Fundraising by the parents' will?
Each school has its own perception of the call by the Ministry of Education and Science to hold the "Last class appropriate for the school".
The phenomenon of fundraising continues, despite the ongoing calls for not turning the "Last Bell" into a fundraiser.
After visiting a couple of schools in Yerevan, "A1+" found out that like every year, this year graduating students have started preparing for the "Last Bell" ceremony a couple of months in advance.
According to some students of School N188 of Ajapnyak district, discussions on graduation ceremonies began in March.
"The headmaster made the main decisions and the parents confirmed the entire amount of money foreseen for covering all expenses," said one of the students.
According to the student, each student will pay 80,000 drams which is foreseen for holding the "Last Bell" ceremony, the evening party, the scenario, filming, flowers, as well as gifts for the principal and the headmaster and more. As for the gifts, according to students, they will be gold items.
Students say in addition to this amount, they will also collect 15,000 drams during the six exit exams to treat the teachers and the entire amount of money will make up 1.5 million drams.
"The amount of money increases year after year," said one of the students and added: "If the parents disagree, what can they do? They are forced to pay."
It would be wrong to say the same goes for all schools because there are schools where the amount varies.
For instance, a student of School N195 mentioned that the school will collect money only for filming the event, flowers and will write the scenario on their own. Besides that, they will also raise funds for the party, but will celebrate at the summer home of one of their fellow students.
Schools in Kentron district are also raising funds, but unlike students of schools from the outskirts of the city, they are more precautious.
The high school students at middle school N1 after Stepan Shahumyan didn't prefer to state any amount, but denied that they were raising funds. When we were talking to the students, one of the teachers interfered and told them to mention that parents are taking care of the expenses by their own will and initiative.
