On February 1-2, within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project” (MAVETA) project, “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO conducted a training on applying gender-sensitive approaches and ensuring equal opportunities for vulnerable groups in the labor market for the partners in private sector.

Anna Poghosyan, gender and public communication specialist at the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, presented the local and international experience of eliminating gender-based discrimination in the workplace and applying sensitive approaches, the importance of creating equal opportunities for women and men, and the necessary steps aiming at empowerment of women.

The representatives of the private sector got acquainted with the possibilities of inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labor market, legislation and regulations in Armenia, the experience of reasonable adaptations and global trends, which were presented by Suzanna Petrosyan, an expert in inclusive education.

The participants of the two-day training also had the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge about the abilities and characteristics of vulnerable groups through interactive games and to share their experience and approaches to solving problems in the workplace.

On January 19, as part of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, the career orientation visits were organized to Yervand Otyan Primary School No. 7 and Zoravar Andranik School No. 12 in Zvartnots District of Ejmiatsin, Armavir Marz. The shool visits were held jointly with the MAVETA project partner։ Ejmiatsin State Vocational School.

During the meeting, Lilit Beglaryan, VET consultant for the MAVETA project, introduced the project and highlighted the professions incorporated within the dual education.

Gagik Vardanyan, a teacher of the Ejmiatsin State Vocational School, presented the possibilities of the college, the profession of “Fruit and Nut orchard worker” to be introduced in the dual system from the 2024-2025 academic year, and the prospects for the development of horticulture in Armenia, especially in the Armavir region.

Hayk Stepanyan, representative of the Ejmiatsin State Vocational School’s partnering institution “Vanand Agro” CJSC, presented the demand for the profession, the profile of the horticulturist’s occupation and the opportunities to work in their company.

More than 90 students were present at the two meetings, and they raised their questions about the admission procedure and the duration of education for the presented profession.