Nurlana Aliyeva, who was appointed as rector of Baku Slavic University by the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was introduced to staff of the higher education institution on June 23. Minister Mikayil Jabbarov read out the presidential order appointing Nurlana Aliyeva as rector of Baku Slavic University, and wished her success in her activity. Nurlana Aliyeva thanked the President of Azerbaijan for confidence put in her, and said she would do her utmost to excellently fulfill her duties. From 1990-2016, Nurlana Aliyeva worked as director of Azerbaijan State Pedagogic College. In April-June 2016, she was the adviser to the minister of education. A PhD in philology, professor and Merited Teacher of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Nurlana Aliyeva chairs Women`s Council of the New Azerbaijan Party.

28/06/2016 09:31

Jafar Jafarov, who was appointed rector of Azerbaijan State Pedagogic University (ASPU) by an order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was introduced to the university`s staff on June 23. Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov, teachers of the university participated in the event. Minister Mikayil Jabbarov read out the presidential order appointing Jafar Jafarov as ASPU rector, and wished him success in his activity. ASPU rector Jafar Jafarov thanked the President of Azerbaijan for putting confidence in him, adding that he would do his utmost to excellently fulfill his duties. Jafar Jafarov graduated from Moscow State University, Faculty of History, in 1983. From 1983-1987, he was a post-graduate student at Moscow State University. In 1987, he defended a PhD thesis, and obtained a ScD degree in 2010. He is a professor. From 1987-1994, Jafar Jafarov served as a senior laboratory assistant, teacher and associate professor at the Faculty of History, Azerbaijan State University. From 1990-1994, he worked as academic secretary of the ScD Award Council (history) at BSU, and scientific head of the student scientific society. From 1992-1994, Jafar Jafarov was deputy chair of the Faculty of History. From 1994-1998, he headed the Central Department for Work with Youth of the Ministry of Youth and Sport. From 1998-2003, he was the national coordinator of “Strengthening Civil Society in Azerbaijan” project of UNDP and the government of Azerbaijan. Jafar Jafarov worked as director of the International Press Center in 2003-2004. He was the national coordinator of “Supporting Development of Domestic Tourism” project of UNDP and the government of Azerbaijan from 2004-2006. From 2006-2016, Jafar Jafarov worked as rector of Azerbaijan Tourism Institute and Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University.

28/06/2016 09:30

A solemn ceremony was held at Gulustan Palace on June 23 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University (AACU). Prior to the event management and staff of the university visited the Alley of Honors to put flowers at the grave of national leader Heydar Aliyev. Participants in the ceremony included state and government officials, parliamentarians, academicians, scientists from foreign countries, rectors of higher education institutions, and representatives of the diplomatic corps. The ceremony started with the playing of Azerbaijan`s state anthem. A film on the 40th anniversary of Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University was then screened. Opening the ceremony, rector of AACU Gulchohra Mammadova thanked the President of Azerbaijan on behalf of the university staff for high state awards and titles. The rector said the history of higher education in architecture and construction in Azerbaijan spanned 95 years. She highlighted the university`s accomplishments throughout its history as well as its future plans. The rector hailed “an exceptional” role played by national leader Heydar Aliyev in founding and developing Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University. “The national leader always paid great attention to the university. Founded on the initiative of Heydar Aliyev in 1975, the university has made great strides since its establishment.” “Our university has now entered its new stage of development. Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev`s attention state-of-the-art laboratories and centers have opened at the university in recent years,” said Gulchohra Mammadova. The rector drew the audience`s attention to AACU`s academic indicators, financial and technical capabilities and rich experience. “Our university has a total enrollment of around 7,000 students, who are served by nearly 550 professors, teachers and scientists. We have 700 foreign citizens representing 14 countries.” “SABAH groups, which were initiated by the Ministry of Education with the aim of training highly-skilled competitive specialists for local and international markets, are successfully operating at our university,” she added. Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov congratulated professors and teachers of AACU on the jubilee. He wished the staff of the university success in their “responsible and fruitful work to prepare highly-skilled specialists in different areas of the country`s life”. Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov congratulated AACU`s staff on the 40th anniversary. He highlighted the university`s scientific and pedagogic activity, as well as the Azerbaijani government`s attention to the development of science and education in the country. The Minister pointed to priorities and goals of education reforms, saying “the accomplishments in this area are continuous”. “Globalizing higher education contributes to changing tools and cementing the ties between the education system and real economy. In today`s environment, apart from fulfilling teaching and scientific functions, higher education institutions play the role of a driver of economic growth,” he said. Mikayil Jabbarov congratulated AACU staff on the jubilee and said the head of state signed an order conferring honorary titles upon them. The minister handed the awards to the university employees. Parliamentarians, representatives of ministries and AACU`s partner state and private companies congratulated the university`s staff on the anniversary. Some state and private companies were awarded certificates of merit by AACU management for their attention to higher education in the field of architecture and construction. A number of media representatives were also awarded for fruitful cooperation. A letter of AACU management addressed to the President of Azerbaijan was read out. The event then featured performance of AACU student ensemble and dance troupe.

28/06/2016 09:28

The results of the exams that involved teachers employed on termless contracts in the country`s general education institutions and vocational schools, who want to be transferred from one district (city) to another, have been announced.   A total of 1621 candidates out of 2107 (79.93 per cent), who submitted online applications, sat the exams, with 345 qualifying for the interview stage. Teachers learned their results through personal accounts. The exams saw candidates answer 60 questions each, including 40 on subject programs of general education institutions, 10 on methodology and teaching strategy, and 10 on logic. According to results of the exams, top scorers included English language and geography teachers. The majority of those, who failed to achieve the pass mark, were technology, music and physical culture teachers.

28/06/2016 09:25

A ceremony was held at Baku Vocational Lyceum No. 5 on June 22 to award certificates to teachers and students who attended trainings sessions under “Access to Hospitality and Apprenticeship Scheme Project”. Participants in the ceremony included employees of the Ministry of Education, British Council Azerbaijan and tourism institutions. The Ministry of Education, British Council Azerbaijan in partnership with Hilton Hotel and Fairmont Hotel implemented this pilot project in hospitality area in the vocational education sector. In the pilot phase in May-June, the project involved 45 students and featured capacity building trainings on hospitality. The pilot project involved the development of a program in line with national occupational standards and qualifications in partnership with the industry; capacity building training for teachers and development of an apprenticeship type scheme for the selected students. Under the program, selected teachers underwent a series of capacity building training sessions that empowered them with knowledge and skills needed to deliver innovative curriculum in this field. Teacher training was conducted by the master trainer from People 1st, British workforce development organization for the hospitality, tourism, travel, passenger transport and retail industries. A specific program was developed for 12 teachers in line with local standards and professional qualifications. The study program lasted for eight weeks comprised of two week theoretical training at Baku vocational lyceum No. 5 and six week practical training at Hilton and Fairmont hotels. Students of vocational schools who attended training sessions on hospitality qualified to study culinary, tourism and customer service under a new curriculum. They will study in groups for a one-year term.   The participants of trainings were awarded certificates.

24/06/2016 15:23

A paper waste collection campaign was held among pupils and students of educational institutions in Sumgayit as part of “Let’s exchange paper for a leaf” project co-implemented by IDEA Public Union in partnership with the Ministry of Education and ASAN Volunteers organization. Titled “Every paper sheet counts”, the campaign was launched on June 1, involving 55 educational institutions in Sumgayit. Among most active participants, Sumgayit Specialized Natural Science Gymnasium collected 3,100kg of paper waste, secondary school No. 14 collected 2,400kg, Technical and Natural Science Lyceum gathered 2,200kg, secondary school No. 6 collected 2,024kg. A total of 39,170kg of paper waste was collected under the campaign. Each educational institution will receive different gifts and certificates based on the size of paper waste they collected. The final event under the campaign will take place on June 24. The campaign aims to increase environmental awareness, reduce paper wastage, save trees through encouraging recycling, ensure protection of nature and maintain ecological balance.

23/06/2016 14:32

The process of learning public opinion on drafts of improved editions of textbooks for first and fifth grades as well as drafts of new textbooks for 9th grade has ended. Launched in February 2016, the project saw draft textbooks uploaded on www.e-resurs.edu.az, where they were available for reviews and proposals. A total of 77 draft textbooks were uploaded on the website, which received 1544 reviews and proposals. 91 per cent of reviews were made on drafts of 9th grade textbooks, 6 per cent on drafts of 5th grade textbooks and 3 per cent on drafts of 1st grade textbooks. The draft of Azerbaijani language textbook obtained the highest number of reviews (13.3 per cent) among drafts of 9th grade textbooks. The draft of French language textbook got the lowest number (0.1 per cent) of reviews. The reviews and proposals featured approving and critical opinions. All reviews and proposals were brought to the notice of publishing and printing houses that made the draft textbooks. Based on these proposals, the publishing houses and authors made relevant corrections to draft textbooks. Some opinions were rejected by the publishing houses and authors. We thank everyone who contributed to the process of learning public opinion on draft textbooks.

23/06/2016 14:30

A meeting was held on June 20 to evaluate and increase the effectiveness of activities of creative extracurricular education institutions of the Ministry of Education. Participants in the events included Deputy Minister of Education Firudin Gurbanov, head of the Department for Organization of Extracurricular Activities Vasif Mammadov and heads of extracurricular education institutions. The meeting aimed to learn the current situation in extracurricular education, eliminate the barriers preventing the expansion of activities of extracurricular education institutions, and create conditions for engaging more schoolchildren and youth in extracurricular activities. In his speech, Firudin Gurbanov highlighted the tasks faced by extracurricular education institutions. “Attention to the young generation is not confined just to secondary education as greater importance is attached to creating exemplary conditions for extracurricular education institutions.” Head of the Division on Child and Youth Creativity at the Ministry of Education Ayla Hasanova highlighted what had been done in the first six months of the year as well as the activity of extracurricular education institutions. She said there were 206 creative extracurricular education institutions in the country. “They include 82 child creativity centers, 59 technical creativity centers, 48 centers of environmental education and training, 10 centers of young tourists and local lore, 4 extracurricular training centers, 3 aesthetic education centers.” “There are 35 creative extracurricular education institutions in Baku, of which 7 centers are directly subordinate to the Ministry of Education. 171 centers are subordinate to district education departments,” said Ayla Hasanova. Heads of extracurricular education institutions made proposals on the improvement of financial and technical capabilities, improvement of legal documents, development of staff potential and other issues. The meeting then featured discussions.

23/06/2016 11:52

Fifty-four educational institutions joined Azerbaijan Education Network (AEN) in January-June, 2016 in accordance with the Plan of Action of the “State Education Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan”. A total of 2351 educational institutions have joined AEN so far to have been provided with high-speed internet and connected to each other and to bodies of the Ministry of Education. AEN allows to build a more effective teaching process and to promote a successful educational experience despite distance. Teachers and schoolchildren in most remote villages are using electronic resources through AEN. Websense internet filtering system used at AEN provides a safe internet browsing for pupils as it limits access to websites, which contain information considered to be harmful for children. In January-June, 2016, a total of 500 laptops and 755 projectors were given to educational institutions with the aim of proving them with ICT equipment.  

22/06/2016 14:29

The Ministry of Education presents brief highlights of the reforms and measures taken in 2015-2016 academic year in order to apply modern governance model in education, increase quality of education, improve staff skills and competence, ensure transparency and fulfill other tasks.   • Under President Ilham Aliyev`s Order “To grant presidential stipends to students who entered higher education institutions in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2015-2016 academic year”, students who gave the best performance at entrance exams were awarded presidential stipends. • Under President Ilham Aliyev`s Order, a group of education workers were awarded “Merited Teacher” title on the eve of October 5 – International Teachers` Day. • In accordance with the President`s Order, a group of education workers were awarded “Taraggi” medals on the eve of October 5 – International Teachers` Day. • Under the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Teachers` Institute was incorporated into Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. • Under President Ilham Aliyev`s orders, 50 secondary schools, which succeeded in “Best secondary school” competition, received 10,000 manats each, and 100 teachers, who won “Best teacher” competition, received 5,000 manats each. • Under President Ilham Aliyev`s order, monthly average wage (tariff) of workers at state budget-funded education institutions (except for higher education institutions) was increased 10 per cent from February 1, 2016. • President of the Republic of Azerbaijan ordered to increase – by 10 per cent – stipends of doctoral students and students and pupils of higher, secondary and vocational education institutions from February 1, 2016. • Under President Ilham Aliyev`s order, on the occasion of the International Women`s Day a group of women were decorated with honorary titles for their outstanding role in the country`s education, healthcare and culture. • President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving a new composition of the State Committee for the Award in the fields of science, technology, architecture, culture and literature. • Under the President`s order, monthly wages of teachers at state secondary education institutions, whose knowledge and skills were evaluated, will be increased 10 per cent on average from April 1, 2016. • Under the presidential decree, State Vocational Education Agency was established under the Ministry of Education with the aim of increasing effectiveness of professional training and preparing competitive and skilled specialists in the field of primary vocational education. • On Knowledge Day, President Ilham Aliyev inspected repair and reconstruction work at secondary school No. 148 in Sabunchu, Baku. • President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of Atakishili village school named after Mohubbat Azimov in Kurdamir district. • President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated Gokhmukh village secondary school in Shaki district. • Baku branch of I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University opened. Azerbaijan`s first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the solemn opening ceremony. • Republican Special Boarding School No. 4 opened in Shuvalan, Khazar district after reconstruction under “Development of orphanages and boarding schools” program of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Azerbaijan`s first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony. • Azerbaijan`s first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening of the newly-reconstructed special boarding school for children with physical disabilities in Shuvalan, Khazar district. • 52 more “healthy classes” were created in 2015-2016 academic year under “Healthy education – healthy nation” program. There are currently 67 “healthy classes” in 34 educational institutions, of them 33 in Baku and 1 in Sumgayit. Fifteen such classes were created in the previous academic year. • 4,095,370,141 copies of textbooks for 4th, 6th and 8th grades and methodology handbooks for teachers were published in 2015-2016 academic year. 70 textbooks for 8th grades, where curriculum was introduced for the first time, and methodology handbooks for teachers were published and circulated to schools. • Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov attended the High-Level Meeting of Education Ministers as part of the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference. "A child uneducated is a child lost. To lose a child is to lose the future,” quote made by Mikayil Jabbarov during his speech at the event was tweeted by UNESCO as a key challenge facing modern education. • Financial Laboratory was launched at Azerbaijan State Economic University under a memorandum signed by the education institution and the State Securities Committee under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. • Environmental Education and Training Center of the Ministry of Education organized the first summer environmental school – education camp in Guba district. Held at education, sport and recreation complex of Azerbaijan State Economic University, the summer school involved 30 most active schoolchildren aged 8-14 representing nature conservation organizations and young naturalists clubs. •  First 300 students, who scored 500 and above points at exams to higher education pedagogical institutions and who prioritized teaching in their profession choice during the exams, received “Teacher of future” stipend in the amount of 100 manats. The number of students receiving “Teacher of future” stipend reached 600. The average point scored by those, who prefer teaching profession, grew 16 points to reach 364, while the number of students, who scored 500 or more points, increased 37 per cent against previous year. • Azerbaijani-Italian Inter-University Forum was held in Milan. The forum aimed to expand ties between Azerbaijani and Italian higher education institutions, build new relations and explore opportunities for conducting experience exchange and implementing joint projects. • 9th Azerbaijan International Education and Career Exhibition was organized at Baku Expo Center in partnership with the Ministry of Education. • Diagnostic evaluation was conducted for teachers, who work at general education institutions in Baku, who had not previously sat exams or scored few points, as well as those, who changed their workplace or were newly recruited through competitions held by the Ministry of Education. • Department of Literature and Culture named after Nizami Ganjavi opened at the University of Upper Alsace in Mulhouse, France. • Heydar Aliyev Center in partnership with the Ministry of Education held “Heydar Aliyev and history of Azerbaijan” 2nd students` countrywide quiz. The project aims to study life and activity of national leader Heydar Aliyev, revive and promote his legacy among young generation. • The Ministry of Education and National Flag Square Complex co-organized “Flag march”. Marking the National Flag Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the march involved employees of the Ministry of Education, university rectors, parliamentarians, intelligentsia, teachers, mass media executives, representatives of non-governmental organizations, pupils and students of general, extra-curricular, primary, secondary and higher education institutions. • On November 10, 2015 President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to make amendments to the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “To increase stipends of doctoral students, and students and pupils of higher, secondary vocational and primary vocational education institutions” dated August 30, 2013. Under the order, full-time students at free and for-profit higher and secondary vocational education institutions will receive stipends based on their average performance score irrespective of the type of study (both free and for-profit). In accordance with the State Education Development Strategy, the order will contribute to increasing government support for students, encouraging their interest in education, building competitive environment in order to increase the quality of education and strengthening social security of students. • Azerbaijan-Russia Inter-University Forum was held. The forum saw the founding of Azerbaijani-Russian Association of Educational Institutions and the signing of a memorandum on expansion of cooperation between the two countries` universities. • Diagnostic Evaluation of Teachers involved nearly 26,000 teachers at general education institutions in the cities of Ganja, Sumgayit and Shirvan and in Khachmaz, Masalli, Jalilabad, Hajigabul, Sabirabad, Imishli, Saatli, Absheron and Gubadli districts. The computer-based evaluation was held under the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan “To increase workload and wages of the teachers who passed diagnostic evaluation of their knowledge and skills” and a relevant order of the minister of education. • 25,431 teachers in 12 cities and districts (99 per cent of the evaluated teachers), who passed diagnostic evaluation, had their wages increased. Wages grew 30-40 per cent based on teachers` workload, teaching experience, academic degree, honorary titles and other criteria. • The Ministry of Education organized the second SABAH Forum. The event aimed to involve SABAH group students in discussions, support the development of their intellectual and creative potential, and build an active dialogue environment. • The Ministry of Education launched School Communities project with the aim of building a better school life through pupil, parent and teacher communities. • Anbu village secondary school opened in Lerik district. • First Forum of Azerbaijani Student Volunteers was held. The forum featured the launch of BIR Student Volunteering Program. Forum participants were informed of the goals, priorities and opportunities of the program. • The process of selecting students under “2007-2015 State Program for Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad” ended. It was the last selection under the program, and a total of 373 students were included in the list of those who will receive stipends. Post-bachelor education remained a priority in the program in 2015-2016 academic year. 176 students will study for a master`s degree, 25 students will seek a PhD degree, 70 students applied for residency program, and 102 students will get basic higher medical education. Experts of the Ministry of Education, relevant government bodies and higher education institutions selected a total of 3558 students, who will study priority specialties at the world`s leading higher education institutions under the state program. The top five countries chosen by the students are the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany, Canada and the Netherlands. Most of the students will study for a master`s degree. Under the program, Azerbaijani students study at Harvard University, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Middle East Technical University, University of Toronto, Nanyang Technological University, Kyoto University and other leading higher education institutions. A total of 1294 graduates have been registered for the program so far. Sixty per cent of students, who completed their education with high scores under the program, are engaged in the private sector, while 40 per cent in the public sector. Students, who studied under the state program, are admitted directly to the interview stage of civil service employment exam, which creates broad opportunities for them to apply their skills and knowledge in public management. The last student, who was sent abroad under the program, will graduate in 2021 (residency level of medical education). • The Ministry of Education signed an agreement on cooperation with Thomson Reuters. Under the agreement, requested by the Ministry, 40 higher education institutions in Azerbaijan received access to products and services of Thomson Reuters, including Web of Science®, the most comprehensive and versatile research platform available. Apart from this database, Azerbaijani scientists also received access to the most recently published issues of leading scholarly journals. It`s no coincidence that the number of scholarly articles published by Azerbaijani scientists in indexed journals increased. Scientists at Azerbaijani educational institutions published 242 papers in impact-factor journals in 2011, 300 papers in 2014, and 604 papers in 2015. • Yengiyan village secondary school was inaugurated in Zagatala district. • Artupa village secondary school was inaugurated in Astara district. • Garatorpag village secondary school opened in Shaki district. • Sharadil village secondary school was inaugurated in Shamakhi district. • In accordance with Minister Mikayil Jabbarov`s initiative under “From Education to Science” program, famous scientists of ANAS gave classes at general education institutions. • Garadagh district special boarding school for children with physical disabilities was inaugurated in Baku after major overhaul. • The Ministry of Education conducted “Novruz lectures” involving renowned scientists. The lectures provided different points of view on a range of areas of science and education, and featured discussions on an array of issues of interest. • From January 14-29, 2016, on its Facebook account, the ministry responded to questions of users on diagnostic evaluation of teachers` skills and knowledge. • From February 15-19, 2016, the Ministry of Education responded to questions of Facebook users about amendments made to students` stipends. A total of 300 questions came from students, representatives of higher education institutions, and parents. • The Ministry of Education launched a project to learn public opinion on draft textbooks. Draft textbooks are uploaded on www.e-resurs.edu.az, where they are available for recommendations and proposals. Recommendations and proposals can be made on the webpage of the selected draft textbook or through sending an email to derslik@edu.gov.az. • Common Reception Portal was set up in order to ease the process of reception of citizens by government executives, improve the process of registration for reception, speed up and improve the process of consideration of requests, as well as to sum up data. The establishment of the portal aims to increase the effectiveness of the fulfillment of the tasks set by Decree of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on “Provision of electronic services by government bodies” and Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on “Requests of citizens”. This portal allows to control the process of citizens` registration for reception at bodies within and under the Ministry of Education, their notification – through SMS service – of the date and time of reception, as well as to measure customer satisfaction.  Statistics of requests made through the portal are analyzed and then summarized in reports. • S Startup school was launched at Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry. The school allows creative youth to convert their ideas into business projects. • The Ministry of Education conducted trainings for principals of general education institutions and those who want to be employed in this position. The trainings were held in the city of Ganja, and Goygol, Samukh, Goranboy and Dashkasan districts, and aimed to train highly-qualified school principals, improve their knowledge and ICT skills, and boost their capabilities of contributing to the development of the country`s education and social life. • The Ministry of Education and Caspian Business Club co-organized a business forum. The issues discussed at the forum included reforms and development prospects in education, expansion of cooperation between the Ministry of Education and business communities, organization of active dialogue between government bodies and business circles. • The Ministry of Education started to recruit school principals. In accordance with the new rules of recruitment and transfer of principals of general education institutions, the ministry conducted a competition for vacant school principal positions. • Employees of educational institutions and athletes, including Namiq Asadov, Tural Sadiqli, Elman Abishov, Raida Aslanova, Raqsana Rajabli, Lala Pirumova succeeded at Baku Marathon 2016, which was initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. • The Ministry of Education, Heydar Aliyev Foundation, New Azerbaijan Party, Ministry of Communications and High Technologies, Azerbaijan Education Workers Free Trade Unions Republican Committee co-organized “Best presentation” competition, which marked the 93rd anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev. • An Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov attended the 15th General Assembly Meeting of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (COMSTECH) in Islamabad, Pakistan. Azerbaijan was elected as one of the deputy co-chairs of the COMSTECH General Assembly Meeting. • The Ministry of Education and ASAN Radio launched “ASAN school” project. It aims to inform citizens of the latest developments in education and organize question-and-answer sessions with officials of the Ministry of Education. • Nearly 3700 10th grade schoolchildren in 176 classes in 58 schools were involved in the specialized education program in 2015-2016 academic year. 124 schools in five cities and 36 districts will have an extra emphasis in certain subjects starting from 2016-2017 academic year. • Azerbaijani pupils claimed a historic success at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in the city of Phoenix, the U.S. state of Arizona. Narmin Aydarova and Arzu Mammadova ranked fourth in physics and materials science categories, while Nigar and Madat Sardarlis won a special award of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. • The Ministry of Education launched “History of Motherland” seminars. The seminars aim to provide a platform for interactive discussion of realities of Azerbaijan`s history and the processes playing a crucial role in the country`s destiny, as well as to ensure continuity of measures to encourage patriotic upbringing of the young generation, and increase teachers` involvement in this process. • The Ministry of Education offers 8 interactive and over 20 informative electronic services. • In accordance with 2015-2016 timetable of reception hours of government executives, Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov received nearly 300 citizens. The majority of citizens` requests were immediately dealt with. Minister Mikayil Jabbarov instructed relevant bodies of the Ministry of Education to deal with several other requests. Some requests, which were out of the Ministry`s area of competence, and personal requests, were brought to the notice of relevant authorities. • The Ministry of Education received 11,352 requests from citizens, 6,072 letters and 11,096 electronic requests from different bodies (15.09.2015-06.06.2016). • Call Center (“Hot line” service, phone: 146) of the Ministry of Education received 99,981 calls (15.09.2015-06.06.2016). • Citizens Reception Center of the Ministry of Education served 20,282 citizens (15.09.2015-06.06.2016). • The vast majority of requests to the Call Center and Citizens Reception Center were immediately dealt with. 4,365 citizens registered for reception by officials of the Ministry of Education. 762 citizens requested meetings with the ministry officials though e-mail. • In 2015-2016, the Ministry of Education built 12 general education schools, and reconstructed 2 boarding and 3 vocational schools. • Construction and major overhaul of 18 education institutions continues. State-of-the-art laboratories were established in 60 schools as part of measures to improve financial and technical capabilities of educational institutions. • In 2015-2016 academic year, the Ministry of Education continued its tradition of responding to questions from media representatives through e-mail correspondence with the aim of building more fruitful relations with the mass media. • The ministry organized round tables, seminars, press conferences and briefings involving media representatives, and also held media tours to education institutions. • “Media and education dialogue” training conferences were attended by heads of press services of higher education institutions and media bodies, famous education experts, and journalists. • Programs such as “Basics”, “Question of the week”, “Out of class”, “Education agenda” and “Special report” aired on “Tahsil” online television channel were broadcast by all internet resources and news portals of the ministry. • “A working day with a school principal” project continues. It aims to promote heads of leading general education institutions. • “Success formula” project continues to promote Azerbaijani students and graduates involved in the State education abroad program.   These highlights are just part of numerous measures and projects carried out in 2015-2016 academic year. President Mr. Ilham Aliyev`s attention to education paved the way for the development of this sector. We believe that next year the tasks stipulated by the “State Education Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan” will be fulfilled in a more successful manner.

22/06/2016 09:25