For the 6th year in a row “HSBC Bank Armenia” CJSC (HSBC Armenia) along with the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) have been awarding scholarships to students from regions of Armenia within the framework of the joint scholarship programme.

The program budget this year constituted AMD 13.1 million, out of which HSBC Armenia provided AMD 9.7 million.  

During the partnership, the two organizations granted the opportunity to more than 100 students from the regions of Armenia to get involved in full-time and distant education at public and private universities and vocational colleges in Armenia.

In addition to financial support, the organizations have put together career development package which grants students the opportunity to participate in professional internships, mentorship programs, and skills development courses. The goal of the programme is to train competitive, knowledgeable and professional candidates.

“At HSBC, we highly value education as one of the keys to success in the modern world. Our corporate social responsibility strategy emphasizes the development of professional skills and promotion of employment among youth. I find this programme specifically important as it is aimed at young people from the regions of Armenia, who have far less career opportunities than those living in the capital city,” said Irina Seylanyan, HSBC Armenia CEO.  

In addition to financial support, HSBC Armenia employees take part in the mentorship program as volunteers. On 15 May, the first online meeting took place between 21 scholarship recipients of 2019-2020 Academic Year and 21 professionals from HSBC Armenia who volunteered as mentors. The participants of the programme specified their expectations and scope of obligations based on the cooperation.

“This is a unique opportunity in life when a specialist who has gone through a certain path of personal and professional growth expresses readiness to provide time and resources to help young people develop and pave their own way. Get the most out of your collaboration,” COAF Managing Director Korioun Khatchadourian mentioned in his address to the scholarship recipients.

More than 100 students from 25 communities in 5 regions of Armenia have been enrolled in the programme over the past six years. To date, the project is worth more than USD 80,000.