Misir Mardanov, Minister of Education, Elmar Gasimov, Deputy Education Minister, Ambassador Roland Kobia, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan, Franz Steidele, representative of Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Tempus program Desk Officer, as well as representatives of universities participated in the event. Speaking at the opening, Samad Seyidov, rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages, highlighted the important role of Tempus program in the education. According to him, University of Languages has fruitfully collaborated with leading universities of Europe within the Tempus program. Moreover, he estimated conducting the first management by the University in the EU project within the Tempus program, as well as the first coordination of European universities by Azerbaijan as a great success of the country’s education. Mr. Seyidov expressed belief that the 1 million 100 thousand euros program will stimulate improvement of international experience in the education management of Azerbaijan and development of reforms in the education field. Education Minister, Misir Mardanov talked about participation of Azerbaijan to TEMPUS program. He noted Azerbaijan has taken part in the program since 1995, and during this period has participated in 22 projects. The Minister praised the election of AUL as a project’s coordinator of Tempus, and highlighted the University being one of the leading universities of the country. He noted the importance of the project in terms of integration into the world education system and establishment of direct ties with Education Committee of the EU. Ambassador Roland Kobia, Head of Delegation of the EU to Azerbaijan, has also noted relationship between Azerbaijan and EU. Marking the importance of the Program Mr. R. Kobia highly appreciated the participation of Azerbaijan in it. According to him, the program will contribute to development of ties existing between Azerbaijan and EN. Parviz Bagirov, Head of National TEMPUS Office gave a presentation on the themes of “TEMPUS in Azerbaijan and role of National TEMPUS Office” and “Opportunities for universities of Azerbaijan in other programs of European Union.” Mr. P. Bagirov gave broad information on curriculum, university’s management, quality provision, establishment of international relationship, and participation of universities in the program. Franz Steidele, Tempus program Desk Officer and representative of Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of European Commission in his speech gave information about Action programs of EU and existing cooperation, European Education System, as well as electronic notification procedures.   Jala Garibova, vice-rector of AUL for International Affairs, gave the presentation entitled “TEMPUS projects at Azerbaijan University of Languages”. She noted the University is the project’s coordinator and Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan State University, Ganja State University, Lenkeran State University and Azerbaijan Institute of Teachers Improvement are participating closely in three-year project. Discussion of reports was held by participants at the end.

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Gurban Amirov, deputy director of the Science, Culture, Education and Social Affairs Department of the Cabinet of Ministers, MP’s Hadi Rajabli and Ganira Pashayeva, Mark Hereward, head of UNICEF office in Azerbaijan, officials of Social Services and Child Protection Agency of Turkey, Social Services Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Services of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Labor, Health and Social Affairs Ministry of Georgia, as well as international experts of UNISEF took part in the conference. Speaking at the opening, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, noted the government has always paid more attention to the children's welfare improvement. He underlined that, traditions started by the national leader Heydar Aliyev at the children protection area, today successfully continued by the President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva. According to the Minister, the rapid economic growth of the country has created favorable conditions for poverty reduction, improvement of social welfare of every family, and implementation of programs on child rights’ protection. Further, the Minister gave information on work done in the frame of “State Program on Deinstitutionalization and Alternative care.” He noted in the frame of the State Program projects of “Development of the Foster Care Co-operative model and family type’s services between local authorities and nongovernmental organizations” and “Deinstitutionalization and Alternative care” is being implemented. He also added that, the President approved Memorandum of Understanding on “Alternative care” singed between Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and UNISEF. It was noted that, three officials of the Ministry of Education have coordinated measures within the execution of projects at Khazar and Sabunchu districts with the local institutions. Despite preventing the ingress of children to orphanages, within the project, the alternative family care system and community social services were organized as well. Moreover, the databank is planning to be established in order to gather information on children, and foster families. Further, was given information on the goal of the project of Development of the Foster Care Co-operative model and family type’s services between local authorities and nongovernmental organizations. The Minister, noted Coordinating Committees were established in Khazar and Surakhani districts to provide the execution of projects. According to him, one of the main future challenges is to train staff of orphanages as social workers, as well as conduct the relevant training courses. He informed that from this viewpoint the 9-month course on “Social work” specialty was organized at Baku Skill improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres. Furthermore, 16 workers of orphanages have attracted to this course. Noting the database has been created at the state children institutions, the Minister, informed that, currently, 9874 teachers are working, as well as 3860 children studying and living at these orphanages. Moreover, 2592 teachers are working at 12 Boarding schools for disabled children.  In conclusion, the Minister highlighted that despite works done in order to implement the execution of State Program, there are still challenges that must be resolved.  Gurban Amirov, deputy director of the Science, Culture, Education and Social Affairs Department of the Cabinet of Ministers, Mark Hereward, Head of UNICEF office in Azerbaijan, MP’s Hadi Rajabli and Ganira Pashayeva highly valued works done within the program. Presentations on the Deinstitutionalization’s process and organization of social services were given at the end of the conference.

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Speaking at the opening, Deputy Education Minister, Elmar Gasimov, wished every  success to the participants. Further, the Minister, Misir Mardanov noted in his speech that the competition was conducted by the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with the joint organization of Education Ministry, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Youth and Sport, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affaires. He noted that the goal of the competition is to give full information on history, education, culture, and art of Azerbaijan to children of officials of the diplomatic corps accredited to Azerbaijan, as well as attract them to take an active part in the social life of the country. He also added that children of officials of the embassies of Belarus, Czech Republic, Korea, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan Office of the European Union participated in the competition conducted among 6-18-year olds on categories of essay, poem, drawing, dance and different handicraft. It was added that 14 works were presented to the competition on the drawing categories, five in the essay, and 1 in the poem. The works were estimated and winners were chosen by the jury.  H. Huseynova, head of State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, S. Mammadaliyeva, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, I. Babayev, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, A. Asgarov, Head of Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the importance of such competitions at their addresses. They also expressed belief that children will remember the success achieved in the competition for years. At the end, winners of the competitions received diplomas and presents from organizers.  

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Education Minister, Misir Mardanov welcomed participants and gave information on activity of Azerbaijan National Parent-Teacher Association (ANPTA). He noted that the goal of the ANPTA is to arrange rational education of pupils through close cooperation of parents and teachers. The Minister noted that NRPA has a special position among the associations that contributed to the development of education in Azerbaijan over the past 20 years. According to him, the number of RPA operated at schools is increasing and their work improving with each passing day. The Minister noted the success achieved by the RPA in the secondary school Nr. 46 in Baku. He underlined the contribution made by the executive director of the Association, Tarana Sharifov to this success. The Minister congratulated T. Sharifova with the 50th anniversary and informed that she has been awarded Honorary Diploma of the Ministry. Further, the Minister presented the badge of “Advanced educator of the Republic of Azerbaijan” and “Honorary Diploma” of the Ministry to group of educators for their fruitful contribution to the organization of PTA’s activity and creation of the parent-teacher partnership. Moreover, he wished every success to the association. Noting the role of PTA in the execution of educational reforms, Tarana Sharifova, executive director of Azerbaijan National Parent- Teacher Association, made some suggestions on behalf of headed by her organization. Speaking about enlightenment of parents, T. Sharifova, noted one of the key factors adversely affected the educational process is the weak cooperation between parents and schools. She expressed her thoughts on the protection of healthy environment at school, assessed as a positive factor wearing by the pupils the single school uniform and stressed the importance of this issue.  Nisa Jalilzadeh, head of Organization and Management of Education Department of Baku Skill Improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres, Naila Sardarova, assistant professor of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Vugar Rahimzadeh, chief editor of “Iki sahil”, Nazim Guliyev, parent, and others have talked about activity of PTA.

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It should be noted that, according to the contract signed between Ministry of Education and “Baku” Publishing House in 2009, eight textbooks and electronic editions were published within the State program on development of vocational education in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2007-2012). These textbooks have already been distributed throughout the vocational institutions.  Speaking at the opening, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, welcomed participants. He noted the priorities of publication of the electronic version of eight textbooks prepared within the State Program, and highlighted the particular importance of widespread use of ICT in the vocational education field and given them to use. The Minister has highly appreciated this fact and emphasized the importance of organization of functional use of them, as well as training courses to prepare high quality teachers. Zaur Isayev, director of “Baku” Publishing House gave information on the preparation process of the website, its content and technical capabilities. Having stressed the website was created based on simple user management capabilities; he added that textbooks, animations, tests, forum, and other sections are available on the site.  According to him, all resources free for use. He also noted that the website is available for everyone, and that users could discuss about different topics. Moreover, they could change resources and exchange viewpoints as well. Isgandar Isgandarov, Deputy Education Minister, Namig Mammadov, head of Vocational Education Department of the Ministry, Samir Mammadov, head of Education System Informatization Department, Kamil Agamaliyev, senior advisor of Vocational Education Department, Elvin Rustamov, head of Coordinating Group for Education Sector Development Project and directors of vocational institutions noted steps that will be taken in the direction of the organization of new website’s activity.    

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Addressing at the opening, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, noted the importance of the physical training and sport development for our country. He stressed that the national leader Heydar Aliyev had always paid attention to this area, and underlined that this tradition is being successfully continued today by the President Ilham Aliyev.  Noting State programs on development of chess and football approved by the Presidential decrees, the Minister, underlined that the Ministry has prepared action plans to execute the program, and talked about works done in this area in recent years. According to him, new buildings were constructed for chess schools of Shamakhi, Gadabay, Sumgayit, and Mingachevir. It was noted that, chess buildings in Guba and Khachmaz were reconstructed and now ready to use. Moreover, new building for the chess schools of Agjabedi, Ujar and Goranboy regions are being constructed. The Minister has also noted the achievements of chess players in 2010. Thus, in the current year, our chess players have won 15 medals at the European and World Championship, including 10 gold, two silver and three bronze medals. He underlined that students of sport and chess schools subordinated to the Ministry have won 1886 medals in the Republican and international competitions. Moreover, he noted that there 159 sport schools operated in the system of the Ministry, and 27 different kinds of sports have been developed their. At the end, the winners were awarded diplomas and gifts. Ismayil Ismayilov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, Suliddin Farzaliyev, director of Child – Youth Sport School Nr.19, Narmin Kazimova, world youth chess champion, Jafar Humbatov, director of “Tahsil” Republican Sport School noted the state care paid to the development of country’s sport and expressed belief in the future victories of sportsmen.

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Addressing to the participants, the Minister, congratulated them on Day of World Azerbaijanis' Solidarity and New Year. He highly estimated holding the Republican Subject Olympiad among students caused to the rise of interest of students in different subjects, and reveal of talented students.   The Minister noted that the comprehensive youth development has always been in the limelight of the government, and the policy founded by the nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev has successfully continued today by the President Ilham Aliyev. Moreover, he highlighted projects implemented in these fields by the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva.  According to the Minister talented pupils studied at schools have surrounded with special care. He noted good results achieved in the Subject Olympiads, and scientific conferences firmly held among students of universities. Furthermore, he informed that the final round of XV Republican Subject Olympiad was held on 11 subjects, including maths, physics, information science, geography, history of Azerbaijan, Azeri, English, German, French, and Russian languages at Azerbaijan Technical University.   Moreover, 458 students from 34 universities of Baku, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Lankeran, Sumgayit, and Mingachevir have participated in the final stage of Olympiad. Their works were estimated by the Organizing Committee and Jury, and winners were defined in a short period of time. The Minister added that 11 students have won the first, 22 the second and 33 the third places, as well as 40 students were awarded by the stimulating prize. The winners received diplomas, bonus and presents from the Ministry of Education and Independent Trade Union of Education Workers of the Azerbaijan Republic. At the end, the Minister noted the importance of taking a special training course for the different Olympiads and scientific conferences, as well as thanked everyone for the organization of XV Republican Subject Olympiad. Sattar Mehbaliyev, chairman of Independent Trade Union of Education Workers of the Azerbaijan Republic and Shamsaddin Hajiyev, rector of Azerbaijan State Economic University noted that pursuant to the purposeful state policy the success of Azerbaijani youth is being increased year after year, and all achievements were possible due to the fruitful activity of the Ministry of Education.    Afterwards the winners have received diplomas, bonus and presents from the Ministry of Education and Independent Trade Union of Education Workers of the Azerbaijan Republic.

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The issues of extending the term of the license issued to the Khazar University, “Dunya” school subordinated to the mentioned university, and Baku Business University were discussed at the meeting. Addressing to participants at the opening the Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, congratulated them on 31 December – the Day of World Azerbaijanis' Solidarity and New Year. After, he talked about the activity of Khazar University, “Dunya” school and Baku Business University. Having noted the notable successes achieved in all areas, including the education field in recent years, the Minister spoke about the need of the country for high qualified specialists. From this point of view, he underlined the achievements of universities, and emphasized that a number of graduates of these higher educational institutions are continued their study at famous universities of the world. Habib Zarbaliyev, director of Accreditation Department of the Ministry, gave broad information on works done by the Expert Groups inspecting the activity of both universities.  Fiala Abdullayeva, Head of Expert Group of Khazar University, Afgan Abdullayev, Chairman of Expert Group of Baku Business University, Maharram Safarov, chief advisor of Accreditation Department and other members of Licensing Commission gave information about material and technical base, learning conditions, pedagogical staff, international relations and speciality training of universities. Further, there were exchanged views on discussed issues. At the end, there were decided to prolong the term of the license issued to the mentioned educational institutions.

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It should be noted that, Report back meetings are being conducted in accordance with the order on the effective organization of assessment of activity of the Ministry’s employees during 2010, according to the State Service Law.  Speaking at the opening the Minister, Misir Mardanov, said that from today reports of work done by the departments of the Ministry during the 2010 will be presented.   Farzali Gadirov, director of Department of Strategic analysis and personnel management talked about functions and responsibilities of the department headed by him. According to information given by him, the three - year Strategic plan and annual activity plan for 2010 of the Ministry have been established. He underlined the document on Defining additional concessions and stimulating measures for young professionals graduated from higher and secondary special pedagogical institutions and working at general education establishments was created. Moreover, Cabinet of Ministries has signed the relevant order.     According to him, the state order was created based on the current vacancies in the schools that were concluded and examined. He also noted 800 pedagogical cadres were sent to schools in rural areas by using encouragement measures. Moreover, 288 teaching job vacancies for schools have been determined for the 2010-2011 school year, and regulation on employing staff was placed on the website of the Ministry.  F. Gadirov underlined that there was established Additional Education Unit of the Department to coordinate the activity of institutions on the Improvement of the Academic Skills, and in these connection documents were prepared, and relevant measures were implemented. He also talked about future responsibilities.  Further, Samir Mammadov, director of Department of Education Informatization System, reported that the department headed by him has three sections. He noted that, there were founded local networks encompassing computer classes, rooms for teachers and directors at 500 institutions. According to him, 1000 educational institutions have been connected to the Internet. He also talked about improvement of ICT abilities of teachers, works implementing in the relevant field and other problems existing in this direction.    Questions and suggestions were given in the conference relating with the both reports. In conclusion, the Minister has recommended to the Department of Education Informatization System to develop a close collaboration with other departments of the Ministry and noted the future responsibilities of both departments.

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Malahat Hajiyeva, Director of Department of deinstitutionalization and child protection, made a report on works done within the implementation of State Program for transferring children from public orphanages to families (deinstitutionalization) and alternative care in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2006-2015). She spoke about responsibilities and structure of the newly established Department. She also gave information on the goal of projects implemented in order to provide and protect the right of children to live in the family, as well as on Memorandum of understanding signed with the relevant state bodies. Moreover, she noted there was established the Coordinating Committee to provide the fruitful execution of projects for Creation of a mechanism for transferring of children to families and surround them with the alternative care, and “Development of the Foster Care Co-operative model and family type’s services between local authorities and nongovernmental organizations.”  M. Hajiyeva, said that the 9-month retraining courses were organized at the Baku Skill improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres in 2010-2011 academic year to prepare social employees working with families and children. Moreover, 22 workers of state child institutions were involved in these courses. She also noted that there were created Rehabilitation – Development and Day Care Centers, and talked about works done in these fields, as well as measures implemented with several state bodies to prevent child abandonment. After, she gave broad information on collaboration with international organizations, and activity of Child Hotline Service. Furthermore, M. Hajiyeva talked about responsibilities for 2011. Further, Faig Shahbazli, Director of Department of textbook and publication, made the report on works done by the Department headed by him. He informed on workers of the department, their responsibilities and works, done in accordance with the work’s plan. Moreover, he talked about the provision of schools with textbooks and learning materials, establishment of Working Group on disciplines to prepare publication and edition of textbooks, preparation of purchasing agreement on publication and distribution of textbooks, and organization of their execution, as well as other issues in this direction.  He noted that according to the Textbook policy, General Education Concept (National Curriculum) in the Azerbaijan Republic, and Procedures for publication, printing and distribution of textbooks, textbooks and learning materials for I, III, VI and VIII –XI grades were discussed and their list was defined by taken into account the number of pupils studied in the country's schools, as well as in the schools with Azerbaijani language teaching located in Georgia and Dagestan, and Sunday schools in the foreign countries. He also noted that in accordance with the executive order of the Ministry on Improving the work for publication of textbooks, the Working Group consisting of 133 practical teachers of different disciplines was established; the views and suggestions of school teachers for textbooks were discussed with the participation of department employees, authors, scientific editors and publishing editors. Additionally there were done fundamental works to improve the textbooks.   F. Shahbazli underlined 127 textbooks and learning materials for teachers in 4637720 copies were published and distributed to the regions. He also talked about applications and letters received by the department during the last year, as well as have talked about other issues. At the end he noted responsibilities of the department for 2011. There were answered to questions and heard suggestions of participants connected with the report at the meeting. At the end, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, gave its recommendations for future responsibilities.

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