Since 2012, 327 students and youth from Armenia have benefited from the programs and scholarship support of the Scholae Mundi Armenia Charity Foundation, with approximately $15.6 million allocated for this purpose. This fact was shared by the Foundation’s director, Vasily Bardadymov, in an interview with a correspondent for Aravot.am. He noted that scholarships were provided to 230 Armenian students for the specific purpose of studying at UWC Dilijan and other colleges within the United World Colleges network. Additionally, 22 youth received support for higher education, while 75 children participated in UWC Dilijan summer educational programs with the Foundation’s full backing.
The founders of Scholae Mundi Armenia are Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend, with the latter also serving as the chair of the Foundation’s board. Established back in 2009, prior to the founding of UWC Dilijan College, the Foundation was launched with the aim of supporting initiatives that provide quality education to young people. Following the opening of UWC Dilijan College, it began providing scholarships and grants to support admitted students.
“We believe that every educational opportunity — be it a short-term course, college, or university education — helps ensure that the country’s future generation not only gains the opportunity to build a better future, but also develops into responsible, value-driven individuals,” said Bardadymov.
According to him, the founders have a distinctive approach to education: “Both Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently being illegally held in a Baku prison, and his wife, Veronika Zonabend, are convinced that positive change can only be achieved through education.”
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“They have said on numerous occasions that in the 21st century, education is becoming the key to both social and economic success. Ruben Vardanyan always used to say that it is no longer important how much territory, oil, or other material resources you possess, but rather how many educated, creative people live in your country. He always believed that education is the competitive advantage of Armenians. That is why the couple founded the Dilijan International
School [UWC Dilijan College], which, on one hand, allows international students to study in Armenia for two years and come to view it as their second home, and on the other, gives Armenian children the chance to receive a high-quality, globally competitive international education,” Bardadimov noted.
He also added that 39 Armenian students are currently studying at UWC schools on partial or full scholarships. The Vardanyan family is one of the Foundation’s largest donors.
