News

During their visit to France, Marina and Meline Ghazaryan, co-founders of the M.A.M Educational Movement, attended the official inauguration of ODARIF, the Organization of the Armenian Diaspora of the Île-de-France Region, and an educational forum dedicated to Armenian language learning in the Diaspora.

ODARIF’s inauguration took place on September 11, 2026, at the Maison des Arts in Le Plessis-Robinson, under the patronage of Armenia’s Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.

On September 12, the city’s Maison des Associations hosted a forum jointly organized by ODARIF and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, dedicated to learning Armenian in the Diaspora in the 21st century. The forum brought together specialists from Armenia and representatives of Armenian schools and educational and cultural organizations from across France.

Alvina Eloyan, representing Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, attended the forum. M.A.M’s co-founders shared their experience and approaches to modern, technology-supported education for the Diaspora.

Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities of teaching Armenian in France, exchanging experience among schools and community organizations, adopting contemporary teaching methods and strengthening educational connections. Particular emphasis was placed on passing on both Western and Eastern Armenian as a foundation for preserving Armenian identity, culture and historical memory.

Participants included representatives of Barsamian School in Nice; JAF Marseille; the Grand Est regional representation; Markarian-Papazian School and YAN Educational Center in Lyon; the Armenian House of Rennes; the Vahé Fattal Educational and Cultural Center in Clamart; YAN Educational Association in Décines-Charpieu; and Tebrotzassère School in Le Raincy.

The meetings offered an opportunity to discuss future cooperation, including developing digital and interactive learning tools, building a network for sharing educational resources and expertise, and encouraging younger generations’ interest in Armenian.

For M.A.M, such encounters are important opportunities to strengthen educational ties between Armenia and the Diaspora and develop solutions that respond to community needs. Working together to pass on Armenian also supports younger generations’ identity, sense of belonging and living connection with Armenia.

External coverage

• ODARIF: Summary of the forum on Armenian language education in the Diaspora

• Armenopole: Announcement of ODARIF’s official inauguration

• Nor Haratch: Cooperation between Le Plessis-Robinson and ODARIF