20 Jan
Uncategorized

Visit to Schools in the Syunik Province for Professional Orientation

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, on January 15, a professional orientation visit was organized to Sisian Primary Schools No. 4 and No. 5.

This visit was a collaborative effort with the MAVETA project partner, the ANAU Sisian Branch. During the meeting, Lilit Hovhannisyan, Project Manager, and Lilit Beglaryan, VET Consultant, presented the MAVETA project, highlighting the professions available through dual education, college-employer cooperation, and the potential for becoming a well-paid specialist.

Gohar Ghukasyan, the career guidance officer at the Sisian branch of ANAU, also discussed the various opportunities the college offers, along with the advantages of different professions.

Over 80 pupils attended the meeting, actively engaging by asking questions about the admission process and the duration of courses for the professions presented.

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).

17 Jan
Uncategorized

Meeting Between MAVETA Partner College and Employers

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, Goris State Agricultural College, a project partner, organized a meeting on January 15, featuring instructors, private sector partners, and apprentices.

Lilit Hovhannisyan, the MAVETA project manager, and Lilit Beglaryan, a VET consultant, were present at the meeting to discuss the requirements for implementing dual education.

Anna Torozyan, the acting director of the college, shared insights on the achievements, challenges, and prospects of the collaboration between the college and employers.

Following her presentation, private sector partners provided their observations regarding the apprentices’ practical work and addressed other organizational issues.

Apprentices engaged in dual education also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the importance of effectively managing the relationships among the college, and employers, as well as addressing current issues, rights, and responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the college and several new employers.

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).

16 Jan
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Assistance to the MAVETA Project Partner Sisian Branch of ANAU

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).

14 Jan
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Vahe Hovhannisyan discussed the SEIRA project with the Governor of Syunik

Within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project,, on January 13, the project manager Vahe Hovhannisyan met with the Governor of the Syunik region, Robert Ghukasyan. The meeting was attended by Lusine Sarukhanyan, the coordinator of the UN World Food Programme in Kapan, and employees of the regional administration.

During the meeting, Vahe Hovhannisyan presented the objective, main direction, as well as other details of the implemented project, which aims to improve and expand the capacities of the refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and local vulnerable population to ensure the transition from a purely humanitarian approach to long-term development.

The governor thanked the Strategic Development Agency for its many years of work in the region and confirmed his willingness to continue the cooperation. This was followed by a discussion between the parties on reaching an agreement and taking further steps.

The SEIRA project, targeting the Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik regions, aims to improve the livelihoods and resilience of refugees and local vulnerable populations in Armenia.

 The “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO and the UN World Food Program.

10 Jan
NEWSENG

Technical Assistance to MAVETA Partner ANAU Yerevan College

In the frameworks of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO provided technical assistance to the Agricultural College after Anton Kochinyan of the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU), on January 9.

In his speech, the director of the college, Vardan Vardanyan, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the MAVETA project for the institutional development of the college.

MAVETA project manager Lilit Hovhannisyan emphasized that enhancing the capacities of the college’s teachers and apprentices engaged in dual education will remain a priority on the project’s agenda.

Within the MAVETA project, dual education for Veterinary and Orchardist professions have been applied at the Yerevan College of ANAU.

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).

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