become a consistent part of the educational experience,” she told to usumschool.am.
To not think freely is to not think at all!
