Education Minister Misir Mardanov expressed his pleasure at welcoming the guest at the Ministry. Noting the importance of educational ties within developing relationships of the two countries, the Minister talked about a planned visit of delegation led by him to Switzerland in the near future. In his speech, he underlined a successful implementation of latest innovations at all levels of education in Switzerland and stressed the usefulness of getting acquainted with that experience. Noting a total of 40 Azeri students were sent to universities of Switzerland within the State Program for study of Azeri youth abroad for the years 2007-2015 approved by the Order of President Ilham Aliyev, the Minister outlined the possibility of increasing their number.    Ambassador of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Azerbaijan Sabine Ulmann Shaban thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. Noting her country is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in all directions, including the education field, the guest underlined the importance of visit of delegation headed by the Minister to her country. According to the Ambassador, Switzerland is implementing new scholarship program for overseas students and Azeri students can also benefit from this scholarship opportunity. She stressed that her country is ready to expand the cooperation with Azerbaijan at all levels of the education and expressed her wish to hold meetings at universities of Azerbaijan to give students more information about the program. Noting the International Baccalaureate Program in Azerbaijan is implemented by experts from Switzerland, the Minister expressed his belief that the project will be successfully carried out. He stressed the importance of building direct relationships between the two countries and the possibility of implementing joint projects in the scientific research areas.  At the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on other issues of common interest.

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The meeting was attended by Head of Operations Section of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Federico Berna, Coordinator for Institutional Development Programme Serena Vitale, EU Coordinator for Azerbaijan Federico Birocci and Programme Manager of EC Delegation to Azerbaijan Rza Zulfugarzade. Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his pleasure at seeing them in Azerbaijan. He gave information on the first meeting of Sub-Committee established within European Union and Azerbaijan Cooperation Committee in 2009 to expand relations between Azerbaijan and the EU. Having underlined the existence of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU within the Tempus, Erasmus-Mundus, Jean Monnet. TAIEX, Twinning and Sigma programs, the Minister stressed implementation of planned works in this direction are being successfully continued. He talked about measures taken in the fields of inclusive education, vocational education and training, high education, doctoral studies, and put forward some proposals for the prospective development of cooperation.  Federico Berna, Head of Operations Section of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, stressed the importance of education projects implemented within the EU – Azerbaijan cooperation. He underlined the need to determine the future goals to further develop relationship and shared his views regarding that issue. The EU Coordinator for Azerbaijan Juergen Kettner thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. He highly praised the projects implemented by the EU in the education field and expressed his belief that the effectiveness of relations will improve over the next few years. He also stressed importance of proposals for enhanced cooperation at different levels of education. The sides have also exchanged views on other issues, such as implementation of joint scientific research projects, cooperation in the secondary school field, teacher training and, etc.

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The contest is held for the third consecutive year in order to ensure the participation of mugam singers in the International Mugam Festival and identify talented mugam performers. It should be noted that, the contest held according to the relevant order of the Ministry of Education is intended to demonstrate contestants’ instrumental and vocal music skills.

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The competition is held to review the research projects carried out by students of 9-11 grades of secondary schools, select Azeri students who have achieved the serious research results and ensure their participation in the Intel ISEF – International Science and Engineering Fair held annually in the USA.  The competition is jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sport and “Madad” organization. Moreover, a number of universities will be provided scientific support to the competitors so they will be able to use the latest laboratory equipments of these higher institutions.

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At first, the Minister has congratulated Ambassador Richard Morningstar on new appointment and wished him every success in his work. He expressed his pleasure at welcoming the ambassador at the Ministry of Education and noted successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and the US in all directions, including in the education field.     Mr. Mardanov talked about the implementation of educational and exchange programs between the two countries and positive results achieved in this direction. Noting 82 US universities were included in the list of higher education institutions selected within the State Program for study of Azeri youth abroad for the years of 2007-2015, the Minister stressed the possibility of developing cooperation in secondary education level as well. Ambassador Richard Morningstar thanked the Minister for the warm welcome and expressed his willingness to assist in the development of relations between the two countries. Noting the importance of educational ties between Azerbaijan and the U.S. Mr. Morningstar also touched on issues concerning the continuation of cooperation within the relevant exchange programs, particularly within the Fulbright program, study of Azeri students at US universities within this program, etc. The ambassador expressed his belief that the addition of other famous US universities to the list of higher education institutions selected within the State Program will give positive results. He also supported the suggestion of the Minister regarding the improvement of ties at other levels of education. The Minister noted the possibility of cooperation with the US in the scientific and research areas. According to him, the community should be informed about the works done for the development of educational ties between the two countries.     At the end, the sides underlined the importance of such meetings to develop bilateral relations, as well as exchanged views on other issues of common interest.

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Having welcomed the guest at the Ministry, Education Minister Misir Mardanov talked about the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, as well as with Astrakhan region in different fields, including in the education area. He underlined the need of expanding relations between secondary schools of Azerbaijan and Astrakhan stressing the existence of good potential for the future cooperation. Minister of Education and Science of the Astrakhan region of Russia Vitaly Gutman underlined the interest of the Region to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan in the education field and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations to improve educational ties.  Mr. Gutman also stressed that relevant steps will be taken to organize the study of Azeri language at secondary schools of Astrakhan. The guest also underlined the possibility of developing relationship at other levels of education. Minister Mardanov expressed his willingness to assist with the implementation of proposals put forward by Mr. Gutman. Noting the appropriateness of establishing a working group to develop educational ties between Azerbaijan and Astrakhan region, the Minister stressed the need to set of clearly defined steps that will be taken to strengthen bilateral relations.    Next, the sides exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov welcomed conference attendees and gave a presentation on the implementation of “State Program for the placement of children living in state-owned child institutions in families (deinstitutionalization) and alternative care in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2006-2015).” Noting the importance of conference – presentation on the implementation of State Program given annually at the end of each year, the Minister underlined the education field as one of the important directions of sustainable development strategy in Azerbaijan. According to him, a favorable economic, social and cultural environment should be created for children to develop their potential. The Minister also talked about the events implemented to improve the level of education and children welfare, and underlined the importance of “State Program for the placement of children living in state-owned child institutions in families (deinstitutionalization) and alternative care in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2006-2015)” in terms of children protection. Noting the Ministry of Education cooperates closely with Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, Ministry of Health, State Committee for Family, Woman and Children Affairs and local executive authorities in the implementation of the State Program, the Minister also stressed the support of the different international and local non-governmental organizations for the program. Mr. Mardanov underlined a special care provided by the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, goodwill ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva for the successful implementation of the Program.  The Minister gave information on the implementation of pilot projects for “Placement of children living in state-owned child institutions in families and alternative care” and “Development of Foster Care Cooperative and family-based services with local authorities” within the State program. According to him, a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the project for “Placement of children living in state-owned institutions in families and alternative care” signed between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, State Committee for Family, Woman and Children Affairs and UNICEF was approved by the Presidential order. The existing legislation relevant to the protection of children was analyzed comprehensively and “Exemplary Statute on small group homes” and “Exemplary Statute on foster care family” were developed and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Azerbaijan for approval.   Moreover, Mr. Mardanov shared his views regarding measures implemented within the State Program in 2012 and forthcoming duties. He highly praised the steps taken to transform a number of state-owned institutions. According to him, 589 children have been prevented from entering state-run child institutions during a past period of the current year. The Minister said that the financial support to foster families is one of the main problems that should be solved within the process of deinstitutionalization. Misir Mardanov talked about systematic preventive measures taken among children and families at risk in order to prevent the increase in the number of children living in state-run institutions noting that the Ministry has a close cooperation with the relevant state authorities in this direction. According to him, in 2012 the number of children living in 42 state-run child institutions has reached 8336 and of the 3671 children are staying overnight. The Minister underlined the reduction in the number of children living in the state-owned institutions in recent years. According to him, in 2006 their number was 21,000, in 2007 - 18,400, in 2008 - 14,389, in 2009 - 10,055, in 2010 - 9827, and in 2011 - 9776 children. The Minister expressed his views regarding the future of children living in state-owned child institutions and talked about projects jointly implemented with UNICEF to provide quality education (inclusive education) for disabled children. Noting that reforms implemented in the country on the fields of deinstitutionalization and child protection are highly praised by authoritative international organizations, Misir Mardanov expressed his gratitude to UNICEF and other relevant organizations for their support. Speaking at the conference UNICEF's representative in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward, MP’s Ganira Pashayeva, Hadi Rajabli, Jeyhun Osmanli, the deputy head of Baku Executive Power Fiduma Huseynov, representatives of the ministries of Labor and Social Protection of Population, Health, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, Grand National Assembly of Turkey and others shared their views on the organization of deinstitutionalization process, social services for children, and highly praised the measures implemented in the country in this direction. A documentary film about children living in state-run institutions was demonstrated at the conference. At the end of the conference, Education Minister Misir Mardanov thanked everyone who contributed to the implementation of the State program.

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Participants of the meeting heard the annual report of PTA and exchanged views on works implemented in the relevant field. Education Minister Misir Mardanov talked about the activity of PTA and works implemented by the Association regarding the development of parent-school relationships. He highly praised the events organized by the PTA, which plays an important role in creating effective communication environment between parents and teachers. According to him, important duties, such as building a civil society, improve the quality of education, raise the prestige of schools and the teaching profession laid upon Parent Teacher Associations. Executive director of Azerbaijan National Parent Teacher Association Tarana Sharifova thanked the Minister for the meeting and provided support. Noting the number of PTA members has increased over recent years T. Sharifova talked about realized projects and organized activities. Furthermore, she underlined the importance of developing mechanisms to improve PTA’s activity and spoke about measures taken in this direction at schools. She also talked about problems and difficulties facing by the PTA, and put forward her ideas on what is needed to be done. The meeting was attended by members of Azerbaijan National Parent Teacher Association, including director of school no. 46 of Baku Sevinj Budagova, director of educational complex 132-134 Sara Khanlarova, director of XXI century International Education and Innovation Centre Vafa Mammadova, heads of departments of the Ministry Farzali Gadirov, Aydin Ahmadov, Shahrza Aliyev, and etc. Speaking at the meeting they put forward proposals regarding the establishment of effective relationships between teachers and parents, raising the prestige of schools and the teaching profession. Moreover, they talked about the appropriateness of creating a newspaper of the Association, strengthening of cooperation between parents, teachers and schools, etc. Moreover, there were underlined the importance of effective organization of PTA’s activity and determination of steps that should be taken in this direction. Education Minister Misir Mardanov highly praised the expansion of Association activity, and underlined the need to strengthen the promotion of done works. At the end of his speech the Minister gave his relevant recommendations and underlined the needed support will be provided to the works implemented by the Association. 

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Speaking at the opening of the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov congratulated the attendees on 31 December - World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year, and wished them every success for the future. The Minister talked about the care and attention provided by the national leader Heydar Aliyev for the development of sport stressing this tradition has successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. Noting the importance of decision made by General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee to hold the first 2015 European Olympic Games in Azerbaijan, the Minister connected that important event with a success achieved by the country in all areas, including in the sport field.  Noting the year 2012 will be remembered for many achievements of Azeri athletes, including success gained at XXX Summer Olympic Games, the Minister talked about the action plan approved by the Ministry of Education according to the relevant Order of the President on claiming 2012 - the Year of Sport. According to the Minister the competition was conducted in accordance with the action plan and relevant order of the Ministry. He added the goal of the competition was to evaluate the activity of coaches working at children-youth sport and chess schools, as well as identify and encourage talented athletes. According to the Minister about 39 championships, zonal and qualifying competitions were held among sport and chess schools during the 2012. Moreover 70 trainings were organized in order to prepare for 11 republican tournaments, as well as international and national competitions. In 2012, pupils of these schools have won 557 medals, including 219 gold, 172 silver and 166 bronze medals in competitions held in the country and a total of 97 medals, including 55 gold, 17 silver and 25 bronze medals in the World and European champianships and tournaments.   The Minister also gave information on works done within the State Program approved by the orders of the President to train 2108 high-level athletes, develop chess and football, and steps taking to organize chess teaching at schools. At the end, he congratulated the winners and wished them every success. Next, the name of winners of Republican competition among sport and chess schools, coaches and athletes organized in 12 nominations were announced and they were awarded diplomas and presents of the Ministry. The event was attended by vice-president of National Olympic Committee Chingiz Huseynzade, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Ismayil Ismayilov, MP Adil Aliyev and vice-president of Azerbaijan Chess Federation Faig Hasanov. In their speech, they talked about the care and attention paid by the President for the development of sport stressing achievements gained in this field over the past years, and congratulated the winners.

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Speaking at the opening of the meeting Education Minister Misir Mardanov congratulated the attendees on 31 December - World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year. The Minister talked about curriculum training courses that have been provided for teachers since 2008 stressing about 73 000 teachers have attended the relevant courses over the last 5 years and mastered the necessary skills and abilities. According to him, the relevant training courses for teachers of 7-11 grades will be conducted as well.   Education Minister also announced the beginning of training courses entitled “General Education curriculum reform and its management” for 4000 heads of education establishments to organize the effective use of new curriculum and successful implementation of curriculum reform. According to him, the training courses are held by Center for Training and Development Ltd and Madad Azerbaijan Ltd that have won the tender held within the Second Education Sector Development Project. Noting the importance of taking a serious approach to this work, the Minister underlined the results of monitoring of training courses held by Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the Ministry and Azerbaijan National Parent Teacher Association will be discussed after the completion of courses. According to the Minister, the training courses have received a positive assessment but there were revealed some problems which should be solved. He listed some of them and noted that the problems should be solved by the organizations that conducted training courses. The meeting was attended by director of school no. 67 of Baku Irada Bayramova, director of “Zangi” lyceum Bayram Heydarov, director of school no. 212 Gurban Hasanov, director of school no. 167 Vagif Guliyev, director of school no. 7 Gulnaz Mehdiyeva, representative of Madad Azerbaijan Ltd Bahruz Mehdiyev, representative of Curriculum Centre Konul Mahmudova, director of lyceum named after academician Zarifa Aliyeva Mahabbat Valiyeva, director of school no. 6 Gulshan Orujova, executive director of Azerbaijan National Parent Teacher Association Tarana Sharifova, Unit director of Baku city Education Department Bahman Nabiyev, head of Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the Ministry Tarana Hajiyeva, program director of Centre for Modern Education and Training Assistance Elmina Kazımzade, director of Baku European Lyceum Zulfiyya Veysova and others. In their speech, they have shared their views on the training courses and put forward some suggestions to find a solution to the relevant problems.

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