What began as a bold idea in the hills of Lori has now become a model for rural development across Armenia.
On May 27, 2018, the doors of the first COAF SMART Center opened in Debet village, ushering in a new era of educational opportunity for Armenia’s rural youth. Seven years later, SMART isn’t just a center—it’s a story of transformation.
A Vision Rooted in Innovation
From day one, COAF SMART was never meant to be just another educational institution. As COAF Founder Dr. Garo Armen envisioned it:
“Our vision has always been to solve challenges in rural communities through innovation and speed—to meet a changing world with changing tools. SMART represents our belief that every child, no matter where they are born, deserves access to modern knowledge and inspiration.”
That vision came to life in a state-of-the-art campus built around four core areas of focus:
- Innovation & Creativity
- Languages & Communication
- Entrepreneurship & Economic Development
- Active Citizenship & Personal Growth
Today, about 2,000 students from 30 communities participate in SMART programs weekly, sparking creativity, building essential skills, and connecting with mentors who help broaden their horizons. From preschool to career-focused alumni programs, COAF empowers rural youth to define success on their own terms—whether that means competing on the global stage or thriving in their communities.
What the SMART Center Gives Youth
As Ani—a student who has been with SMART since day one—put it in a recent reflection:
“The SMART Center didn’t just offer us classes. It gave us purpose, friends, and the belief that we can be someone and do something important.”
Through programs in robotics, arts, English, media literacy, agriculture, and beyond, SMART students don’t just learn—they explore who they are, and who they can become.
Recent Milestones: Growth on Every Front
This year’s anniversary comes with big news and even bigger developments:
A Brand-New Bus Fleet
Thanks to the generosity of philanthropist Jack Youredjian, a new fleet of SMART buses now transports over 2,000 students weekly, ensuring that access to education is never blocked by distance.
Solar Panels Enhance Sustainability
Newly installed panels are now powering the SMART Center—part of COAF’s continued push toward renewable energy and environmental education.
Lavender Fields in Bloom
Newly planted at SMART, the lavender fields will soon serve as a hands-on lab for students and, in time, produce goods that generate revenue to support our programs.
Beyond the Classroom
The SMART Center’s impact goes far beyond formal learning. Through signature initiatives like SMART Connects, students have met inspiring figures—from artists and scientists to chess grandmasters like Levon Aronian, who reminded students that talent is important, but perseverance is everything.
It’s also a hub for economic development. The adjacent Concept Hotel and Conference Center—COAF social enterprises—are creating jobs, hosting regional events, and attracting visitors from around the world, boosting Lori’s profile as a destination for both tourism and innovation.
What Comes Next?
COAF SMART has always been about what’s next. As we celebrate seven years, we’re not just looking back—we’re building forward.
The second SMART Campus is officially underway in Myasnikyan, Armavir. It began with the completion of a fully operational Child & Family Center, already serving hundreds of families. Now, construction of the SMART Center itself is in full swing—bringing education, opportunity, and innovation to a new region.
And with the support of the European Union, COAF will soon build two more SMART Centers in Syunik—in Goris and Kapan. Each will follow the same holistic model that made Lori a success: integrating education with family services, community wellness, job creation, and cultural revival.
We’re not just opening centers—we’re transforming futures.
Be a part of the next 7 years.
Support COAF’s SMART programs and help us bring more innovation, inspiration, and opportunity to Armenia’s villages.
