On March 18, 2025, Vanadzor State University (VSU) held the official opening ceremony of the Soft Skills Laboratory, a key milestone of the Erasmus+ CBHE Project “Development of Soft Skills at Higher Education Institutions of Armenia and Georgia in Compliance with 21st-Century Labour Market Requirements” (DeSIRe). The event was attended by the VSU Rector, Vice-Rectors for Academic and Research Affairs, DeSIRe Project Team members, Faculty members, administrative staff, and students.

VSU Rector Dr. Rustam Saakyan welcomed the participants and emphasized that the development of soft skills is crucial for students to receive comprehensive education while preparing them to be competitive in a constantly changing job market. He noted that the evolving labor market creates both opportunities and challenges, making the development of new skills essential.

Lusik Vardanyan, the Project Coordinator, highlighted the goals and objectives of the Project, explaining how the newly opened laboratory will contribute significantly to improving students’ education and their soft skills. She highlighted that the SS modules and MOOCs developed within the framework of the project would equip students with the necessary skills to be more competitive in the modern labor market. Vardanyan also provided updates on ongoing project activities and upcoming online and onsite training sessions scheduled for March and May.

Gohar Dokholyan, the Project Co-Coordinator, spoke about the implemented and upcoming activities in the project, particularly focusing on the equipment and books acquired within the framework of the project. She stressed the importance of these resources, noting that they would play a significant role in supporting effective learning and enhancing the educational process for students. Dokholyan also underlined that the soft skills laboratory aligns with the broader educational goals of VSU, nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

Ghukas Ghukasyan, the Financial Manager of the project, provided insight into the financial aspects of the Project, discussing how the resources for the laboratory, including equipment and books, were acquired. He emphasized that these investments would contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the project, ensuring that students benefit from the best available tools for their academic and professional growth.

Lusine Kostandyan, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive environment for enhancing flexible skills in students. She discussed the significance of integrating soft skills into academic curricula, especially in a time when adaptability and critical thinking are essential for success in the labor market. She also noted that this laboratory would play a crucial role in fostering a well-rounded academic experience at VSU.

Further insights were shared by Maria Brutyan, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, who highlighted the laboratory’s role in strengthening practical skills, encouraging interdisciplinary learning, and advancing soft skills assessment—one of the project’s key objectives. Anna Khachatryan, Head of the Quality Assurance Centre, underscored the growing importance of global collaboration in higher education and reaffirmed VSU’s commitment to continuous innovation. She emphasized the significance of the project in providing students with the tools they need to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Vanane Mirzoyan, a project member, took a more psychological approach in her speech, reflecting on the deep connection between soft skills and Psychology. She emphasized that soft skills are not just practical tools but are rooted in the philosophical foundations of critical thinking, adaptability, and personal growth. She discussed how the development of these skills enhances not only professional success but also helps individuals in their personal journeys toward self-awareness and social responsibility.

The opening of the Soft Skills Laboratory marks a significant milestone in VSU’s commitment to equipping students with essential competencies for the modern workforce, reinforcing the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation.