COAF’s 2025 Back to School Appeal Results: Thank You for Mapping the Future of Armenia!

‍Thanks to our amazing community of supporters, GIS will now become a permanent part of the SMART Center curriculum in Lori, Armenia.

In August, we called on our dedicated community to help us launch a cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems (GIS) course at the COAF SMART Center in Lori. We chose this field because it is both one of the fastest-growing tech areas worldwide and deeply relevant to Armenia’s rural needs. GIS is not just a high-demand skill—it’s a tool that empowers youth to make smarter, data-driven decisions for their own communities.

And once again, you came through. We met our campaign goal of over $125,000, and the integration of GIS into the SMART curriculum is already underway. Nearly 2,000 students from 30 communities in northern Armenia will now have access to this transformative learning experience.

Here’s a glimpse of what your contributions are making possible:

• Precision Agriculture – Students will use drones, satellite data, and sensors to monitor crop health and help farmers make smarter, more efficient choices.
• Risk Management – Youth will analyze flood and earthquake risks to strengthen community preparedness and disaster response.
• Resource Planning – Students will map infrastructure, identify underserved areas, and suggest smarter placements for services like clinics and emergency units.
• Systems Thinking – Youth will see their villages as interconnected systems—and learn to reimagine them with innovation and data.

Why It Matters

From farming and climate response to urban planning and beyond, GIS is the hidden engine powering smarter decisions in every sector. By equipping rural Armenian youth with these skills, you’re helping them thrive in careers that shape the world—and enabling them to bring that knowledge back to their communities.

Thank you for empowering Armenia’s next generation of tech leaders!