SAINT-CHAMOND, AXEL DUGUA — On December 6, in the city of Saint-Chamond, France, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the head of the Kajaran community of Armenia’s Syunik Province, Manvel Paramazyan; the Mayor of Saint-Chamond, Axel Dugua; the head of the Auvergne–Rhône–Alpes–Syunik Sister Cities Network and Mayor of Vienne, Thierry Kovacs; and the program coordinator of the “France–Armenia Protestant Union,” Hélène Ohanyan.
According to the Kajaran Municipality, the memorandum aims to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a French Cultural Center in the city of Kajaran, strengthening cooperation between the parties in promoting the French language and in developing educational, cultural, and intercultural programs.
The center is envisioned as an important hub for French language instruction, cultural events, meetings, art programs, and the promotion of French culture.
During the preparatory phase, a feasibility study will be conducted, a potential site for the center will be selected, management and financing models will be developed, and a draft of the future agreement will be prepared.
Overall coordination of the project has been entrusted to the Sister Cities Network, while local technical coordination will be carried out by the SPFA organization. The city of Saint-Chamond has committed to providing professional, linguistic, and cultural support by engaging its educational and cultural institutions and identifying potential French partners.
The city of Kajaran has committed to providing space for the center, securing the necessary permits, supporting the operating organization, and participating in the selection of teachers and the development of the financing model. The center’s mission will include offering French language courses, organizing cultural and educational initiatives, promoting school and professional exchange programs, creating an accessible environment for French-language resources, and developing youth-focused programs.
The preparatory phase will be overseen by a joint committee that will hold regular meetings to ensure a coordinated and transparent process. There are no mandatory financial commitments at this stage, and each party will cover its own expenses, while the center’s budget will be included in the final agreement.
