Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, together with his wife Anna Hakobyan, attended the opening ceremony of the Concept Hotel of the Children of Armenia Fund and the opening of the Arts, crafts and music festival in Debet village of Lori Province, which aims to contribute to the increase of the economic and touristic attractiveness of Lori. The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan, Deputy President of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan, MPs, ministers, founder and chairman of Children of Armenia Charitable Fund Garo Armen, Managing Director of COAF Liana Ghaltaghchyan and others.

In his speech, the Prime Minister welcomed the initiative of the Children of Armenia Fund and noted that this is his second visit to this region of Lori Province in the last 20 days.

"When we were on the way here, I was discussing with my wife that there is practically no community in Armenia where I have not been as the prime minister. It is very important for me because we visit all kinds of places where there is work done or being done. Those working trips help to better understand the potential of our country.

And I want to say that the conclusion that I had at the time of my first visit to this center, that conclusion has now doubled, tripled. The conclusion is as follows: we can use the development potential of our country, we can do it only through education.

Why do I highly value the activities of the Children of Armenia Fund? Also because it is not limited to the education of children, teenagers, and young people. It applies the concept that everyone, regardless of age, and all those who want to improve, improve their skills is considered a beneficiary of education. But it is also very important to help people so that they acknowledge to themselves the need to learn more," said Nikol Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister noted that he came to Debet from Kotayk Province, from the festival of Rural Life, where, in fact, the conversation was about the same thing. "The biggest problems in our agricultural sector start from the point where we don't admit to ourselves that we don't know something and there is something we can learn. Therefore, I am not ashamed and I do not get tired of saying this, everyone, starting with the Prime Minister, continuing with Cabinet Members, citizens, officials, military, if each of us does not first admit when we wake up in the morning that we do not know something, it means that there is a high probability that we will spend that day ineffective.

Therefore, I am very happy to see the development of this smart center. I am happy when I see the approach of representatives of our Diaspora like Karo Armen, because I think that with their work they also change the attitude of Armenia towards the Diaspora and the attitude of the diaspora towards Armenia," said Nikol Pashinyan.

According to the Prime Minister, thanks to the Children of Armenia Fund, "Tumo" Foundation and other similar programs, we are reevaluating the word charity, because, in his opinion, it is very important even for charitable purposes to invest in development projects.

"And this is yet another development plan. This is a hotel that will be available to everyone in this beautiful nature, and on the other hand, the income it brings will be reinvested in further development projects. During our previous visit to Lori Province, we saw the health center created by Children of Armenia Fund in Dsegh, which made a great impression. It is very important that we have a new architectural handwriting, a new approach, and new formulas for organizing work. The COAF does this work very well, and it is my pleasure to be here today on such a wonderful occasion," said Nikol Pashinyan, thanking the Fund for implementing such projects.

"Yes, this is a new place that belongs to the community, to everyone, which will bring its benefits to the development of Lori Province and, in general, the Republic of Armenia. I thank all those people who help us to learn more," concluded the Prime Minister.

The Concept Hotel and Conference Center located in the COAF SMART Center will serve as a venue for recreational, professional and social events, thus ensuring the continuity and expansion of COAF's educational programs in Lori.

"For twenty years now, COAF has been creating many opportunities in the rural communities of Armenia with its activities. With the launch of COAF "Concept", we are not only reaping the fruits of our dream, but also building a new future. It is the result of the powerful potential of each member of our team, which is brought to life every time thanks to unity and innovation. This is more than just a structure. it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of our shared dreams and a path to a bright future," Garo Armen, the founding chairman of the "Children of Armenia" charity foundation (COAF), said in his opening speech.

The COAF festival, hosting thousands of visitors in Debet, brings together the musical talents of Armenia, regional producers and artisans. It is held within the framework of the "Lori: Your Next Direction" initiative, which is implemented with the support of the "ITTD" program of the "EU for Business" initiative of the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).

During the festival, more than 30 local entrepreneurs, many of whom are beneficiaries of economic development programs of COAF, present their products in the exhibition section. Visitors have the opportunity to get acquainted with and purchase teas and agricultural products, clothes, care and beauty items, various handmade items - bags, souvenirs, as well as entertainment services.