YEREVAN ­ According to Armenian education and science ministry, the majority of 1,440 school buildings in Armenia were built between 1930 and 1965.

Only 250 buildings are in a satisfactory state, which makes 17 percent in their overall number, another 956 school buildings need urgent repair and 167 buildings are almost wrecked. More than 200 school buildings lack gyms and 254 building ceremony halls.

Only 130 school buildings constructed in recent years in the earthquake zone comply with all required standards. A government plan for reconstruction and building new school buildings for 2002-2006 says that some 68 new school buildings are to be constructed this year.

A total of 9 billion Armenian Drams are supposed to be spent on them. Funds are to be provided from international donor organizations, the Armenian Social Investments Fund and pan-Armenian Hayastan Fund.