About TEDx

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

Find more information on TEDx here.

On June 1st, Tumo hosted the third annual TEDxKids@Yerevan on the occasion of International Children's Day. The event brought together over 300 young people from Yerevan and different regions of Armenia, as well as, for the first time, a speaker from Georgia. TEDxKids@Yerevan empowers children to speak about issues which affect them and which they find are important ideas worth sharing. Twenty two speakers ranging from ten to eighteen years of age presented on inspirational topics ranging from societal pressures put on kids, healthy eating in schools and sex-selective abortion, to the power of the smile and the importance of not losing faith after failures.

Following the twenty-two planned speeches, there was an 'Open-Mic' session where audience members were invited to give one minute talks. One speaker presented on the topic of introducing peer to peer support in schools for anyone who is having difficulties; she saw this as the best solution to bullying and dealing with issues head on. A number of kids had travelled from Georgia especially to take part in the event as audience members, but took the opportunity to speak during the Open-Mic session. When asked about why they wanted to take part in TEDxKids@Yerevan, participants answered that they wanted to be heard by society on an international level.

This year's TEDxKids@Yerevan was made special by the fact that it was fully organized by the Tumo TED-Ed Club members; all preparations were carried out by the Tumo students who participated in a special event planning and management workshop.