Within the framework of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, a professional orientation visit was held on February 18 at Spartak Nazaryan Secondary School in Lernanist, Kotayk region.

Organized in collaboration with the ANAU College named after A. Kochniyan, the visit introduced pupils to educational and career opportunities in horticulture. MAVETA project’s VET consultant Lilit Beglaryan, ANAU horticulture lecturer Eteri Stepanyan, and ANAU Kochinyan College career guidance officer Lilit Saroyan presented the project, emphasizing dual education, school-employer collaboration, and the increasing demand for specialists in almond, pistachio, and nut cultivation.

Around 30 pupils attended, showing interest in admission procedures and training duration.

The Horticulture specialty is available through dual training at A. Kochinyan College of the ANAU and Echmiadzin State Vocational College.

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

Within the framework of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, a two-day event titled “MAVETAtalks: Women in VET and Agriculture» took place in Dilijan on February 25-26. The event brought together students and lecturers from Stepanavan Agricultural and Berd Multifunctional State Colleges, and pupils, alongside private sector representatives.

The event aimed to increase interest among school students from Lori and Tavush marzes in agricultural professions, showcasing the sector’s advantages and the growing demand for skilled specialists.

Lilit Beglaryan, VET Consultant for the MAVETA project, introduced the dual education and professions launched within the project and highlighted key achievements.

In her opening speech, Monique Freyer, Senior VET Advisor at HEKS/EPER, addressed the sector’s challenges, shared best practices from Switzerland, and discussed efforts to adapt and implement them in Armenia.

During the MAVETAtalks presentations, VET and private sector representatives shared their experiences, successes, and motivational insights.

The second part of the event featured a panel discussion titled ”Gender Equality in VET: Overcoming Barriers and Creating Opportunities in Agriculture.” Mariam Melikyan, Gender Equality Specialist at the Strategic Development Agency NGO, presented data on gender equality and social inclusion in Armenia, comparing it with international trends.

Participants then explored gender stereotypes in agricultural professions and discussed the importance of adopting gender-sensitive approaches in the sector.

To conclude, schoolchildren engaged in a role-playing activity, expressing their thoughts and ideas about careers in agriculture, making the event both educational and interactive․

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).