Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, the Strategic Development Agency NGO provided eight high-bred cows to the Sisian branch of the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) on January 14. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of partner educational institutions and promote innovation in agricultural education.

The official handover ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Sisian Mayor Hovsep Arakelyan, ANAU Acting Rector Hrachya Zakoyan, MAVETA project private sector partners, lecturers, and students.

Welcoming attendees at the agricultural center adjacent to the Sisian branch of ANUA, Branch Director Gagik Khachatryan highlighted the importance of dual education in vocational training, made possible through the MAVETA project. He emphasized that the addition of pedigree cows marks another milestone in advancing hands-on training for students and strengthenings innovative agricultural practices.

In her speech, MAVETA Project Manager Lilit Hovhannisyan highlighted the project’s commitment to modernizing agricultural professions, strengthening ties between colleges and employers, training specialists aligned with labor market demands, and introducing leading international practices to Armenian VET institutions.

ANAU Acting Rector Hrachya Zakoyan expressed gratitude for MAVETA’s continued support in enhancing the capacities of ANAU’s vocational education institutions in both Yerevan and Sisian. On behalf of the university, he presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Strategic Development Agency NGO, recognizing its valuable contribution.

During the event, students from the “Milk and Dairy Technology” department of the Sisian Branch of ANAU conducted on-site laboratory tests to analyze the physicochemical properties of milk produced at the livestock farm. Their results confirmed that the milk meets required standards.

Guests also had the opportunity to sample cheese produced in the branch’s laboratory, showcasing the practical outcomes of the project’s efforts to integrate education with real-world agricultural applications.

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).

In the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, the “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO, in collaboration with the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports organized a Stakeholder Dialogue Platform meeting on December 19–20 in Dilijan.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Araksia Svajyan, Head of the Department of Preliminary (Craftsman) and Vocational Education Armenuhi Poghosyan, Head of Economic Development Programs at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Artur Pokrikyan, SDA Chairman Mkrtich Ayvazyan, as well as implementers of vocational education and training (VET) programs and the project’s private partners.

In his opening remarks, SDA Chairman Mkrtich Ayvazyan highlighted the importance of regular stakeholder meetings to address challenges in the VET sector through dialogue, boost collaboration, and coordinate efforts for platform expansion.

Deputy Minister Araksia Svajyan presented the national strategy and ongoing reforms in the VET sector. She emphasized the significance of improving legislation, modernizing institutional structures, enhancing the appeal of vocational professions, implementing quality management in VET institutions, and encouraging youth participation in the sector. She also underscored the successful introduction of agricultural professions through dual education under the MAVETA project.

Artur Pokrikyan, Senior National Program Officer for Inclusive Economic Development at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, stressed the importance of leveraging international expertise in modernizing Armenia’s VET sector. He called for coordinated efforts among state institutions and local and international organizations to achieve these goals.

Armenuhi Poghosyan, Head of the Department of Preliminary and Vocational Education, provided an overview of the VET sector’s current state, including updates on new laws and regulations, the challenges encountered during reforms, and state strategies aimed at aligning VET education with labor market demands.

MAVETA Project Manager Lilit Hovhannisyan shared insights into the dual education model, successful collaborations between educational institutions and employers, and the project’s achievements to date.

The second half of the day was dedicated to the discussion of the further coordination, management and possible expansion of the Stakeholder Dialogue Platform.

During the second day, the representatives of the associations and unions presented the role and importance of the private sector in dual VET.

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).