The opening ceremony of the 10th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Education Exhibition was held at the Baku Expo Center on October 7. The exhibition is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Participants in the opening ceremony included deputy Minister of Education Jeyhun Bayramov, heads of higher and vocational education institutions and representatives of agencies providing educational services. Deputy Minister of Education Jeyhun Bayramov welcomed participants of the exhibition. He said reforms and purposeful measures are being conducted in Azerbaijan to develop education sector. Jeyhun Bayramov said the development of human capital is the key task of the country`s statehood philosophy. “The main burden of fulfilling this task falls on education.” Jeyhun Bayramov said the exhibition will contribute to cooperation among educational institutions, and open up additional opportunities for both educational institutions and students. Participants of the ceremony then viewed stands of the exhibition. The Ministry of Education, which annually takes an active part at the exhibition, presents its “Maarifçi” Student Loan Fund”, “SABAH”, “Bir Volunteering”, “Teach for Azerbaijan” projects. “French-Azerbaijan University” project is also promoted at the exhibition. This year, representatives of universities, colleges and other educational institutions from Azerbaijan, Germany, Latvia, Hungary, Jordan introduce their educational programs to visitors. Poland (“Go Poland”), Lithuania (“Study in Lithuania”) and Turkey (“Study in Turkey”) presented their national stands. Among local exhibitors are higher education institutions as well as IT Step Academy. The 10th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Education Exhibition will close on October 9.

10/10/2016 09:22

A press conference on the 10th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Education Exhibition that will be organized at the Baku Expo Center in partnership with the Ministry of Education was held on October 6. Speakers at the event said Azerbaijan International Education Exhibition is the only event in the field of education in the country. A total of 800 companies have attended the exhibition so far. This year, representatives of universities, colleges and other educational institutions from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Belarus, Jordan will introduce their educational programs to visitors of the exhibition. Among the local exhibitors are Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry, Azerbaijan Technical University, Azerbaijan State Economic University, Baku Business University, Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, Ganja State University, and IT Step Academy. Local exhibitors make 30 per cent of the total number of participants. A total of 118 institutions from 14 countries will participate in this year`s exhibition. The Ministry of Education, which annually takes an active part at the exhibition, will present its “Maarifçi” Student Loan Fund”, “SABAH”, “Bir Volunteering”, “Teach for Azerbaijan”, “French-Azerbaijan University” projects. The 10th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Education Exhibition will run from October 7-9. It is organized by “Caspian Event Organisers” (CEO).

07/10/2016 13:58

            “Torino Process 2016-2017” political dialogue on reforms in vocational education was held on October 5. Participants in the event included director for cooperation at UN Azerbaijan office Y. Williams, European Training Foundation representative for Azerbaijan Margareta Nikolovska, director of the State Vocational Education Agency Famil Mustafayev, and representatives of the ministries of Economy, Labor and Social Protection of the Population, State Statistics Committee, Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs` Organization, employers and experts. Director of the State Vocational Education Agency Famil Mustafayev said the event aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of vocational education and training, define shortcomings through analyzing achievements secured thanks to recent years` reforms compared with other countries, and encourage the formation of a common development strategy. Director for cooperation at UN Azerbaijan office Williams emphasized the importance of analyzing vocational education in the country. He also highlighted the role of EU programs in supporting educational reforms in Azerbaijan. National Coordinator for “Torino Process”, head of Vocational Education Division at the Ministry of Education Nigar Ismayilzade presented an assessment report on reforms carried out in Azerbaijan`s vocational education sector in the last two years. Participants defined priorities for increasing the effectiveness of vocational education and training.

07/10/2016 12:06

On October 4, a ceremony was held at Baku Vocational Lyceum No. 5 to start the execution of a new pilot project in hospitality area in the vocational education sector. The project is implemented by the State Vocational Education Agency under the Ministry of Education and British Council Azerbaijan in partnership with 5-star hotels in Baku. Participants in the event included director of the State Vocational Education Agency Famil Mustafayev, British Council Azerbaijan Country Director Elizabeth White, Managing Director of Absheron Hotel Group Marc Ehler and representatives of partner companies. The aim of the project is to provide capacity-building opportunity for teachers, develop relevant curriculum in compliance with the national standards for three specialties (Chef, Hotel Concierge and Housekeeping Controller), and organize apprenticeship program for the selected students. Under the program, 12 selected teachers and 45 students underwent a series of capacity building and practical trainings on culinary, tourism and customer service. The pilot program materials development and teacher training was done by UK organization People 1st, and UK expertise was used in designing the on-the-job apprenticeship scheme. People 1st was involved into three new specialties (Chef, Hotel Concierge and Housekeeping Controller) curriculum development in hospitality. Students of vocational schools who attended training sessions on hospitality qualified to study culinary, tourism and customer service under a new curriculum. They will study in groups for a one-year term.  The program is set to expand to further schools and all 5-star hotels in Baku and beyond. The teachers selected under the last year`s program have been involved in studying the needs of labor market, conducting specialty related classes and making curricula.

05/10/2016 17:14

On October 3, Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov received Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan Alper Coskun, who is completing his diplomatic mission in the country.  They hailed the development of friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey, particularly in the field of education. The minister praised the Turkish ambassador`s role in expanding the bilateral education cooperation. Ambassador Alper Coskun said he is leaving Azerbaijan with pleasant impressions. He thanked minister Mikayil Jabbarov for assistance during his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan. The minister wished the outgoing Turkish ambassador success in his future diplomatic activity.

05/10/2016 11:40

  “Maarifçi” Student Loan Fund has announced a new session for students who want to take loans. The loan aims to help students pay their tuition fees for the 2016/2017 academic year. The students applying for a loan should meet a number of criteria. They should be citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan, study at one of the founding universities and also need financial assistance to continue their education. Detailed information on loan types and terms, application requirements is available on www.maarifci.az website. Students can submit an online loan application, which was introduced with the aim of ensuring transparency and efficiency in the application process. The website also provides information on how and who can apply, as well as the list of the required documents. The fund aims to create equal higher education opportunities for students from low-income families, who experience problems with paying their tuition fees, through granting long-term low-interest loans to them. The first session saw the fund consider 55 online requests based on its criteria, with loan agreements signed with 22 students. Applications close on October 31.

05/10/2016 11:32

In accordance with October 2016 timetable of reception hours of government executives, Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov will receive residents of Aghdam, Fuzuli, Beylaqan and Tartar districts at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Quzanli, Aghdam at 11.00 on October 10. IDPs with temporary residence Aghdam, Fuzuli, Beylaqan and Tartar districts can also attend the reception. The citizens who want to attend may contact the Call Center of the Ministry of Education (hotline – 146) or register at http://edu.gov.az/az/contacts/request on October 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Those registered are requested to present, upon their arrival, a written description of the issues they plan to raise during the reception.

04/10/2016 14:12

  Statistics on the calls received by the Call Center (“Hot line” service, phone: 146) of the Ministry of Education and services provided by Citizens Reception Center in September, 2016, have been announced. According to statistics, a total of 19,854 requests were received from citizens last month. Figures show that 13,429 calls were registered by the Call Center in September (8.7 times more than in September of 2013, 1.7 times more than in 2014, and 1.2 times more than in 2015). Citizens Reception Center served 6,425 citizens last month. The vast majority of requests (mostly for information) to the Call Center and Citizens Reception Center were immediately dealt with. Citizens Reception Center received and registered 1,876 documents (1079 applications, 674 letters, and 123 other documents). According to statistics, the requests were about recruitment and transfer of teachers, recognition (nostrification) of university degree documents (diplomas), enrollment in vocational schools, transfer and reinstatement in local higher education institutions, and exemption from tuition fees. The majority of requests to the Call Center last month were made on Thursdays (3,624 calls) and Fridays (3,414 calls) mostly between 10.00 and 13.00, and 14.00 and 16.00. The majority of requests to Citizens Reception Center were registered on Thursdays (1,592 requests) and Fridays (1,568 requests) mostly between 10.00 and 13.00, and 14.00 and 16.00.

04/10/2016 14:11

Pre-school classes were launched for 5-year-old children at general schools on October 3. Under the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 11 2016, pre-school groups set up at general secondary schools across the country enroll children who turn five in the academic year. Funded by the government, pre-school education groups function in all cities and districts of the country. Classes in pre-school education groups are conducted by experienced and qualified secondary school teachers. According to 2016-2017 academic year plan of pre-school groups, classes will be conducted four times a week (12 hours). This includes three 30-minute classes a day, with a 10-minute break between classes. Pre-school education program features classes on natural world, preparation for literacy training and development of speaking skills, development of literary thinking, development of logical and mathematical thinking, expressive activity, musical and physical culture. The academic year in pre-school groups is comprised of two parts, ending on May 31.

04/10/2016 14:03

“A pupil`s friend” pilot project featured the test for applicants on October 2. An hour-and-a-half exam saw applicants respond to 50 questions, including on history, geography and culture of Azerbaijan, and logical thinking abilities. Selected applicants will qualify for the interview, where preference will be given to those involved in public and volunteering activity, and those having foreign language skills. Those who successfully pass the interview stage will be involved in trainings. Winners will be defined based on overall results, and the successful applicants will be appointed “A pupil`s friend”. “A pupil`s friend” shall build a safe environment for teachers and pupils, provide first medical and psychological aid for them, educate and carry out diagnostic work for pupils, parents, teachers, staff and management of education and training institutions. “A pupil`s friend” shall also contribute to improving children`s personal qualities and ensuring their intellectual development, and encouraging their self-education and self-development skills. “A pupil`s friend” is a joint project of the Ministry of Education and the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The project will initially be implemented in 30 general schools, with the scale of the project to be expanded in the future.

04/10/2016 14:01