Speaking at the opening of the event, Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov passed on congratulations of the Education Minister Misir Mardanov to event attendees. He gave detailed information on chess tournament and noted that the contest, which was held by participation of 244 chess players from 48 cities and districts of the country, was conducted by Swiss system in 7 rounds. Noting the contest was organized at a high level G. Novruzov thanked trainers and referees for holding the contest in an impartial and transparent way, as well as staff of the Republican Sport Centre “Education” for their contribution to the tournament. According to him, the number of chess schools and pupils playing chess has increased every year, and achievements in this field have continuously risen. Noting that there are serious discussions on teaching chess at schools as a subject to make chess a mass sport Gulu Novruzov underlined that pupils, who are playing chess, have made progress in their all-round development and gained many achievements in their study. At the end, G. Novruzov wished every success to distinguished pupils and presented diplomas and medals to 30 winners of 5 age groups.

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1992 queries were received by phone, 264 by e-mail. A majority of them is inquiries concerning pre-school, general education, initial vocational, secondary special and higher education institutions, admission procedures for teachers through competitive examinations, provision of pupils with textbooks, age limits used for teachers at education institutions, private universities, as well as recognition of education documents, school uniforms and other issues. Some queries (140) have reflected shortcomings and problems existing at preschool, general education, initial vocational, secondary special and higher education institutions. They were investigated and appropriate measures were taken to eliminate these problems. Moreover, 7 queries have been received from the preschool education establishments of Baku last month. The queries were concerned with delivery of a high quality food on time, admission of children to kindergartens, etc. Inquiries received in October were mostly concerned with the comprehensive schools. Thus, there were received 70 inquires from schools of Baku, 3 from Ganja , 2 from Sumgayit. Moreover,  5 queries were received from Absheron, 4 from Jalilabad and Yardimli, 3 from Sheki, Barda and Lerik, 2 from Kurdemir, Goygol, Dashkesen, Neftchala, Tovuz and 1 from Imishli, Masall;. Jabrayil, Agstafa, Kalbajar, Shabran. Shamkir, Khachmaz and Agsu districts respectively. The heads of education institutions, where were identified shortcomings in the management, have received appropriate instructions based on the calls received by the Hotline Service. The directors of schools, which have been monitored, were recommended to promote spiritual and psychological well being, and increase control over the labor discipline adherence. Furthermore, some teachers have received an administrative penalty for shortcomings made by them at work. Thus, the teacher of Baku school #74 has received a reprimand and the contract of employment signed with the teacher of school #249 was abolished for the absenteeism. Moreover, the Hotline Service received some 17 queries concerning the delay in issuing scholarships to students of higher, secondary special and initial vocational education institutions, the transfer of tuition fees for students studying at state – owned and private universities, as well as scholarships to students studying at the relevant overseas university. All queries were redirected to the respective structural units of the Ministry and were resolved in a timely manner.

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The results for accreditation of Mingachevir Vocational School #1 and Balaken Vocational School #1 were discussed at the meeting. Speaking at the opening of the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted that there was taken the first step for accreditation of vocational schools and their accreditation will have a positive impact on their organizational work. The member of Accreditation Committee on Mingachevir Vocational School #1, director of Baku Vocational School #14 Vidadi Guliyev gave information on results of accreditation conducted at this school. He talked about criteria for determining compliance the activity of vocational school with requirements of state education standards. He also gave information on logistic base of the school, its curriculum content, teaching staff, work provision for its graduates and other indicators. Chairman of Accreditation Committee on Balaken Vocational School #1, deputy director of Baku Vocational School # 12 Shahin Baylarov gave detailed information on monitoring held at this school. He said that the content of education programmes of school on specialties is complied with the respective normative documents and requirements of state education standards. Next, there have been given answers to questions concerning each vocational school, as well as voiced some opinions and suggestions. Moreover, there were given specific instructions to both schools to eliminate shortcomings over a period of time. In conclusion, the Accreditation Council evaluated the activity of schools as satisfactory and made a decision on the accreditation of their relevant specialties. 

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The event began by singing the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was attended by representatives of respective organizations, members of the Milli Majlis, university rectors and educators. Speaking at the event Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted the nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev has always paid a great attention to the education and his policy is confidently continued by President Ilham Aliyev. Noting the successful results of the policy led by President Ilham Aliyev, the Minister underscored the development of economics, science, education and other areas. M. Mardanov has congratulated the fellows, staff and students of Azerbaijan Technical University on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev and wished them success in their education. The Minister noted that by the relevant orders of President Ilham Aliyev one fellow of the AzTU was awarded Shohrat Order, 18 - Taraggi medal, 3 fellows were awarded honorary titles of Distinguished Scientist, 16 - Distinguished Teacher, 8 – Distinguished Engineer and 1- Honoured Worker of Culture. Moreover, some professors and teachers of AzTU were awarded by the Ministry of Education the badge of Honoured Worker of Education and honorary diplomas. The awards were handed over to their owners. M. Mardanov expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev on behalf of educators for the great attention and care provided by him for the education field of the country. Vice speaker of the Milli Majlis Bahar Muradova read out a congratulatory letter from Speaker of Parliament Ogtay Asadov to the university staff.   Moreover, the congratulatory letters from relevant universities of Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and other countries on 60th anniversary of Azerbaijan Technical University were read out as well. Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University, Professor Havar Mammadov spoke about the activities and development stages of AzTU, which made a great contribution to the development of science and education of the country. He noted that all advances of AzTU have historical background. The idea of establishing ​​this higher education institution as an independent university was launched in 1945. Thus, on 20 October 1945, the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR adopted a special order to open the Azerbaijan Polytechnic Institute (ATU), and its execution was entrusted to the Ministry of Higher Education. In November 1950, in Baku was established the Azerbaijan Polytechnic Institute consisting of four faculties. Since 1978, the Institute has begun to train personnel for foreign countries as well, and it made possible to expand its international relations. Noting the great attention and care provided by the great leader Heydar Aliyev for the AzTU, Rector said that during the period of his leadership the university has passed through important stages of development and progress. According to him, in the 1970s of the last century, as a result of farsighted policy of national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijani youth sent to the best universities of USSR have contributed to the development of various fields, including education and AzTU. Professor H. Mammadov said that, after Azerbaijan has regained its state independence, important innovations occurred on the education system have laid the foundation for a qualitatively new stage in the activity of AzTU. He also underlined the attention paid by President Aliyev for the science and education areas. According to him, currently the university consists of 9 faculties, 47 departments, one Science Centre, 18 scientific – research laboratory and library with a total book stock of some 550 000 volumes. The university offers bachelors and master's degree programs on 26 directions and 68 specialties. It has 633 teaching staff, including over 70 doctors of science, professors, 330 candidates of science, associate professor and over 7 000 students. In 2010 the university has gained a grant of CIS Humanitarian Assistance Fund, which provides for AzTU free access to electronic libraries of CIS countries. For the first time, the university has purchased rare engineering machines controlled by CAD/CAM technology and established Center for Teaching and Technology, which will play a significant role in training students in accordance with requirements of developed countries. Moreover, new automatic switching center was installed at the university, as well as strong laboratory facilities on communication systems were launched by ETI’s Assistance Company. Currently, the wide range of scientific researches is conducted at the university. Moreover, there were established scientific – research laboratories provided “Synthesis of nanostructured materials and their application,” and “Physico-thermal Properties of oil and petroleum products.” In 2000-2010, fellows of AzTU received about 100 patents on their inventions. Moreover, 24 doctors of science and 80 candidates of science have been trained over the past ten years. In recent years, scientific journals of foreign countries published some 600 articles of the university scholars. Talking about international links of the university, Prof. H. Mammadov noted that 10 young scholars of university are currently working at various universities and research production facilities of Germany. According to him, over 60 fellows of the university have engaged in scientific practice via the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Currently, the university cooperates with relevant universities of different countries, including the USA, Germany, Russia, Italy, Turkey, Canada and, etc. Noting Azerbaijan has joined to the European Higher Education Area, Prof. H. Mammadov underlined that measures are currently being implemented at AzTU in accordance with requirements of this process.   Deputy chairman and executive secretary of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, MP Ali Ahmedov, senior vice president of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, academician Arif Hashimov, rector of Baku State University, MP, academician Abel Maharramov, rector of Azerbaijan Medical University academician Ahliman Amiraslanov, Rector of Azerbaijan State Economic University, chairman of the Committee on Science and Education of the Milli Majlis, professor Shamsaddin Hajiyev, rector of Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, MP, professor Gulchohra Mammadova, rector of Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, academician Siyavush Garayev, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology Iltimas Mammadov, deputy chairman of the Republican Committee of the Independent Trade Union of Education Workers Shaig Askerov and head of Yasamal District Executive Power Ibrahim Mehdiyev made a speech at the event noting the care provided by the government for the fields of education and science of the country. Noting the contributions of the university to the development of science and education fields, the orators congratulated university staff, professors, teachers and students, and expressed their good wishes to them.

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Having warmly welcomed the guests Education Minister Misir Mardanov expressed his pleasure at seeing them at the Ministry. Noting the existence of bilateral relations with the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus, the Minister stressed that the cooperation in the education field has been developed over the past years. He estimated the visit of guest to Azerbaijan as an obvious example of this relationship and underlined the need to improve the links established in the education field.  The Minister gave information on measures taken to improve the welfare of children noting that this field is under the constant attention of President Ilham Aliyev and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva. He stressed the importance of attending by her an international conference entitled “2011 Results and forthcoming obligations” conducted within the State Programme on Deinstitutionalization and Alternative Care. Moreover, the Minister noted the organization of mutual visits of specialists within relevant programmes.   The spouse of  Prime Minister of Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus Gulin Kucuk thanked the Minister for the warm reception and passed on the best regards of Prime Minister of Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus to him. The guest underlined the special position of education field within the cooperation established between Azerbaijan and Northern Cyprus. Noting the importance of improving bilateral ties in the education field, G. Kucuk expressed her belief that a mutual relationship will bring great benefits.  According to the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus representative to Azerbaijan Zeki Gazioglu the cooperation in the education field of both countries has been developing over recent years. He noted that this year the number of Azeri students studying at universities of Northern Cyprus has risen compared to last year (from 407 to 600). At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on deepening bilateral relations. 

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Having expressed his pleasure from seeing the guest at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Misir Mardanov noted the relationship between Azerbaijan and Jordan has been developing over recent years and the warm relationship between heads of both countries has had a positive impact on the cooperation in all fields. The Minister stressed the interest of Azerbaijan in deepening educational ties with Jordan and highly praised the Jordan special relationship with Azerbaijan. Noting there are 22 students from Jordan currently studying at universities of Azerbaijan, the Minister stressed the importance of deepening relationship in the field of student exchange as well. According to him, during his visit to Jordan he became acquainted with universities and educational conditions of this country. He underlined the possibility of sending Azeri students to universities of Jordan and stressed the importance to give preference to ICT, medicine and other fields.   Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Mustafa Al Adwan thanked the Minister for the warm reception. Noting the relationship between two countries has been developed in all fields; the guest gave information on achievements of the education system of Jordon and expressed their interest in cooperating in the fields of student and teacher exchange, as well as science. According to Mr. Adwan, his country attaches great importance to bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and from this viewpoint the relationship in the educational field is a priority.  Education Minister stressed the importance of being familiar with the practice in the use of ICT at secondary schools of Jordan. Moreover, he noted the need to implement the School Twinning project between two countries and deepen the relationship in the higher education field. He also expressed his belief that the joint workshops and conferences will contribute to deepen the bilateral relations and suggested to sign a relevant agreement between two countries on the development of educational ties of Azerbaijan and Jordan. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on issues of common interest. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Azerbaijan, Adel Mohammad Adaileh.

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov gave his presentation on the theme of “Five-year report on the execution of the 2006-2015 State programme for the placement of children living in State institutions in families (deinstitutionalization) and alternative care, and future obligations.” Noting the importance attached to education as one of the key directions for the sustainable development strategies in Azerbaijan, as well as in the world, the Minister said that according to the concept of human development every child should be provided with the favourable economic, social and cultural environment to develop its personnel capability and potential. The country has adopted 16 development and state programmes to improve the quality of the education and welfare of children. According to the Minister, from this viewpoint, ‘The 2006-2015 State programme for the placement of children living in State institutions in families (deinstitutionalization) and alternative care’ approved by the Executive Order of President Ilham Aliyev in 2006 has a special meaning.  Noting the Ministry of Education has closely collaborated with the ministries of Health, Finance, Justice, Internal Affairs, and Labour and Social Protection of Population, as well as with the State Committee for Family, Women and Children and local executive authorities on the execution of the State Programme, Mr. Mardanov said that various international and non-governmental organizations have contributed to this work as well. According to him, prior to the adoption of State Programme, based on the “Development of orphanages and boarding schools Programme” developed through the personal initiative of the First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva 38 boarding schools and orphanages for disabled children of the country were refurbished and provided with the latest equipments over the last 5 years.  Misir Mardanov gave detailed information on measures implemented within the execution of the State Programme over the last 5 years, future obligations, and praised the transformation of boarding schools into the public schools as a high success. Touching upon issues of the placement of children living in state institutions in families, their social protection and protection of their rights, the Minister stressed the importance of Department for deinstitutionalization and children protection established at the Ministry of Education based on the order of the Cabinet of Ministries of 13 January 2010. He also spoke about the ongoing large-scale projects to ensure the rights of children to live in families and their protection, transfer of children deprived of parental care to the biological family in the pilot areas, measures to support families and establish alternative services within the State Programme after the creation of the Department.  According to the general plan for transformation of the State child institutions, there were established 4 daily cares and rehabilitation – development centres, which were provided with the  developing training manuals, rehabilitation equipments and minibuses to transport children. Mr. Mardanov noted that after the establishment of these centres 298 children were avoided from being placed in the orphanages, and stressed that the financial support for foster carers is one of the major problems needed to be solved within the implementation of deinstitutionalization. The Minister drew attention to the systemic preventive measures implemented among families with children at risk to prevent the increase in the number of children living in the orphanages and noted the existence of close collaboration with the ministries of Health, Finance, Justice, Internal Affairs, and Labour and Social Protection of Population, as well as with the State Committee for Family, Women and Children, city and district executive authorities. According to him, over the past years 13 children aged 12-17 years, who were included in the centralised list, were adopted, and the issue for the adoption of 12 children are being considered in the district courts. Noting, overall, 465 children were avoided from being placed in the orphanages, 38 street children were involved in the education and placed in the state child institutions to ensure their safety, the Minister said that there are 9 776 children studying at 44 state child institutions in 2011/2012 academic year. According to him, 3750 children are living in these institutions, 6 026 children just studying and using the daily services of the institution, but living with their family. Stressing that in recent years, the number of children studied at boarding schools and child-care centers has fallen every year, the Minister said that, their number amounted to 14 389 in 2008, 10 055 in 2009, 9 874 in 2010 and 9 776 children in 2011. Talking about children graduated from the boarding schools and child institutions operating under the Ministry of Education, Mr. Mardanov noted measures implemented in the cooperation with UNICEF to provide inclusive education for disabled children at all stages of their studies along with other children. He stressed the importance of informing the public about deinstitutionalization and praised the special programmes and discussions periodically organized on TV. Noting the European social network is highly praising ongoing reforms in the country on the de-institutionalization and protection of children, the Minister said that the English version of documentary film on works done in the fields of child protection were prepared by the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and placed on the website of European social network. In conclusion, the Minister thanked UNICEF and other relevant organizations for their support for reforms implemented in Azerbaijan to protect children. Speaking at the conference UNICEF representative in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus Gulin Kucuk, MP Ganira Pashayeva, international expert of UNICEF Vesna Bosnjak, Ankara Provincial Social Services Director Lale Ocal, Head of the Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus Aydan Baskurt, Senior consultant of Department for Adoption and Guardianship of the Social Service Agency of Georgia Lia Mamatsashvili expressed their opinions on deinstitutionalization process and organization of child social services. Moreover, in their speech they have praised the measures implemented in this field in Azerbaijan.

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At first, the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played.  Speaking at the opening of the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed that the scientific conference creates an opportunity to increase interest of youth in the scientific-research papers, present the results of scientific research and the exchange of science views. Noting the conference coincided with the celebration of 20th anniversary of the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan, the Minister said that this significant event has being celebrated all over the country and abroad. Touching upon the distinctive features of the conference, the Minister said that there was made a decision on the conduction of contest within the conference entitled “Our independence is eternal, permanent and irreversible.” He spoke about the 20-year development path of our independence and brought to the attention of participants achievements gained over the past years, significant advances in all areas as well as in the science and education areas. Misir Mardanov stressed that after the return of Heydar Aliyev to power for the second time on the insisting demand of people drastic changes were made in all areas, including the education field, and some positive results were gained. Speaking about the care and attention provided for the national education field, the development of education and science and talented children, the Minister stressed that currently, the relevant work are successfully being continued by the worthy successor of the great leader President Ilham Aliyev. Misir Mardanov talked about purposeful activities implemented under the leadership of the President in the education and science fields of Azerbaijan, opportunities created for youth to acquire knowledge and education, as well as works done within the “State Program for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad in the years of 2007-2015.” Noting that currently, there are over 10.000 Azeri students studying abroad, the Minister reported that the number of international students studying at universities of Azerbaijan has risen approximately to 7000. Speaking about the conference, the Minister noted that the interest of youth in this event is increasing every year. He gave statistical information noting that last year 360 papers were submitted to the conference and this year the number of papers submitted from 21 public and 4 private universities has risen to 454.  According to the Minister the two-day conference will be continued on 17 sections. He also gave information on the contest entitled “Our independence is eternal, permanent and irreversible.” He noted that there will be heard and estimated 28 papers passed through first stage of the contest. Noting the Jury includes famous scholars and faculties of the Republic Mr. Mardanov expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to this conference. Next, the Minister gave his recommendations to students and wished them much success.  Rector of Baku Slavic University Kamal Abdulla noted the great importance attached by the faculties and students to the conference and wished every success to participants.  The winners of conference will be presented diplomas and cash prizes from the Ministry of Education.

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Speaking at the opening of the event jointly organized with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and Ministry of Education the President of ANAS Mahmud Karimov noted that Abbas Zamanov has made commendable contributions to the formation and development of national literature. Noting that Abbas Zamanov was one of the literary celebrities of the Azerbaijani science, Education Minister Misir Mardanov underlined his great contribution to nurturing high qualified personnel in the ideology of Azerbaijanism. According to the Minister the contributions of Abbas Zamanov to the development of science, literature and culture of Azerbaijan is undeniable. Moreover, the Minister spoke about the activity of Abbas Zamanov at Baku State University, his credibility among faculty members and students. Next, there were demonstrated a film dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Abbas Zamanov. Doctor of Philological Sciences Iman Jafarov, Doctor of Philological Sciences Akif Azalp, Chief of the National Archive Department of Azerbaijan Atakhan Pashayev, Professor Panah Khalilov, correspondent member of ANAS Veli Aliyev, correspondent member of ANAS, MP Nizami Jafarov have talked on their memories about the famous scientist Abbas Zamanov noting his contributions as a scholar and a man to his country and people. Speaking at the end, the granddaughter of Professor Abbas Zamanov Gulgun Rzayeva thanked President Ilham Aliyev for signing an executive order on marking the 100th anniversary of her grandfather.

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Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov has congratulated the winners and noted that the main goal of the competition is to nurture the youth into the spirit of statehood, patriotism, loyalty to the country and identify talents in art. Stressing the two - stage contest was organized among students for the first time, G. Novruzov said that about 100 works were submitted to the Republican stage. According to him students from all universities, excluding Azerbaijan Art Academy, have submitted to the contest substantive paintings. He thanked those, who have contributed to the organization of the contest and highly praised the conduction of such events. Deputy Education Minister said that the contest is one of a series of events held in the country within the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan's independence. Noting the winners were defined by Jury consisted of staff of Azerbaijan Art Academy, G. Novruzov wished success to all participants. Other speakers noted the importance of the contest in terms of identification the potential capacity of youth. At the end, diplomas and gifts of the Ministry of Education were presented to the distinguished students. 

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