Amalya Jhangiryan / Milk and Dairy Technology / Goris Multidisciplinary State College

I was forcibly displaced from Artsakh. When I moved to Armenia, it felt as though my education, my profession, and my dreams had been abruptly interrupted. What I could not have imagined at that time was that the MAVETA project, through the introduction of DUAL education, would become the turning point that changed my life. MAVETA did not simply offer me a place to continue studying. It restored my confidence, redefined my professional path, and gave me back the belief that my dreams were still within reach.

By enrolling in the DUAL education program at the Goris State Agricultural College (now Goris Multifunctional State College), I entered a system where learning was no longer confined to classrooms. Theory was directly connected to practice, and education became a living, dynamic process.

At first, I wasn’t even sure I had chosen the right profession. That uncertainty disappeared as soon as theoretical learning was combined with real workplace experience. Through hands-on training at Elola LLC and Goris Kat, I became actively involved in the entire production cycle – from milk intake and laboratory quality control to processing, packaging, and storage.

Every line I read in the classroom came to life in production. Sometimes it worked the other way around too: practical work deepened and reinforced the theoretical lessons. This continuous interaction between theory and practice shaped me not merely as a student, but as an emerging professional.

The outcome speaks for itself

Today, I am already a specialist with hands-on work experience. I can confidently tell an employer: I know the job. My long-term goal is clear: to establish my own production facility in Armenia and produce types of cheese that are not yet made in our country.

For me, DUAL education is not just a method of learning. It gave me the opportunity to understand, in real conditions, that the profession I chose truly is my aspiration.

Would I recommend DUAL education to other young people?

Absolutely yes. When I interact with students who study only through theoretical programs, I realize they are losing the most valuable things – practical experience and time. DUAL education equips young people not only with knowledge, but also with confidence, clarity of direction, and genuine readiness to enter the labor market.

In my opinion, DUAL education does far more than transfer knowledge, skills and competencies – it builds confidence, direction, and real professional readiness. Learning in an actual production environment helped me develop not only technical competencies, but also essential soft skills that employers truly value: teamwork, communication, responsibility, time management, and problem-solving. Being part of real processes and real decisions transformed me from a student into a young specialist prepared to enter the labor market with clarity and self-assurance.

If I were to summarize my experience in a single sentence: the MAVETA project, through DUAL education, gave me my dreams back – and the confidence to pursue them.

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).

Edik Tatintsyan / Agricultural Machinery / Goris Multifunctional State College

When I was deciding on my career, one thing was clear to me: in Syunik, there is a significant shortage of specialists in agricultural mechanization. Our region is predominantly agricultural, yet very few professionals work with modern machinery. Observing that the number of applicants in this field was also small motivated me even further – if there are few specialists, the sector is waiting for us.

Before enrolling in the DUAL education program under the MAVETA project, I had never heard of it. However, hands-on training completely transformed my understanding of education.

At Norayr Davtyan’s farm in Verishen, I was not just an observer but an active participant. Every process started with a brief theoretical overview, followed by practical application. We disassembled, reassembled, analyzed, and repeated tasks until full mastery was achieved. From safety protocols to time management, every skill was acquired in a real working environment.

Because textbooks were often outdated, practical experience filled that critical gap. I gained not only technical skills but also competencies in client communication, work planning, and time management.

The outcome speaks for itself

Today, I am not only confident in my professional abilities but also have an actual business initiative. Within the MAVETA project, I participated in the “Farming as a Business” training, developed a beekeeping business plan, and was selected to receive technical support. This has allowed me to expand and manage my own bee colonies successfully. Most importantly, I have already started selling my own honey – turning knowledge into real income and proving that my business idea works in practice.

I am also proud to have served as a MAVETA Ambassador, representing the program and sharing my experience with peers. Being part of MAVETA has not only given me knowledge but also instilled a sense of pride, responsibility, and motivation to contribute to the development of agriculture in Syunik.

DUAL education was far more than traditional training. It equipped me with the skills, confidence, and mindset necessary to enter the labor market and take action immediately.

Would I recommend DUAL education to other young people?

Absolutely. In fact, I believe every profession should adopt DUAL. When theoretical knowledge is applied directly through hands-on practice, it transforms into skill – and skill builds confidence.

If I were to summarize my experience in a single sentence: MAVETA Project provided me not only with knowledge but also with the readiness and confidence to create tangible value in my profession.

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).