Armenian education in Cyprus

Armenians have always attached particular emphasis in education, which – in conjunction with the Church – is the foundation for the preservation of their national and cultural heritage. Armenian schools teach and cultivate Armenophony, Armenology, the age-old Armenian history and the rich Armenian traditions, thus ensuring the perpetuation of Armenianism from generation to generation. The very existence of Armenian educational institutions in the countries of the Armenian Diaspora shows exactly the importance, the perseverance and the tireless efforts that the numerous Armenian communities make to avoid the "white massacre", the assimilation and peaceful disintegration of the Armenian nation. Therefore, in a way, the continuance of Armenian education up to our days is a sign of victory against the "red massacre", the Genocide.

Education is a very important part of the Armenian community of Cyprus. It first appeared in the second half of the 19th century, within the framework of the Tanzimat reformations. The first Armenian school in Cyprus, established by newly arrived Archimandrite Vartan Mamigonian, opened its doors in Nicosia in 1870; it was followed by an Armenian school in Larnaca (1909), Famagusta (1927) and Limassol (1928). Small Armenian schools, some public and others private, used to operate also at the Magaravank (1897–1914), the Attalou settlement near Kharcha (1910–1922), Amiandos (1928–1939 & 1942–1948), Mavrovouni (1939-1942), Nicosia (1900-1905) and Larnaca 1896-1899, 1916-1918, 1921-1936, as well as in various villages during the World War II evacuation. Of the private Armenian schools of the island, it is worth mentioning the short-lived but significant National Educational Orphanage (Ազգային Կրթարան-Որբանոց, 1897–1904), established in Nicosia by Vahan M. Kurkjian (Pagouran), and naturally the world-renowned Melkonian Educational Institute (Մելգոնեան Կրթական Հաստատութիւն, 1926–2005), established in Nicosia by brothers Krikor and Garabed Melkonian and administered by the Armenian General Benevolent Union.

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Wikipedia