On December 3, 2021, Switzerland launches a long-term development project to assist Armenia in its efforts of modernizing its Vocational Education System in agriculture. The Swiss Development Cooperation approved in principle a support program to Armenia with a total amount of CHF 7’130’000.
The project will be executed in the Southern Syunik and Vayots Dzor and several Northern regions. The phase of implementation will last at least for 8 years, with a preparatory phase of 9 months.
The reform will be implemented by the Swiss NGO HEKS, the Armenian NGO SDA as well as the German Corporation for International Cooperation GIZ, under the overall coordination of the Government of Armenia.
The project aims to improve employment opportunities of youth living in rural areas by the means of combining theoretical knowledge with practical training in a selected number of professions. Part of the reform is that along with receiving theoretical knowledge at vocational education collages, the students shall get an opportunity to improve their skills in local companies and farms. Their training paths will conclude with a state diploma.
To increase the project’s impact and effectiveness, Switzerland cooperates with a wide range of partners: the Government of Armenia, international organizations, the public and private sectors, and academic institutions. Other funding partners, who add significant funds to the Swiss contribution, include the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ, the Austrian Development Agency ADA, the Armenian Izmirilian Foundation and some private companies in Armenia. Some of these contributions are subject to a final approval.
