AraratBank: A New Rhythm of Life for Children with Hearing Impairments

A year ago, AraratBank launched a meaningful initiative aimed at giving children with hearing impairments the opportunity to experience the rhythm and magic of music.

The initiative began with an unprecedented cultural event featuring the world-renowned Belgian band Hooverphonic, held as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor: Eduard Topchjan).

The concert was sponsored by AraratBank, and a portion of the funds allocated to the event was donated to the Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments to enhance the environment that supports students’ educational and creative development.

As a result, through AraratBank’s financing and in cooperation with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, the music room of the Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments was renovated.

The renovated and fully equipped music room opens up new opportunities for children’s development and self-expression. The bright and warm environment will support their safe, comfortable, and well-rounded development, promoting their self-expression and creative potential.

“A motivating educational environment encourages children to learn with greater enthusiasm and fosters greater engagement among teachers. The aim of this important initiative goes beyond the renovation of the music room; it is about creating a modern, safe, and engaging educational environment for children that will help unlock their creative potential, support self-expression, and provide new opportunities for growth. I am confident that this environment will inspire children to embrace learning with greater enthusiasm, create and trust in their own abilities,” said Armine Babayan, Director of the Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments.

During the 2025–2026 academic year alone, the subject “Rhythmics” was taught to around 70 students at the Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments, covering 14 classes across grades 1 through 9.

“It is symbolic that one of Armenia’s most important musical institutions, the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, contributed to the renovation of this beautiful music room. Projects implemented with our business partners still rarely include a social responsibility component. That is why we welcome AraratBank’s initiative and have joined it with great enthusiasm,” said Astghik Dallakyan, Press Secretary of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

“AraratBank and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra began their collaboration on this initiative a year ago, within the frames of the Orchestra’s anniversary celebrations. The initiative stood out as a truly unique effort, bringing together two institutions around a shared goal: making music accessible to children with hearing impairments. The music room significantly enhances the effectiveness of “Rhythmics” classes, which are particularly important for communication and social development of children with hearing impairments,” said Anna Allahverdyan, Head of Communication and CSR Programs Coordination Division at AraratBank.

The room’s design features a distinctive artistic touch contributing to a warm and creative environment that supports children’s development and self-expression, and brings a new rhythm to their lives.

AraratBank is regulated by the Central Bank of Armenia.