About 10000 candidates submitted an e- application for 2117 vacant positions in the 1 stage of the contest from 1 to 15 July. The knowledge and achievement indicators of applicants were estimated via the computer programme based on specified criteria. As a result, the application of 8700 applicants was approved, and they were passed on to the second stage of the competition. The majority of applicants submitted their documents for a primary teacher position. 1722 applicants submitted their application for 110 vacant positions (23 in Baku, others in regions). Moreover, the number of candidates submitted their application for Azerbaijani language and literature, mathematics, English language, chemistry and biology specialties. Currently, applicants are taken part in the test exam, which is a part of the second stage of the contest, which has begun on July 26. Appliers are taken an e-exam on specialties at the Training Centre of the Department for Informatisation of Education System of the Ministry. 1244 applicants took part in the exams for primary teacher speciality from 26 to 30 July. According to the results of the exams, 98 applicants have been accepted for the work. The rest 12 vacant positions will be offered to teachers, who have collected a passage mark, but not been accepted. The exams on English language speciality were begun on August 1. There are 241 vacant positions for this speciality (68 of them in Baku) to which 1529 applicants have applied. The next week will be held exams on Azerbaijani language and literature, chemistry, history, biology, mathematics, computer science, geography, music and singing, fine arts, pre-military training of youth, and physical culture disciplines. It should be noted that, currently, about 3 thousand teachers are taken the exam at the second stage.

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The submission of documents will be continued until September 1. Selection of pupils will be implemented from 1 to 10 September. It is supposed that this year, overall, 16,570 pupils will be admitted to the initial vocational establishments on 99 different specialties of the economy. 141,190 pupils will study on the state – paid, and 2,380 pupils on a fee paid base. The orders of state – owned, and private establishments for qualified personnel based on demands of market economy in the Republic of Azerbaijan and a desire of community for vocational education have been taken into account in the admission plan. The most popular professions and specialties of the economy are service, trade and catering, art and jewellery production, accountant – personal computer operator, accountant, chef – confectioner and, etc. Moreover, there a need for tractor driver, repairman, mechanic, and car driver for the reclamation works. The electrical – gas welder, electrician and other specialties are among the most popular specialties as well.

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Admission of teachers will be held in a centralised manner through three-stage competition (assessment of indicators in the e-application, test exam and interview), and will be finished on September 10. At the I stage of competition, which continued from July 1 to 15, about 10000 candidates submitted an e- application for 2117 vacant positions. The knowledge and achievement indicators of applicants were estimated via the computer programme based on specified criteria. As a result, the application of 8700 applicants was approved, and they were passed on to the second stage of the competition. Currently, applicants are taken part in the test exam, which is a part of the second stage of the contest. From 26 July, appliers are taken an e-exam based on the special graphic at the Training Centre of the Department for Informatisation of Education System of the Ministry. The majority of applicants submitted their documents for a primary teacher position. 1722 appliers submitted their application for 110 vacant positions (23 in Baku, others in regions). Moreover, the number of candidates submitted their application for Azerbaijani language and literature, mathematics, English language, chemistry and biology specialties. 1244 applicants took part in the exams for primary teacher speciality from 26 to 30 July. According to the results of the contest, 77 applicants have been accepted for the work. The rest 33 vacant positions will be offered to teachers, who have collected a passage mark, but not been accepted. Currently, the submission of application for 33 vacant primary teacher positions is continued. The exams on English language speciality were begun on August 1. There are 241 vacant positions for this speciality (68 of them in Baku) to which 1529 applicants have applied. 1389 applicants wishing to work as an Azerbaijani language and literature teacher were taken the exam from 8 to 11 August. Each candidate has answered to 35 questions via computer within one hour and have learnt its score after the exam. The results will be revealed on August 12. The next exam for candidates wishing to work as a Chemistry teacher will be held on August 12. Next, will be held exams on history, biology, mathematics, computer science, geography, music and singing, fine arts, pre-military training of youth, and physical culture disciplines.

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Speaking at the opening event, President of SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic) Rovnag Abdullayev welcomed attendees and noted that this kind of meetings has become a tradition. Having underlined the care and attention paid to young people of the country, he said that the work with youth is one of the priority directions of the state policy. Mr. Abdullayev also noted the importance of state programmes for youth assumed by the government. He underlined this year the selection of youth, who will study abroad within the Scholarship Programme of SOCAR, were implemented in a very strict way, congratulated the winners, and wished them a success. Having talked on achievements of the purposeful policy implemented under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev over recent years, Mr. Abdullayev underlined the important role of SOCAR in these achievements. He said that based on the assignment of the President Ilham Aliyev SOCAR is implemented a variety of projects to prepare a high qualified personnel. Noting the foundation for works implemented in this direction was launched by the great leader Heydar Aliyev, Mr. Abdullayev informed that talented young Azerbaijanis have begun to send to the best universities of USSR from the beginning of 1970s. Talking about big projects implemented by SOCAR in the Republic and foreign countries Mr. Abdullayev underlined the growing demand for highly qualified personnel. He gave information on Scholarship Programmes carried out by SOCAR over recent years, and noted that SOCAR has close ties with secondary schools, as well as provides a financial support for a range of activities and subject Olympiads. Moreover, the company also sponsors INEPO Environmental Protection International Project Olympiad, held in our country since 2007. Having expressed his views on the establishment of Vocational Training Centre under SOCAR, Internal Scholarship Programme for students of Bachelor and Master’s level of universities, and Scholarship Programme for Study Abroad, Mr. Abdullayev said that currently, graduates of prestigious universities of USA, France, Create Britain, Turkey, Germany, Norway, Russia and other countries are successfully working with young personnel of the company. He said that, since 2010 at SOCAR has organized Summer Internship Programme on a fee paid base to familiarize students with the production process, and help them to get acquainted with labor skills during their studies. He stressed the importance of these activities. Next, Education Minister Misir Mardanov made a speech. He congratulated scholarship holders of SOCAR, and students, who will study this year abroad within the State programme for the Education of Young Azerbaijanis Abroad in 2007-2015. Mr. Mardanov has hailed the event noting the effectiveness of gathering together representatives of older, middle - aged and younger generation, and thanked organizers; particularly, the president of SOCAR Mr. Abdullayev. The Minister said that young people of Azerbaijan are surrounded with care and attention, and talked about attainments of the policy implemented by the President and government of Azerbaijan in this direction. According to him, the construction works implemented in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev are the result of “Contract of the Century” signed in 1994 and the oil factor plays an important role in the strong development of all areas of our lives. According to him, there has been implemented a deliberate policy in Azerbaijan to transform oil revenues into human capital over recent years. Touching upon the history of sending Azerbaijani youth to study abroad the Minister noted that in 1919, in the period of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, 100 people were sent to universities of foreign countries. Reminding this process has been expanded in the 70s and 80s of the last century, during the leadership of great leader Heydar Aliyev, the Minister said that the number of students sending abroad has increased every year from 45 people to 1500. He said that, due to the implementation of State Programme for the Education of Young Azerbaijanis Abroad in 2007-2015 approved by President Ilham Aliyev the effectiveness of this work has been increased and more than 800 young people have been sent to prestigious universities of foreign countries within the programme. Noting part of them have completed their study and returned to the country, the Minister underlined 250 young people will be sent to abroad to study this year.  At the end of his speech the Minister gave advice to youth. He inspired them to represent the country abroad with dignity, actively bring the truth about Azerbaijan to the world, fulfil the mission of the ambassador of Azerbaijan in the places where they will live and at universities where they will study. Students speaking at the event have expressed their gratitude to the President Ilham Aliyev for the care provided for them, and conditions created to reveal their potential, and promised to justify the trust that was put in them. At the end of the meeting, questions of students have been answered, and discussed proposals put forward by them.

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly greeted the guests and expressed his pleasure with their visit to Azerbaijan. President of the European Youth Card Association (EYCA) Jarkko Lehikoinen  thanked the Minister for the warm reception and highlighted that he made his first visit as President of EYCA to Azerbaijan. He gave information on EYCA saying that in 1985, in two countries – France and Scotland were begun to apply the single youth card offering discounts to young people, which initiated cooperation in various fields. In 1986, six countries (Belgium, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland and Spain) joined to this process. The EYCA Office is based in Bratislava, Slovakia. He added that, the number of participated organizations, and cardholders have been rapidly increased since then. Benefits for young people for study, transport, accommodation, and other fields have expanded. According to J. Lehikoinen in 1991, EYCA signed an agreement on the Youth Card with the Council of Europe and since 1995, EYCA also enjoys the support of the European Commission. Moreover, about 40 European countries have joined to the Youth Card process, overall, more than 4 million young people up to the age of 30 are cardholders.  J. Lehikoinen also noted that the Youth Card is the financial support for youth, and cardholders benefit from nearly 80.000 discounts in various fields. According to him, smart card reflected information on cardholders, and its main goal is to bring young people together. He also noted that there were held serious discussions at the Youth and Sport Ministry of Azerbaijan on application of Youth Card in Azerbaijan. He asked Minister Mardanov to contribute to the application of these cards at universities of Azerbaijan.   Education Minister thanked the guest for choosing Azerbaijan as a first country to visit and expressed his support for the application of European Youth Card in Azerbaijan. Moreover, he expressed his readiness to render a necessary help to provide students with cards. He highlighted the importance to hold further discussions on upcoming works to take concrete steps on the use of EYC. Noting the integration of Azerbaijan into the European Education Area, the Minister underlined the importance to join to this process supported by the Council of Europe and European Commission. Next, there were expressed views and suggestions on the application of European Youth Card at universities of Azerbaijan, as well as on upcoming works in this direction.

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The forum that will be held on 26-27 August will encompass 4 different subjects, which will discuss by Working Groups. The main themes of the forum will be “Know Karabakh and enlighten others – new methods of propaganda,” “Discover the capital of Eurovision – 2012,” “Social media in Azerbaijan” and “Academic promotion of Azerbaijan.” Offers made by Working Groups will be added to the annual action plan of organization. During the forum, the structure of organization will be approved, and representatives in foreign countries will be determined. At the second day of the forum, attendees will visit one of the beautiful cities of Azerbaijan, Gabala. The forum was attended by Education Minister Misir Mardanov, Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rehimov, Head of Political Analysis and Information Provision Department of Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Aslanov, Rector of Diplomatic Academy Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages of Samad Seyidov, Executive Director of State Oil Fund Shahmar Movsumov, representatives of ASAIF in foreign countries and about 250 young Azerbaijanis studied in 35 countries. Speaking at the opening event, Chairman of ASAIF (Azerbaijani Students and Alumni International Forum) Orkhan Akberov noted that the main goal of the forum held under the motto “Let Azerbaijan interactively use your mind” is to strengthen the network of young people receiving education abroad by uniting around national values, and assist our youth in information exchange and in the most interactive promotion of the country abroad. Education Minister greeted attendees and talked on the state care provided for the education area and youth. He hailed the work done by ASAIF in this direction and noted thousands of young Azerbaijani are studying in the different countries. Education Minister highlighted the process of the study abroad, which was begun in 1970s -1980s by the initiative of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, is successfully carried out today by President Ilham Aliyev. Noting the study of young Azerbaijanis abroad is funded by the state, the Minister said that this year, documents of 275 applicants were approved within State Programme for the Education of Young Azerbaijanis Abroad in 2007-2015. According to him, these students scored high points at the entrance examination and admitted to the priority specialties. He praised the conduction of such events and highlighted the works done abroad by young Azerbaijanis to promote our country.   Next, Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rehimov, Deputy Foreign Minister Hafiz Pashayev, Head of Political Analysis and Information Provision Department of Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Aslanov and others delivered a speech noting the important role of such events to unite young Azerbaijanis studying abroad around a single idea. At the event, were given reports on works done by coordinators of ASAIF in different countries.

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The list includes 40 titled textbooks for IV classes (19 textbooks and 21 methodical guides for teachers), 38 textbooks for VII – XI classes, and 24 titled textbooks for II and VII-XI classes. All textbooks prepared based on new curriculum were implemented through the tender. It is should be noted that, all textbook set for IV classes, as well as “Zoology”, “Informatics”, “Physics”, “Russian language” textbooks for VII classes, “Physical geography of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, “Socio – Economic Geography of the Republic of Azerbaijan” “Zoology”, “Russian language”, “French language” textbooks for VIII classes, “New History”, “Drawing”, “Human (Biology)”, “Russian language”, “French language” textbooks for IX classes, “Human and Society”, “Pre-military training of youth” textbooks for X classes, and “Human and Society”, “Pre-military training of youth” and “Russian language” textbooks for XI classes were re-published. Currently, over 70 per cent of textbooks and methodical guide for teachers were published and delivered, and this process is successfully continued. Moreover, the delivery of textbooks to places has started as well.

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The number of pupils admitted to the first classes in 2010/2011 academic year was 120420, in 2009/2010 study year 118947 people.  It is supposed 33,464 pupils will be admitted to the first classes of schools of Baku in the new academic year. Last study year, this number was 32,812 pupils. According to the Rules confirmed with the relevant order of the Minister of Education, six-year old, mentally and physically healthy children are admitted to the comprehensive schools until September 15. In exceptional circumstances, talented children, who will turn six from September 15 to the end of October, could be admitted to the first classes based on the conclusion made by the commission established at school. Talented children, who will turn 6 in November, could be admitted to the first classes based on the relative decision of the commission established at the Ministry of Education from early August to 10 September.

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At first, conference attendees visited the Alley of Honours to lay a wreath at the tomb of national leader Heydar Aliyev, and they also put flowers at the grave of the prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva. Next, they visited the Alley of Martyrs to pay their tribute to those who gave their lives for the Azerbaijan's independence and territory integrity. The conference began by singing the national anthem of Azerbaijan. It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Elchin Afandiyev, Head of Humanitarian Policy Department at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Fatma Abdullazade, MPs, representatives of the relevant ministries, heads of higher and secondary special education institutions, representatives of education community and international organizations    Speaking at the opening event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov highlighted historical contributions of national leader, architect and founder of modern Azerbaijani state Heydar Aliyev to Azerbaijan and to the people of Azerbaijan. Having underlined the successive results of the policy of great leader Heydar Aliyev, the Minister noted it is being successfully implemented by President Ilham Aliyev. He also emphasized the dynamic development of Azerbaijan and talked on successes achieved by the country. Having talked on reforms launched by national leader Heydar Aliyev, Mr. Mardanov said that there were taken important steps to establish and strengthen a modern infrastructure for education over recent years. According to him, this work is continued today.  Head of the UNICEF Office in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward talked on activity of the organization in Azerbaijan and highlighted the importance of cooperation between UNESCO and the Ministry of Education. According to him, this cooperation has contributed to the implementation of many large-scale reforms. He also talked on projects carried out at relevant education institution of Azerbaijan.   Representatives of higher and secondary education establishments, comprehensive schools, preschool education establishments, State Student Admission Commission have delivered a speech at the conference talking on achievements in the education field and existing problems. The role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the renovating and developing the infrastructure of schools were highlighted at the conference. It was noted that the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva pays great attention and care to the education field. A number of modern schools was built and given to use, as well as provided with the necessary equipments by the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation over recent years.  There also were given information on programmes and projects implemented to develop the higher education of the country. It was noted that, in 2005, Azerbaijan has joined in the Bologna process and currently, relevant measures are taken at education institutions,   Within the State Programme for the Education of Young Azerbaijanis Abroad in 2007-2015, about 800 Azerbaijani youth were sent to top universities of Turkey, Germany, USA, France, Canada, Russia, Great Britain and other countries. Part of them have completed their study and returned to Azerbaijan.  There was given information on scientific – researches conducted at higher education institutions, and were noted that a new mechanism for funding science has been applied since 2010. Over the last two years, there was allocated more than 6 million AZN from the state budget to implement scientific – research projects by the Science Development Fund under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Scientists of higher education institutions have won 22 grants at the competition announced by Fund in 2010 and 2011 years. Scientists working for the education system participated in 37 international projects in 2010. Baku State University, by financial support of different funds, is implemented 35 international projects worth 5 million AZN. Scientists have published 436 monographs, 338 textbooks, 620 tutorials, 1421 entitled programmes and methodical literature.       The number of scientific articles of scientists, who work at the system of the Ministry of Education, published at magazines of Institute for Scientific Information of Thomson Reuter Agency have increased by three times. During the period of one year, 136 out of 260 published articles fall to the share of Baku State University, 53 of Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, and 37 of Azerbaijan Technical University. According to the relevant order, the doctorate studies were established at 19 state-owned, 5 private higher education institution subordinated to the Ministry of Education and at Institute for Education Problems. The first admission to the doctorate studies will be held in autumn of the current year.  The importance of implemented reforms was highlighted at the conference. It was noted that, the study at primary schools of the country is held based on new subject curriculum and textbook sets. During this period, about 40.000 teachers were involved in the learning training courses on special programmes. Moreover, there were organized Centres of Enlightenment for teachers and parents at regions. After the application of subject curriculums for I - IV classes, there were done some works to prepare documents with the same content for the V – XI classes.  The subject curriculum of V-XI classes have been discussed and approved in June of the current year. 53 graduates awarded gold and silver medals and 49 winners of Republican Subject Olympiad have scored a high mark at exams held for the admission to higher education institutions in 2010/2011 academic year. Furthermore, it was noted that, the attention is always focused on the preschool education. There are 1683 registered preschool education institutions in the Republic, where have been involved 112.892 children. Several of the kindergartens were refurbished and the number of children involved in the pre-school education institutions have increased. The number of private kindergartens has reached 24.   In 2009, the percentage of children involved in the pre-school education was 15.8 per cent, currently, this number equal to 17.6 per cent. In Baku, there number has increased from 31.102 in 2009 to 34.369 children in the current year. Its coverage level surpassed 26 per cent. According to the State Program on Socio-Economic Development of Baku and its towns in 2011-2013 approved by the President Ilham Aliyev, 53 kindergartens are currently completely overhauling and these works will be done by the end of the year. There was talked on achievements of pupils at international Olympiads as well, and was highlighted the importance of work done to increase achievements in this field, and develop creative potential of children with special talent. The presentations given at the conference reflected issues, such as education informatization system, projects implemented in this field, development of vocational education, and etc.  Moreover, there was given information on results of students’ admission to higher and secondary special education institutions. It has been noted that the analyze of vacant seats and dynamic of applications over the period 1992 – 2003 have revealed that during these years the admission plan to higher education institutions have risen 85.24 per cent and number of applications have increased 2.67 times. The most vacant seats at higher education institutions were allocated in 2011, the less in 1993. The smallest number of applications of applicants were registered in 1992, and the largest - in 2008. This year the admission plan has been implemented 97 per cent. Due to the high-competition conditions the highest passage score in the I group was for the Computer Engineering specialty of Qafqaz University (667 score), in the II group Management specialty of Academy of Public Administration (APA) under the President of Azerbaijan Republic (660 score), in the III group the Jurisprudence of APA and in the IV group Medical work of Azerbaijan Medical University (541). Positive changes are also seen in the results of graduates on entrance examinations to higher education institutions. In this year, 1540 students, who represent 65 out of 73 regions of the country, have gained more than 600 points in entrance exams. The best results for 2011 were shown by representatives of Baku, Sumgayit and Gakh district. At the 26 state-owned and 10 private universities was held an admission to the Master's degree level and 73.52 per cent of admission plan was done. The admission to the secondary special education institutions on a complete and general secondary education base was completed and admission plan was implemented 96.7 percent. Speaking at the event representatives of study abroad students expressed their appreciation of the care and attention that they received from the President Ilham Aliyev. At the conference, there were made proposals to promote education.

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In addition, 6 schools were overhauled; schools in various regions have received 12.957 school desks, 1080 blackboards, 2095 tables and 3750 chairs for teachers amounting to a total of two million manats.  In contrast, it should be noted that in 2010/2011 academic year there were constructed 26 schools for 9380 seat places. The construction of new schools, and extra buildings, their overhaul, provision with the latest equipments, renovation of infrastructure have improved the learning environment for, overall, more than one million pupils of the country. Due to programmes implemented in the school construction field over the last 10 years, the percentage of two-shift schools has dropped from 73% to 44%, and percentage of pupils studied in second shift has decreased from 34.5 to 21 per cent. In accordance with the action plan on major overhaul and reconstruction of schools, which is part of the State Program on the socio-economic development of Baku and its suburban settlements in 2011-2013 for this year, major overhaul and reconstruction of 111 secondary schools of the capital is under way. 54 of them are schools and 57 of them are kindergartens. Along with the overhaul and reconstruction works, it is planning to build extra classrooms, new educational buildings, sport and assembly halls, canteen, which will be provided with the necessary equipments for schools that needed it.    It should be noted that 353 new school buildings, extra classrooms and educational buildings for 184 schools have been constructed by the Ministry of Education since 2004. Moreover, 176 schools were completely refurbished, 11 new preschool education establishments were built and given to use. What is more, 50 preschool education establishments, 9 professional schools were completely refurbished and a building was constructed for one new professional school. 

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