To transmit the Armenian language to the new generation is the challenge to perpetuate our identity in the diaspora. And school is the fundamental tool.
The Armenian Cultural Center of Valence has embarked on an ambitious, but much needed project to build the school.
There are seven Armenian schools in France located in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Nice,. Valence has so far been the only city with a strong Armenian community not to have a daily school, although 15% of its citizens are of Armenian descent.
The project started in 2015, Valance-based Hampig Rémy Osipian told Public Radio of Armenia. He added that the issue has been on the agenda for over 35 years.
Hampig Rémy Osipian and four of his friends have formed a group that will manage the future school.
The construction works are expected to last 1.5 years. The project has been sponsored by Lebanese-Armenian Gevork Arabiaan and the local Armenian community.
Ani Zeytountsian
Public Radio of Armenia