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A study visit to the Swiss Confederation for the directors of partner VET institutions and representatives of the private sector

From  November 27th to December 4th, 2022 within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA)” project the one-week study visit was organized by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the Bern University of Applied Sciences/School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences for the directors of partner VET institutions and representatives of the private sector to the Swiss Confederation.

The purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with the VET dual education system of Switzerland and the process of curriculum development. The participants had the opportunity to visit various educational institutions and host companies, learn about the role of host companies and the importance of apprenticeships implemented in the dual VET educational system, as well as the opportunities and limitations of training on home-based farms.  The participants expressed their satisfaction with the multidisciplinary visits and the information gained. They discussed and drew parallels between Armenia’s VET education system and Switzerland’s dual VET. As a result of the visit, within the framework of the MAVETA project, the educational programs of Veterinary, Milk and Dairy Technology, Farming, Agricultural Machinery, Dairy Farm Management, Orchard Horticulture/Nut and Fruit Cultivation will be reviewed and introduced, aligning with the principles of the dual education approach and the demand presented by 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).

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Two-day training on “Hiking and Adventure Tourism”

On November 3-4, in Ijevan, Tavush region, a two-day training on “Hiking and Adventure Tourism” took place within the framework of Reconomy’s “Skills, Knowledge and Intermediation Development” pilot project, implemented by the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO. The training was conducted by the Project partner “Armenian Hikers Association”.

The training aimed to equip the participants with practical knowledge contributing to the self-sufficiency of tourism industry employees and (self)employability improvement in the village with high tourism potential.

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 SDA NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.

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Training course for veterinarians

To improve the professional knowledge and skills of veterinarians and artificial insemination technicians, on November 2-4, training on the topic “Cattle breeding and ways to improve the breed characteristics of cattle” was organized within the framework of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” Project implemented by the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO. The training was attended by 32 veterinarians and artificial insemination technicians from the target regions of Shirak, Gegharkunik, and Syunik.

The training was held in active discussions, question and answer sessions, and group work, during which the participants received comprehensive knowledge about cattle breeding. The invited trainer presented the features of cattle breeding in the country and the livestock judging techniques, breeding methods, and the importance of artificial insemination for improving the breed characteristics.

After the training, the participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the occupation of “Farmer 6” LLC, which sells veterinary drugs and tools, agricultural products, and provides private veterinary and animal artificial insemination services.

During the meeting, the participants had an opportunity to make business contacts with a supplier who can deliver the necessary items to remote settlements and ensure the stable continuous work of specialists.

Meeting with tour operators

On October 31, within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” project a meeting and discussion was held with the leading tour operators, members of the Armenian tourism federation.

During the meeting, the tour operators were introduced to “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” project, planned activities, interventions and opportunities for cooperation.

The operators participating in the meeting expressed their interest in cooperation, voiced the problems existing in the field, particularly the quality of the services provided in the rural settlements and the difficulties related to the organization of the overnight stays.

Cheese Day in Tashir

On October 28 2022, a “Cheese Day in Tashir” was organized in the city of Tashir, which is known to be the cradle of cheesemaking in Armenia. The event was organized by Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO together with the Project partner, the Cheesemakers’ Union of Armenia, within the framework of RECONOMY’s “Skills, Knowledge and Intermediation Development” pilot project.

The event was attended by 6 cheese producing companies from Lori region of RA. They not only presented a unique variety of cheeses and sold their products, but also competed in three nominations: best innovation, best traditional cheese and best Lori cheese.

All the festival guests had an opportunity to taste the range of presented cheeses and evaluate their quality and taste.

A master-class with a demonstration of the preparation of high-value cheeses was organized for the students of the Stepanavan State Agricultural College and the National Agrarian University of Armenia majoring in “Milk and Dairy Technology”.

Degustation of cheese, bread, wine, tea and sweets, as well as Armenian folk music turned the event into a real feast for the residents and guests of Tashir.

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 SDA NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.