The “National Awareness Day” (NAD2) Event was successfully held on September 25, 2025, at Vanadzor State University (VSU) within the framework of the Erasmus+ CBHE DeSIRe Project. The event brought together students, academic staff, local authorities, employers, and project partners, serving as a platform to raise awareness about the project’s objectives, ongoing activities, and results.

The program was moderated by VSU students Zemfira Beglaryan and Karine Mkhitaryan, once again demonstrating the active participation of students in project-related initiatives. This was followed by the screening of a video from the Flashmob organized jointly by VSU and the National NGO Center on September 23, which reflected a dynamic youth-led initiative.

The official opening was delivered by Prof. Dr. Rustam Sahakyan, Acting Rector of VSU, who underlined the importance of international collaboration, effective partnerships between universities, communities, and employers, and student-centered learning that develops soft skills, enhancing students’ career prospects and competitiveness in a dynamic labor market.

Dr. Arman Bernetsyan, Advisor to the Head of Vanadzor Community, stressed the role of higher education in regional development and highlighted the positive impact of educational initiatives on regional growth.

Dr. Lusik Vardanyan, Coordinator of the Erasmus+ CBHE DeSIRe Project, welcomed the guests and presented a brief overview of the project’s objectives, work packages, and expected results. She emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the soft skills offered by universities and those required by the labour market through the design and implementation of five modules into curricula, along with the revision of SS teaching and assessment methodologies.

Another student-centered initiative, the Walkathon organized on September 22, was presented through a video, illustrating how the project promotes collaboration, teamwork, and active participation.

Dr. Gohar Dokholyan, Co-coordinator of the DeSIRe Project, delivered a summary report on onsite and online trainings conducted across EU, Armenian, and Georgian partner institutions. A video prepared by academic staff trained within the project was also demonstrated, showcasing the skills and experiences they had gained.

The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Anna Khachatryan, Head of the VSU Quality Assurance Centre. The discussion gathered students, academic staff, employers, and partners to reflect on the practical impact of the DeSIRe Project, its relevance to higher education reforms, and the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities and the labor market, particularly in the field of soft skills development. A subsequent Q&A session provided an opportunity for participants to share their views, raise questions, and offer suggestions, ensuring interactive dialogue among all stakeholders.

Overall, NAD2 provided a meaningful platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cooperation, reinforcing the connections between higher education, the labor market, and the broader community.