Armenian Evangelical College

Location: West Beirut, Lebanon
Principal: Zaven Messerlian
Founded: 1923

How it all started
During the genocide of 1915, in which historians estimate that the Turks massacred over one and a half million Armenians, many Armenians fled to Lebanon.  More Armenians fled their homeland in 1922, following a further massacre.

The Armenian Evangelical College was established in 1923, to serve the refugee children, both boys and girls, and many of the grandparents of the current pupils were amongst these refugees.

Current activities
There are three sections to the school, a kindergarten for children aged 4-6 years, a primary section for children between 6-12 years and a secondary level for those aged 12-18 years.

Most of the lessons in the lower sections are taught in the Armenian language, with some lessons in Arabic.  The children learn English from an early age, and in the secondary section most lessons are taught in English.  As each of these languages has a different script, this is particularly admirable.

As well as teaching the usual Lebanese curriculum, the school includes study in Armenian culture and history, with a particular emphasis on the Bible.  There are chapel services and Sunday school or church attendance.  The students in grades 9 and 12 sit the government examinations and many achieve top results.

The school runs a variety of extra-curricular activities, including a basketball team, a choir, a drama society and a folk dance club.  There are also clubs for those interested in learning more about the Bible, the Armenian culture, history, or the environment.

Like many schools in Beirut, during the long Lebanese civil war, from 1975-1990, the College suffered damage.  Once, fortunately on a Sunday, when no one was around, a bomb fell in the school’s playground.  Parents and teachers are thankful for peace now as they provide the stability and education that the children need.  They thank all those who share in this work, and help young boys and girls to lead normal lives.

 
 

2 girls read books in the College’s new library, provided by a BibleLands’ grant