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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At first, conference attendees visited the Alley of Honours to pay a tribute to the memory and lay a wreath at the tomb of national leader Heydar Aliyev. They also put flowers at the grave of the prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva. The conference was attended by Education Minister Misir Mardanov, deputy chairman of Free Trade Union Committee of Education Workers of Azerbaijan Shaig Asgerov, head of Binagady district Executive Power Ali Gojayev, MPs, representatives of different state and non-government organizations, famous scientists and teachers of the Republic, heads of comprehensive schools, preschool and out-of school establishments, and teachers.  Having congratulated conference attendees on the start of a new academic year, Director of Baku city Education Department Naila Rzagulyeva gave a presentation on the theme of “Results of 2010/2011 academic year and upcoming responsibilities for the new academic year.” Noting the government is providing each citizen with qualitative and continuing education, N. Rzaguliyeva said that there were created comprehensive conditions to improve the quality of education. According to her, due to the care and attention of President Ilham Aliyev, as well as support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation there were implemented radical reforms in the education field. She noted that an important phase of these reforms has come, and processes of renewal are implemented in the requirements for the content and organization of education. Director of Baku city Education Department have also gave detail information on achievements gained over the past academic year, upcoming responsibilities and gave extensive analysis of shortcomings and problems.  Next, director of school No. 279 of Baku Ogtay Samadov, deputy director of school – lyceum No. 83 Yashar Hamidov, teacher of nursery – kindergarten No. 169 Tabiat Valiyeva, chairperson of Parent Commission of Kindergarten – School – Lyceum Complex Saida Ismayilova, English language teacher of school No. 87 Natavan Dashtiyeva, and Laman Mammadova, who has scored 700 points in the entrance exams, have delivered a speech talking on successive development of the country’s education, events held over the last year and gained achievements.    Speaking at the event Education Minister Misir Mardanov congratulated workers of education on the “Knowledge day.” He estimated as positive the activity of Baku city Education Department highlighting its successes, which are rising year by year. Education Minister noted that the great leader Heydar Aliyev has always been respectful to teachers and attached great importance to the education. He spoke in detail about the care and attention paid by the President Ilham Aliyev to the development of science and education fields of Azerbaijan, as well as events held by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in this direction. The Minister noted that, today, the country has number of exemplary schools, competent and capable teachers, who teach creatively. He also touched upon other important problems that need to be solved, and gave his advices to education workers. At the end of the conference, there was demonstrated a film devoted to the works done in the education field, achieved successes and activity of Baku city Education Department.

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Initially, this process will cover 11 pilot schools based on the rules for accreditation, the compliance of activity of comprehensive schools with requirements of state educational standards and criteria defined its status. Currently, higher, secondary special and vocational education institutions operating in Azerbaijan are passing the accreditation process. Accreditation of these education institutions is implemented once every 5 years (every 3 years for educational institutions established by foreigners and/or persons without citizenship, foreign legal entities). The Ministry of Education is currently developing the rules for accreditation of preschool education establishments.

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As its known, in 2010/2011 academic year for the first time graduates of complete secondary education level, who have gained special achievements during their studies, were awarded gold and silver medals. The award of graduates with gold and silver medals were conducted based on “Rules for awarding gold and silver medals of graduates, who have completed the general education with special achievements,” approved by the Cabinet of Ministries. Results of test and final exams held by the Ministry of Education and test exams held by State Student Admission Commission were considered in awarding gold and silver medals as well. All pupils awarded gold and silver medals have entered to the top universities of the country and the world with the highest scores. What is more, winners of subject Olympiads held in the country and pupils graduated from school with excellent grades have also shown good results in the entrance exams.  

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Calls received in July were mainly inquiries. They were about admission of teachers for vacant positions through competition, norms for teaching load of teachers for the next academic year, their age limit, appeals against results of the final exams at IX and XI classes, issuance of documents (certificate) on general- education and complete secondary education, external exams, and their results. Other queries reflected issues such as study abroad, recognition of educational documents issued by the universities of foreign countries, calculation of salaries of school teachers and, etc.   The queries on admission of teachers for vacant positions through competition (2590), study abroad (123), results of final exams held at IX and XI classes (310), early admission to the first class (112), issues concerning State Student Admission Commission (267), Azerbaijan International University, which activity has been stopped (36), recognition of educational documents issued by the universities of foreign countries (50), and calculation of salaries of school teachers (35) have been responded. Other calls reflected a desire to get information on different issues. The calls received by the Service in August were mainly inquiries as well. They were connected with pre-school education establishments (35), comprehensive schools (255 calls concerning transfer from one school to another, school uniform, beginning of the new academic year and, etc.), early admission of schools to the first class (328), issues concerning the admission of teachers to work (837), admission of students to the higher and secondary special education institutions (175), study abroad (263), study at sub-bachelor, bachelor and master levels (66). Other queries were reflected different subjects.     All queries were recorded and responded by the Hotline Service assistants.

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The conference was attended by representatives of 20 countries, including from Germany, Russia, Georgia, Turkmenistan, as well as state and government officials, MPs, and representatives of international organizations. The issues, such as implementation of inclusion for disabled children, support for reforms carried out in this field and etc. were discussed at the conference.  Speaking at an event, Deputy Prime Minister Elchin Afandiyev noted that, Azerbaijan, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of independence, has achieved historical successes, which were reached by many countries during the decades, over a short period of time, and obtained great progress in the provision of social protection of population. Due to far-sighted policy of national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan reached the path of socio-economic development and described itself as an independent subject of international law.   It was noted that, currently, there are 419,598 disabled children, including 59, 207 children with physical disabilities up to the age of 18 years in Azerbaijan. Today, successive measures are taken in the fields of their medical – social rehabilitation and integration into the society. Each year, more than eight thousand people receive help at the rehabilitation centers. On October 2008, our country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People and Facultative Protocol and in 2009 they came into force. Moreover, our country established an active cooperation with the Committee for Social Cohesion of the Council of Europe. This is demonstrating the willingness of Azerbaijan to learn the latest international practice in this field and benefit from it. The Deputy Prime Minister highly praised the work of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in rendering attention and care to talented disabled people, supporting their creativity and providing their participation in mass cultural events. Next, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alekberov delivered a message from President of the Foundation, First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO and UNESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva. According to the message there are many reasons for exclusion of disabled people from society. The restriction of contact with people, creativity and sport deprivation, inability to use their skills, to receive a quality education and health care are major obstacles to their integration into the society. It is not enough to approach to the problems of disabled people just from a medical point of view. The problems faced by them today should be considered as a social factor. Because of the health and physical development of these people specifies their development as an individual, and their future social position. The First Lady of Azerbaijan underlined that we should help disabled people to integrate into the society, to feel themselves as valued and equal citizens of the country and able to benefit from all areas of the life. From this point of view, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva highly praised the conduction of this conference, which made possible to discuss problems, exchange successes, views and experiences on the protection of disabled people.  Next, there was demonstrated a film of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation devoted to the activity of disabled children. Speaking at the event, representative for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward highlighted important works done by the government of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to ensure the rights of disabled people. He noted that the other structures of the UN have analyzed works done by the Government of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in this field. The document, which will be developed after this analyze, could be the basis for the future cooperation. However, there are still plenty of works to be done in this area. According to him, they are cooperating with Government of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to no child left behind. Next, a video message of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Sir Simon Rattle was presented to the attendees. Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Fuzuli Alekberov gave a presentation entitled “The rights of disabled people: effort of the Azerbaijani government to fulfill international commitments.” According to him, President Ilham Aliyev successfully continues the policy for the strengthening of social protection of population launched by great leader Heydar Aliyev. By the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation a number of boarding schools were overhauled and refurbished. Moreover, important steps were taken to develop the abilities of disabled children.    Speaking at the conference UNICEF Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities Rosangela Berman-Bieler highlighted that it is the duty of every citizen to assist disabled people. She highly praised works done to integrate disabled people into the society in Azerbaijan. Education Minister Misir Mardanov gave a presentation entitled “Inclusive education in Azerbaijan and policy of deinstitutionalization.” According to him, one of the main priorities of the education policy of Azerbaijan is to create equal opportunities for disabled people to receive a quality education. Noting the Ministry is implemented State Programme for organization of inclusive education for disabled children in Azerbaijan he underlined purposeful works done by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to organize the education of children with disabilities, orphans, as well as children deprived of parental care. Delivering a speech on the theme of “Situation of disabled people in Azerbaijan: basic information and advice received within the latest study” UNICEF expert on disability issues Chantelle McCabe highlighted the importance of avoiding discrimination against disabled people in any society. She also highly praised the attention and care provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for disabled children. Speaking on the rights of disabled children in Azerbaijan chairperson of State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs Hijran Huseynova noted the great attention provided in the country for this area. According to her, along with the state policy, special contributions of First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva were made to this field as well. Noting conduction of the number of major events for disabled children within the Year of the Child 2009 proclaimed by the order of the President Ilham Aliyev, she highlighted the study of new child system and experience of developed countries to adopt standards in this field. She noted that the Committee is planning to hold II Child Forum on November of the current year. Next, the conference is continued its work at sessions on different themes. The first session was chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of Milli Majlis (Parliament) Bahar Muradova. Talking about disability issues B. Muradova noted that the parliament will continue its cooperation with international organizations in this direction. Expert of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Ilgar Mustafayev in its presentation entitled “Activity of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on the development of an infrastructure for disabled people” noted that the Foundation from the first day of its establishment implements humanitarian projects, and takes major steps to promote our cultural heritage and provides the care for disabled children. Moreover, the Foundation has established data centers for blind and visually impaired children to use the internet resources.  Mr. I. Mustafayev noted that the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva has made exceptional contributions to establish high principles of humanism in the society. Her humanitarian mission on disadvantaged groups encompasses disabled children as well. Moreover, at the conference were made presentations on the themes of “The role of organizations working in the field of disability in accepting of people with disabilities in the society,” “Facts about discrimination and stigma of disabled persons constitute a violation of human rights,” “Inclusive education through an inclusive society,” “Early detection and prevention of disability: international standards and effective experience,” “Support for the participation of youth with disabilities in the social life,” “UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People and its impact on persons with mental retardation,” and, etc.

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