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Meeting-discussion with the representatives of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports

On October 20, a meeting-discussion was held with the participation of representatives of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the directors and teachers of partner colleges of the  “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA)  project.

During the meeting,  participants discussed challenges, concerns and other issues facing colleges when introducing dual education.

Mrs. Armine Poghosyan, head of the preliminary (craftsman) and vocational education department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of RA, presented the pilot projects implemented with dual approach and the vision of the Ministry, the expected development initiatives and follow up actions. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of active discussion.

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).

Experience exchange visit to Yerevan State College of Humanities for the teachers of MAVETA project partnering colleges

On October 19, within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, an exchange visit was organized to the Yerevan State College of Humanities for the MAVETA project partner colleges directors and teachers.

The purpose of the visit was to present the college methodology of providing the dual education.

Having enough experience in implementing dual educational programs the relevant staff Yerevan State College of Humanities, during the meeting presented the templates and guidelines worked out by the college and the mechanisms of expanding the scope of cooperation with private sector. The respective teachers of the college shared their success stories and ways to overcome the challenges faced. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of effective discussion.

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Working visit to Moldova in the framework of “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project

On 9-12 October 2023, the team of “Strategic Development Agency” visited Chisinau, Moldova under the “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” project of RECONOMY. The project focuses on enhancing the digital transformation of the Tourism, Agriculture, and Manufacturing sectors in the Eastern Partnership countries.

The visit was aimed at meeting potential partners of the project in Moldova, revealing possible synergies, discussing roles within the project interventions, and giving start to drafting a framework of future collaboration. The meetings were held with sectorial associations in agriculture, tourism and IT sectors, as well as with other relevant stakeholders.

RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Strategic Development Agency NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan regions.

Technical support to Stepanavan State Agricultural College and Berd State Multifunctional College

Within the framework of the project “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA), we continue to promote the development of agricultural sector.

On the eve of the new academic year, “Strategic Development Agency” (SDA) NGO, within the framework of the MAVETA project, equipped Stepanavan State Agricultural College and Berd State Multifunctional College with new computers.

Due to the provided technical support, the teachers will be able to organize the teaching process by using more creative and interactive techniques, and by using these computers the college students will have an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills to become more competitive specialists in the labor market.

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).

 

Opening ceremony of the “Arevi Gosh” hotel, founded with the support of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” project

On September 18, the opening ceremony of the “Arevi Gosh” hotel, founded with the support of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” project took place.

The project started in April 2022 and will last till 2029. The project is being implemented by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Caucasus and Armenian offices (lead implementer) in collaboration with Strategic Development Agency NGO (SDA). The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The opening ceremony of the hotel was attended by representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Armenian office, Tavush Regional Administration, local self-government bodies, the Armenian Tourism Federation and tour agencies.

The welcoming speeches were delivered by Mr. Werner Tհut, Deputy Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation in the South Caucasus, Alla Ghazaryan, representative of the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, coordinator of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” project, Gevorg Amirkhanyan, administrative head of the Gosh settlement, Gurgen Harutyunyan, head of the department of development and implementation of development programs at Tavush regional administration.

Gevorg Gasparyan, the founder of “Arevi Gosh” hotel welcomed all the guests and expressed gratitude for the provided support.

Mr. Werner Tհut, Deputy Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation in the South Caucasus, said in his welcoming speech that the opening of this hotel will contribute to the development of the community and will create employment opportunities for the community. “I believe this initiative will become an example for other residents of the community,” – Mr. Tհut said.

Gurgen Harutyunyan, head of the department of development and implementation of development programs at Tavush regional administration, and Gevorg Amirkhanyan, the administrative head of Gosh settlement, expressed their gratitude for such an initiative and for the support provided within the framework of the project for the construction of “Arevi Gosh” hotel. They expressed confidence that very soon the opening of this hotel will have a positive impact on the development of the entire community and even the region.