According to the order, the Last Bell will be organized in the territory of education establishment on 31 May 2011 at 10:00 AM, and will last 3 hours. Participation of representatives of parent committees, parent-teacher associations and community in the event shall be provided. Moreover, the Ministry of Education of Nakhchivan AR, Baku city Education Department, Ganja city Education Department, and districts (cities) education departments are instructed to complete the organizational works in a timely manner to conduct meaningful Last Bell event, and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of pupils.

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The event attendees were welcomed by Education Minister Misir Mardanov. He gave information on the International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), which was organized and sponsored by Intel Corporation, and noted that Azeri pupils took part in the Fair held in the USA for the first time. Noting the goal of the competition, which has been held since 1950, is to increase creativity potential of pupils in the fields of science and technology, the Minister underlined that it is also creates a basis for the improvement of continuous professional training system within the triplet “school-university-doctoral study.” According to him, about 500 winners from different countries of the world, who have competed in annually conducted local science fairs, took part in the final stage of the competition. The Minister said that the number of students wishing to demonstrate their science projects in the competition has been increased over the last years and praised that as a manifestation of the increasing interest in science intensive research. According to the Minister the number of participated countries is constantly increasing, from 47 countries in 2006, 51 in 2009 and 67 in 2011 to 70 countries in 2012. Noting that Intel ISEF creates an opportunity for students to communicate with world-famous scientists and engineers, and to receive more information on prospects for their researches, the Minister informed that over 20 winners of the competition have become Nobel Prize laureates, and 3 contestants became winners of the Fields Medal for Mathematics.   The Minister said that, the national qualifying round of Intel ISEF the Scientists of Tomorrow competition was held from 23 to 24 February of the current year in Azerbaijan, where the winners were selected. According to him, Azerbaijan was represented in the Intel ISEF by 5 pupils. He highly praised the participation of Azeri pupils in the prestigious international competition and thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue. The Minister gave his advice and recommendations for the best preparation to the competition in the future. Noting the importance of good preparation to competitions the Minister put forward his ideas on creation of relevant centers, involvement of famous scientists in scientific fields included to the competition and take into consideration the international practice in the relevant field. Next, Director of Science Department of the Ministry of Education Gultekin Huseynova gave a presentation on the conduction of Intel ISEF in Azerbaijan and the participation of Azeri pupils in the competition. The event was attended by Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov, Professor of Baku State University Rovshan Khalilov, Professor of IT and Programming Department of Sumgayit State University Javanshir Mammadov, Director of Lyceum named after academician Zarifa Aliyeva Mahabbat Valiyeva, Director of Baku European Lyceum Zulfiyya Veysova, associate professor of Baku State University Ismat Ahmadov and others. They have made a speech highly praising the participation of Azeri pupils in the International Science and Engineering Fair and shared their views concerning the preparation for competition.

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It should be noted that, the figure recorded for the previous year was 97 653 people. In 2011 the number of pupils graduated from XII classes of correspondence and evening secondary schools has amounted 442 pupils. It is expected that this year the number of school leavers will increase to 786 people. In 2011/2012 academic year about 24 285 pupils of secondary schools of Baku city will complete XI, and 33 977 students IX classes. The number of pupils admitted to the 1st class of secondary schools in 2011/2012 academic year was 125 807 people. In 2010/2011 study year this figure was 120 420 pupils. In 2012/2013 academic year, it is expected to admit to the 1st class of secondary schools 130 454 schoolchildren. Currently, 99 924 students are studying at universities subordinated to the Ministry of Education, including 91 652 students earning Bachelors and 8 272 Masters degrees. Moreover, 24 795 students are studying at the last courses of universities subordinated to the Ministry of Education, including 21 779 Bachelor and 3 016 Masters students. Currently, 19 615 students are studying at private universities, including 18 689 Bachelor and 926 Masters students.

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The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorokhin and Head of Russian Information and Cultural Centre Anvar Sheykhov.  Education Minister welcomed the guests and underlined the rapid development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia in all areas, particularly in the field of education. Noting there is an increasing interest in learning Russian at secondary schools of Azerbaijan, the Minister stressed that more attention has been paid to the teaching of Russian language in the country compared to the early 1990s. According to him, there is no problem in teaching Russian language at universities of the country, and the study of Russian at secondary schools of Baku is also conducted at a very high level. However, the Minister stressed the need to improve the teaching level of Russian language at secondary schools of regions. He suggested preparing Russian language teaching programs, as well as establishing Russian lyceums in Azerbaijan, and expressed his interest in the position of guests on these issues.   Konstantin Kosachev, Head of the Federal Agency for CIS Countries, thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. He expressed his satisfaction with the Russian language teaching process in Azerbaijan and said that there is a need for more practical works and training of professionals in any country in the world to improve Russian language teaching. He also touched on issues such as financial support from Russia for the development of Russian language, and creation of legal basis for the relevant cooperation. K. Kosachev highly praised the conditions created for the teaching of Russian language in Azerbaijan. He accepted the relevant proposals of the Minister and noted the relevant works will be implemented regarding the above mentioned issues. At the meeting, the sides have also discussed other issues of common interest.

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The event was attended by Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov, representative of Council of Europe Katia Dolgova-Dreyer, expert of European Training Foundation Arjen Deij, expert of the World Bank Olav Aarna, representatives of the Council of Europe, European Training Foundation and other international organizations. Speaking at the opening of the event Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov noted the importance of the seminar in terms of integrating Azerbaijan into the European Education Area. According to him, Azerbaijan as an independent state has successfully integrated into the international community in all directions, including the field of education. Noting the implementation of National Qualifications Framework is one of the most important reform movements in the education field, G. Novruzov shared his views on issues that will be discussed at the seminar. Next, there were heard presentations given by representative of Council of Europe Katia Dolgova-Dreyer, expert of the World Bank Olav Aarna and others. After the speeches, the seminar has continued its work within the working groups, where relevant discussions were held. The international seminar will continue its work on June 6.

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On 4 June, the delegation visited La Sapienza University, which is one of the ancient and largest universities of Europe with 140 000 students, and met with Rector Luigi Frati. Next, the members of delegation have held a meeting with Rector and deans of university faculties. The meeting was attended by members of delegation of La Sapienza University, who visited Baku in October last year in order to become acquainted with universities of Azerbaijan. They expressed their satisfaction with meetings held at universities of Azerbaijan, and stressed their interest in continuing the cooperation. According to Rector of University La Sapienza Luigi Frati, the University gives a high priority to fields, such as biotechnology, veterinary, chemistry, nanotechnology, archeology, economic and law. Currently, an extensive scientific research on the theme of Civil rights in Russia and South Korea is being held at university. Moreover, there is special attention paid to the economic management field as well. Mr. Frati added that the signature of cooperation agreement with universities of Azerbaijan will have a positive impact on the development of bilateral relations. The Rector said that English Department at medicine and economics faculties of the University will be opened in the current academic year to increase the number of overseas students. He underlined he will very pleased if Azeri students will study at these two faculties. Touching upon distance education issues, the Rector noted that if the official agreement will be signed then young people of Azerbaijan will be able to study at their University, receive a PhD degree or do scientific researches along with their Italian colleagues through the Internet. Moreover, it was noted that currently, more than 4 000 researchers are doing their scientific research for PHD degree at university. Education Minister noted with pleasure that Italy was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in 1919 and stressed the existence of a broad cooperation between the two countries in all areas. According to him, Italy is also the biggest trade partner of Azerbaijan. The Minister underlined the existence of great opportunities to use a potential in the education field that was not fully used by the sides. He noted that Azerbaijan Medical University and Italian University of Genoa have successfully cooperated within the Tempus and Erasmus – Mundus programs of European Union. Moreover, the cooperation agreements have been signed with 3 universities of Azerbaijan and soon necessary measures will be taken to register the relationship with Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and Azerbaijan Technical University officially. Noting Department of Italian Studies is operated at University of Languages of Azerbaijan, the Minister talked about interest of Azeri people in learning Italian language and culture. He talked about his meeting with Ambassador of Italy to Azerbaijan before his visit to Italy and underlined that by the support of Italian Embassy necessary measures will be taken to organize the teaching of Italian language at some schools of Azerbaijan. Next, Mr. Mardanov gave information on achievements of Azerbaijan in the education field after the country joined to the Bologna system in 2005, and talked about works that will be done within this process. He added that La Sapienza University meets all requirements to be included in the priority list of universities, where young people of Azerbaijan are studying. Moreover, the sides have discussed an issue of conducting short-term education management courses for members of delegation, and Rector of La Sapienza University has instructed relevant persons to send the list of main specialties to the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan as soon as possible. Next, the Minister noted the importance of establishing Department for Azerbaijani Studies at La Sapienza University as a result of development of educational relationship between the two countries. According to him, full support will be provided for the establishment and development of department. The Minister has also invited Mr. Frati to visit Baku in September of the current year to take part in the conference organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Italy.  Mr. Frati expressed his gratitude for the invitation and noted such visit would be very useful to become more familiar with universities of Azerbaijan and promote the cooperation. At the end Mr. Frati expressed his deep appreciation to the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov for his support and assistance to increasing interest of Azeri people in universities of Italy and Italian language.    It should be noted that a cooperation agreement was signed between La Sapienza University and the number of Azeri universities. The contribution of Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Italy Mr. Vagif Sadigov and staff of the Embassy to this issue is should be especially stressed. Currently, preparation works are carried out to sign an official cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and Azerbaijan Technical University. On June 5, the delegation met with Education Minister of Italy Francesco Profumo, where Mr. Mardanov has talked about the cooperation existing between Azerbaijan and Italy in all fields, underlined the respect of our people to Italy and Italians creates a basis to expand bilateral relations in the education field.  Speaking about the works that will be done to promote existing relations and cooperation, Mr. Mardanov underlined the Department of Azerbaijani Studies that planning to be established at La Sapienza University might become a relationship centre between Azerbaijan and Italy. The Minister gave information on the State Program for study abroad and underlined the need to increase the number of Azeri students at universities of Italy. He added that the Government of Azerbaijan could also provide a scholarship for this purpose. Education Minister stressed the importance of expanding direct relations between scientists of both countries, and organizing the trip of students during the summer vacation. He talked about discussions held with the Ambassador of Italy to Azerbaijan regarding the teaching of Italian language at secondary schools of Azerbaijan.    Education Minister of Italy Francesco Profumo has thanked the Minister for the attention paid to the issue of learning Italian language and culture in Azerbaijan. He underlined the importance of informing Italian community about Azerbaijan. He also touched upon an issue regarding the learning of Azeri language and history at La Sapienza University and underlined that full support will be provided to establish a relationship in the other fields of education. Next, the sides have discussed issues (such as student exchange, joint scientific researches, conduction of scientific conferences, symposiums) pointed out in the agreement on science, culture and technology singed between the ministers of education of the both countries in 2005. There were noted the need to coordinate the relations established between Azerbaijan National Archive Department and Archival Institution of Florence. They also discussed the establishment of links between Azerbaijan National Archive Department and universities of Italy. Misir Mardanov suggested establishing a Working Group on education between Azerbaijan and Italy. At the meeting the sides have also discussed an issue regarding the recognition of educational documents between Azerbaijan and Italy. At the end, Mr. Mardanov invited his Italian colleague Francesco Profumo to visit Baku in September of the current year to participate in the conference organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Italy.  Mr. Profumo has thanked the Minister and gladly accepted the invitation.  On June 5, there was held a meeting with Azeri students studying in Italy. During the meeting, the Minister talked with students, asked them about their study and reminded them that they are bearing special responsibilities to deliver the realities of Azerbaijan to the world. At the same day, the Minister met with President of Dante Alighieri Institution Bruno Bottai and executive director Alessandro Mazzi. On June 6, the delegation met with Chairman of the Italian Senate Committee on Culture, Research and Education and Coordinator of Cooperation Group for UNESCO Senator Guido Possa. At the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov talked about successful development of political and economic relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy. He noted that the goal of his visit is to expand links with universities of Italy. Moreover, the Minister touched upon issues regarding the teaching of Italian in Azerbaijan and works that will be implemented to take them more seriously and extensively. He also underlined the importance of extending the cooperation within programs of European Union. Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Italy Vagif Sadiqov underlined the high level of relationship between the two countries. Senator Guido Possa has thanked for contributions made to keep the existing relations between the two countries at a high level. He promised to support Azerbaijan in all fields as a Chairman of 7th Standing Committee on Education, Cultural Properties, Scientific Research, Entertainment and Sport and make effort to develop inter-university relations. According to him, Azerbaijan is the economically and politically strongest country in the region among member countries of Eastern Partnership. The Senator underlined the need to establish Azerbaijan – Italy Friendship Group. Noting Azerbaijan is young country and walking confidently into the future, Senator Possa stressed the possibility to implement the projects for teaching Azeri language in Italy. At the end, Education Minister Misir Mardanov has thanked Senator Guido Possa and members of Senate for organizing a high-level meeting. 

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966 calls were received by phone, 89 by e-mail. A majority of them were for queries and information. The queries were about the national and international subject Olympiads, study abroad, extra education, new assessment system at higher and secondary special education system, nostrification and reception of education documents, admission of teachers to the vacant positions at secondary schools on a competitive basis, admission of children to the first grade for the next academic year, and workload standards for teachers, etc. All of them were recorded, registered and responded by the Service staff. In May the Hotline received 45 complaints from secondary schools of the Republic, including 31 – from schools of Baku, 2 from Sumgayit, 1 from Ganja, 3 from Absheron district, and 1 from each Shahbuz, Gabala, Khachmaz, Balakan, Sabirabad, Gusar, Gadabay and Samukh districts. The majority of complaints received from secondary school were about shortcomings committed by school directors in the management, collection of money for school funds, dissatisfaction with lessons distribution, poor organization of teaching process and illegal retention of teachers salaries, etc. It was revealed that, a majority of inquiries were anonymous that although some of them were provided with a full name and telephone number. Last month, Hotline Service received 11 queries from state higher and secondary special education establishments, and 3 from private universities. The queries were mostly about the delay in issuing education documents, not giving examination questions in advance, payment of tuition fee, shortcomings of the heads of structural units in performing their duties, etc. All inquiries were investigated in the proper way and solved.

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On June 19, the delegation visited University of Educational Science and met with Rector Algirdas Gaizutis. They also attended a “round table” to discuss issues regarding the development of bilateral relations between the University and relevant higher education institutions of Azerbaijan. Education Minister Misir Mardanov has become acquainted with Azerbaijan Lecture Hall named after Nizami Ganjavi, which will be opened in the near future. He expressed his thanks for the high level of attention paid to Azerbaijan.    Next, the Minister has met with Rector of Vilnius University Dr. Benediktas Juodka. The Rector provided the Minister with detailed information on University of Vilnius. Mr. Juodka talked about the achievements of higher education institution that has a history of more than 400 years, and stressed that the university holds one of the top places in a world university rankings. He thanked Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Lithuania Hasan Mammadzade and Education Minister Misir Mardanov for their contribution to include University of Vilnius to the list of universities specified in accordance with the State Programme for Study Abroad approved by the Presidential Order.   After the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov became acquainted with lecture halls and laboratories of the university. At the same day, the Minister met with Azeri students studying at Lithuania. According to statistics, currently there are around 50 Azeri students studying at different universities of Lithuania. At the meeting, Mr. Mardanov asked about concerns and problems of students. He noted that two top universities of Lithuania have been included to the list of universities specified within the State Programme for Study Abroad and tuition fees of students, who will be admitted to these universities through the State Programme, will be provided by the Government of Azerbaijan. Education Minister recommended to students to be more active to deliver truths about Azerbaijan to the world and decently represent Azerbaijan. He also noted the importance of keeping in regular touch with the relevant departments of the Ministry of Education.   Next, students took pictures with the Minister for memory. All meetings held by the delegation were attended by Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Lithuania Hasan Mammadzade.

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov informed Gintaras Steponavicius about his meetings and stressed their important role in promoting educational ties between the two countries. The Minister underlined the interest of Azerbaijan in expanding bilateral relations in the education field. According to him, currently there are about 50 students from Azerbaijan studying at different universities of Lithuania and relevant steps will be taken to increase their number.  Education and Science Minister of Lithuania Gintaras Steponavicius highly praised the development of educational relations between the two countries and underlined more efforts will be made to promote them. The Minister stressed that all issues concerning Azeri students studying at universities of Lithuania will be kept in the spotlight. Gintaras Steponavicius gave information on the activity of Education and Science Ministry of Lithuania, the education system of his country and implemented projects. Moreover, at the meeting the sides have exchanged views on other issues. It was stressed that a special attention will be paid to the development of bilateral relations in the higher and vocational education fields.   At the end, the sides exchanged gifts in memory. On this day, Misir Mardanov visited gymnasium “Lithuanian House” located in Vilnius, where he was provided with information on the activity of the education establishment. It was noted that, 47 teachers are educating 241 pupils of gymnasium, which is a one of the top secondary education institutions of the country.    Moreover, it was stressed that, the school is funded by the school administration based on per capita financing principle. The education institution is provided with the latest ICT facilities, and Internet access. Final examinations are organized by the school administration as well. Pupils of graduating classes are taken exams in 6 subjects.  The exam on the Lithuanian language is compulsory, but students have a right to choose from the remaining 5 subjects according to their specialty. Exams are taken in test and written forms. Test questions are consisted of 20% of exam and the exam duration may take from 3 to 6 hours depending on the specialty.  During the meeting with pedagogical staff it was decided to establish a link between the Gymnasium and one of the secondary schools of Azerbaijan within the projects for Twins School. Education Minister Misir Mardanov wished to the staff of the Gymnasium every success for the future and presented the school with memorial gift on behalf of the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan. All meetings held by the delegation were attended by Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Lithuania Hasan Mammadzade.

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Director of the Foundation Daiva Sutinyte gave to Minister Mardanov detailed information about the organization headed by her. According to her, the Foundation established in 2007 has implemented many projects in the field of education and last year 800 grant projects were signed based on 1800 requests received from the different countries of Europe. According to Daiva Sutinyte the budget of the Foundation, which has a staff team, consisting of 46 people, reached 21 million euros last year, including 14 million from European Union and 7 million from the state budget. The Director noted that, the budget of organization is forecast to reach approximately 19 billion euros for the period 2014-2020. Noting Azeri students currently studying at universities of Lithuania are granted 375 euros scholarship from the Foundation, D. Sutinyte talked about the importance of expanding bilateral relations of the two countries in the education field.  At the meeting, the sides also talked about projects implemented in cooperation with Azerbaijan and discussed prospects for development of cooperation. At the end, there were held an exchange of views on issues, such as development of educational ties between Azerbaijan and Lithuania, student teacher exchange programs, as well as other issues of common interest.

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