Armenian education minister urges graduates to embrace criticism and lifelong learning

Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan on Friday congratulated school graduates on their Last Bell ceremony, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with resilience and openness to criticism.

Andreasyan, whose daughter is also graduating this year, told students they are a “remarkable generation” with bright ideas and courage. She urged them not to fear mistakes, calling them “the path forward” when lessons are learned.

“Listen to criticism – only hearing what is pleasant leads nowhere,” she said in a statement, stressing that constructive feedback helps identify problems and make corrections. Andreasyan added that leadership often requires moving ahead even when “everything is not clear,” and reminded graduates that education is a lifelong process.

She urged students to enjoy the day, embrace their classmates and teachers and carry the warmth of school memories into the next stage of life.