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Workshop on Agricultural Value Chains existing in Ararat and Armavir Regions

A workshop on “Agricultural Value Chains in Ararat and Armavir Regions” was organized on December 12, 2024 within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes” (IADAAM) project.

The workshop aimed to present and discuss with stakeholders the analysis of the existing value chains in Ararat and Armavir regions conducted within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes” (IADAAM) project, and to identify current potential for value addition and innovation at the demand and the offer levels through the focus group discussion.

“Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes” (IADAAM) project, financed through the European Union (EU) with implementation by the French Development Agency (AFD) is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Within IADAAM a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by Agriconsulting Europe S.A, Avenue Consulting Group, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas, provide technical support to the MoE in the implementing project activities, ensure communication and reporting for the IADAAM project.

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Workshop for DUAL – Responsible Teachers of Colleges

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, a two-day workshop on “Structure processes and implement procedures in dual vocational education and training” was held in Yerevan on December 5-6.

The workshop was attended by DUAL-responsible teachers from MAVETA partner colleges. It was conducted by HAFL expert Johannes Brunner.

The two-day workshop aimed to transfer fundamental skills to the instructors coordinating the students’ practical work in the company, including selecting appropriate companies, organizing legal and contractual relationships, performing assignments in the workplace, and providing targeted support for the learning process.

The course provided the opportunity for college DUAL- responsible teachers to develop their skills in conflict resolution and guiding students through the DUAL education process, as well as in effectively assessing the skills and employability acquired by students.

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).

Certificate Awarding Ceremony within the RECONOMY

On December 4, the Armenian Tourism Federation held a certificate awarding ceremony for participants of the short-term training course on the Amadeus Reservation System. The event took place at Sedrak Mamulyan’s culinary studio.

The course was supported by the RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project, which provided both methodological and technical assistance.

The first graduates of the program were congratulated and encouraged by Mher Sahakyan, project manager of the “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness”, and Mekhak Apresyan, president of the Armenian Tourism Federation.

Following the ceremony, participants engaged in a discussion on the significance of national cuisine in the tourism sector with Sedrak Mamulyan, president of the “Development and Preservation of Armenian Culinary Traditions” NGO. The event concluded with an opportunity to savor traditional Armenian dishes.

It is worth noting that specialists trained in the Amadeus Reservation System will be well-positioned for employment in tourism-related organizations requiring expertise in reservation systems.

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by Helvetas in partnership with the Strategic Development Agency NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries.

Study Visit to “Vanand Agro” CJSC for Schoolchildren

As part of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, the Strategic Development Agency organized a study visit to the almond orchards of “Vanand Agro” CJSC on November 28. The visit was arranged for students from Rafael Patkanyan Primary School No. 9 in Vagharshapat, Armavir region.
In her speech, Lilit Beglaryan, VET consultant for the ՄԱՎԵՏԱ ծրագիր / MAVETA project, emphasized that the visit aimed to introduce students to the profession of gardening in fruit and nut orchards. This profession is one of the key specialties promoted by the MAVETA project through its dual education approach.
Hayk Stepanyan, farm manager of “Vanand Agro” CJSC, provided an overview of the gardener’s role, demonstrated the equipment and agricultural machinery used in the field, and answered students’ questions.
During the visit, the students toured the almond orchards, explored seedlings of various ages, and learned about the fundamentals of horticulture. They were especially captivated by the demonstration of modern equipment used for crushing and sorting almonds, which added a practical dimension to their learning experience.
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).

Training on “Integrating Gender and Socially Sensitive Approaches in Agricultural Professions” for MAVETA Project Partners

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project a training on “Integrating Gender and Socially Sensitive Approaches in Agricultural Professions” was held on November 25 at the Ranch Training Center in Syunik region, led by Mariam Melikyan, gender equality expert at the Strategic Development Agency.
The training was attended by lecturers from MAVETA partner colleges and representatives from the private sector.
The expert presented the assessment of the current gender situation in Armenia, international experience and trends. During interactive discussions and group work, the participants addressed the key issues of gender and social integration of students studying in VET institutions, in particular, in agricultural professions.
The training also addressed the issues of social inclusion in VET institutions in Armenia, as well as in agricultural professions, during which the expert shared a number of practical tips for effective work with individuals facing social challenges.
The discussion held during the training provided an opportunity to underline the need for women’s involvement in agriculture, social inclusion, and increasing their role in public perceptions.
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)