The project “Democracy begins with you” has been implemented at schools # 5, 177, 138, 183, 279, 238, 308 of Baku, # 6, 21, 43 of Ganja, # 9, 10 Of Shirvan, # 1, 3 and 6 of Gusar, # 1 and 3 of Goychay, # 1 and 2 of Astara and Mashkhan village school since the current academic year. It is encompassing pupils of IX and X grades, and teachers of History, Human and Society subjects of these classes. 60 teachers selected from pilot schools will attend training courses held by international experts from 14 to 18 December. The project's goal is to increase the knowledge and ability of pupils and teachers on democracy management. Moreover, improve their social knowledge and implement educational exchange with youth from European countries. Representatives of European Union, Council of Europe, directors and teachers of pilot schools took part in the ceremony. Katja Plate, Head of South Caucasus Office of Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany, and Sevil Mammadova, Lead advisor of the Ministry of Education delivered address at the event. International experts have responded to all questions by participants.

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The contest is a joint project of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Ministry of Youth and Sports, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and Azerbaijan Future Studies Society. Concepción Olavarrieta, President of the Global Millennium Prize, Chair of the Mexico Node of the Millennium Project, Ali Abbasov, Minister of Communication and Information Technology,  Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hijran Huseynova, Head of  State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, Rabiyyat Aslanova, Head of Human Rights Committee of the Parliament, Shamsaddin Hajiyev, rector of Azerbaijan State Economic University, Samad Seyidov, rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages, as well as representatives of state bodies, university rectors, school directors and teachers participated in the ceremony. Speaking at the opening, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, welcomed participants and marked the special role of the relevant state bodies and organizations in conducting the event. According to the Minister, since this year university students are allowed to take part in the contest, which before was held only among pupils of secondary schools. The Minister noted that, essays presented to the contest are written about one of the 15 Global Challenges of the Millennium Project (www.millennium-project.org). Participation of pupils and students, as well as topic selection was free. Touching upon the result of the contest, the Minister informed that, this year essays of 657 pupils and 423 students assessed by the Jury have fought for the first, second and third places. 58 winners, including 37 pupils and 21 students, were chosen among participants. He noted among finalists of the contest 10 students are from Baku, five from Sumgait, 4 from Ismayilli, 2 from Zardab, Agdam, Hajigabul, and 1 from Guba, Tartar, Gakh, Zagatala, Neftchala, Lankaran, Agjabedi, Imishli, Kurdemir and Samukh accordingly have taken the relevant places. It was also noted that, five students of Azerbaijan State Economic University, three students of Baku State University, two students of Azerbaijan University of Languages, and 1 student from Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, as well as from Azerbaijan Medical University, Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Fine Arts, National Aviation Academy, Azerbaijan Institute of Teachers, and its Gazakh and Agjabedi branch, Ganja State University, Nakhchivan Institute of Teachers, Azerbaijan Technological University are among winners of the contest. Mr. Mardanov noted a special contribution of Reyhan Huseynova, Chair of Azerbaijan Future Studies Society, in conducting the contest. At the end the Minister congratulated winners and wished them every success. R. Huseynova gave information on the goals of the “Face to Face with Future Generation” contest, participants and topics. She expressed gratitude to the relevant state bodies for all their support, urged the Azerbaijani youth actively participate in such contests, and noted the special importance of these achievements for our country.  Further, a video clip of the previous awarding ceremony was shown to participants.  Ali Abbasov, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rabiyyat Aslanova, Head of Human Rights Committee of the Parliament, Concepción Olavarrieta, President and founder of the Global Millennium Prize, Chair of the Mexico Node of the Millennium Project have made a speech, and noted its importance and role in the education of youth. Winners have received diplomas and presents at the event. They expressed their gratitude for the care and attention given them. 

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Misir Mardanov, Minister of Education, Elmar Gasimov, Deputy Education Minister, Ambassador Roland Kobia, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan, Franz Steidele, representative of Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Tempus program Desk Officer, as well as representatives of universities participated in the event. Speaking at the opening, Samad Seyidov, rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages, highlighted the important role of Tempus program in the education. According to him, University of Languages has fruitfully collaborated with leading universities of Europe within the Tempus program. Moreover, he estimated conducting the first management by the University in the EU project within the Tempus program, as well as the first coordination of European universities by Azerbaijan as a great success of the country’s education. Mr. Seyidov expressed belief that the 1 million 100 thousand euros program will stimulate improvement of international experience in the education management of Azerbaijan and development of reforms in the education field. Education Minister, Misir Mardanov talked about participation of Azerbaijan to TEMPUS program. He noted Azerbaijan has taken part in the program since 1995, and during this period has participated in 22 projects. The Minister praised the election of AUL as a project’s coordinator of Tempus, and highlighted the University being one of the leading universities of the country. He noted the importance of the project in terms of integration into the world education system and establishment of direct ties with Education Committee of the EU. Ambassador Roland Kobia, Head of Delegation of the EU to Azerbaijan, has also noted relationship between Azerbaijan and EU. Marking the importance of the Program Mr. R. Kobia highly appreciated the participation of Azerbaijan in it. According to him, the program will contribute to development of ties existing between Azerbaijan and EN. Parviz Bagirov, Head of National TEMPUS Office gave a presentation on the themes of “TEMPUS in Azerbaijan and role of National TEMPUS Office” and “Opportunities for universities of Azerbaijan in other programs of European Union.” Mr. P. Bagirov gave broad information on curriculum, university’s management, quality provision, establishment of international relationship, and participation of universities in the program. Franz Steidele, Tempus program Desk Officer and representative of Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of European Commission in his speech gave information about Action programs of EU and existing cooperation, European Education System, as well as electronic notification procedures.   Jala Garibova, vice-rector of AUL for International Affairs, gave the presentation entitled “TEMPUS projects at Azerbaijan University of Languages”. She noted the University is the project’s coordinator and Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan State University, Ganja State University, Lenkeran State University and Azerbaijan Institute of Teachers Improvement are participating closely in three-year project. Discussion of reports was held by participants at the end.

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Gurban Amirov, deputy director of the Science, Culture, Education and Social Affairs Department of the Cabinet of Ministers, MP’s Hadi Rajabli and Ganira Pashayeva, Mark Hereward, head of UNICEF office in Azerbaijan, officials of Social Services and Child Protection Agency of Turkey, Social Services Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Services of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Labor, Health and Social Affairs Ministry of Georgia, as well as international experts of UNISEF took part in the conference. Speaking at the opening, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, noted the government has always paid more attention to the children's welfare improvement. He underlined that, traditions started by the national leader Heydar Aliyev at the children protection area, today successfully continued by the President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva. According to the Minister, the rapid economic growth of the country has created favorable conditions for poverty reduction, improvement of social welfare of every family, and implementation of programs on child rights’ protection. Further, the Minister gave information on work done in the frame of “State Program on Deinstitutionalization and Alternative care.” He noted in the frame of the State Program projects of “Development of the Foster Care Co-operative model and family type’s services between local authorities and nongovernmental organizations” and “Deinstitutionalization and Alternative care” is being implemented. He also added that, the President approved Memorandum of Understanding on “Alternative care” singed between Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs and UNISEF. It was noted that, three officials of the Ministry of Education have coordinated measures within the execution of projects at Khazar and Sabunchu districts with the local institutions. Despite preventing the ingress of children to orphanages, within the project, the alternative family care system and community social services were organized as well. Moreover, the databank is planning to be established in order to gather information on children, and foster families. Further, was given information on the goal of the project of Development of the Foster Care Co-operative model and family type’s services between local authorities and nongovernmental organizations. The Minister, noted Coordinating Committees were established in Khazar and Surakhani districts to provide the execution of projects. According to him, one of the main future challenges is to train staff of orphanages as social workers, as well as conduct the relevant training courses. He informed that from this viewpoint the 9-month course on “Social work” specialty was organized at Baku Skill improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres. Furthermore, 16 workers of orphanages have attracted to this course. Noting the database has been created at the state children institutions, the Minister, informed that, currently, 9874 teachers are working, as well as 3860 children studying and living at these orphanages. Moreover, 2592 teachers are working at 12 Boarding schools for disabled children.  In conclusion, the Minister highlighted that despite works done in order to implement the execution of State Program, there are still challenges that must be resolved.  Gurban Amirov, deputy director of the Science, Culture, Education and Social Affairs Department of the Cabinet of Ministers, Mark Hereward, Head of UNICEF office in Azerbaijan, MP’s Hadi Rajabli and Ganira Pashayeva highly valued works done within the program. Presentations on the Deinstitutionalization’s process and organization of social services were given at the end of the conference.

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Speaking at the opening, Deputy Education Minister, Elmar Gasimov, wished every  success to the participants. Further, the Minister, Misir Mardanov noted in his speech that the competition was conducted by the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with the joint organization of Education Ministry, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Youth and Sport, State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affaires. He noted that the goal of the competition is to give full information on history, education, culture, and art of Azerbaijan to children of officials of the diplomatic corps accredited to Azerbaijan, as well as attract them to take an active part in the social life of the country. He also added that children of officials of the embassies of Belarus, Czech Republic, Korea, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan Office of the European Union participated in the competition conducted among 6-18-year olds on categories of essay, poem, drawing, dance and different handicraft. It was added that 14 works were presented to the competition on the drawing categories, five in the essay, and 1 in the poem. The works were estimated and winners were chosen by the jury.  H. Huseynova, head of State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, S. Mammadaliyeva, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, I. Babayev, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, A. Asgarov, Head of Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the importance of such competitions at their addresses. They also expressed belief that children will remember the success achieved in the competition for years. At the end, winners of the competitions received diplomas and presents from organizers.  

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Ismayil Sadigov, Director of the Department of Education Management Information Systems, noted that the main goal for the establishment of the Department is the effective management of the education, and as a result, improvement of the education’s quality. Talking about the subsystems, levels, appropriate structure and General Education schools subsystem, I. Sadigov, noted information about staff of schools, pupils, and workers of educational departments were entered to the database. Moreover, the database consists of information on persons received education document, division of pupils into classes, preparation and number of complete sets for I-IV grades, school’s libraries, pupils’ attendance, and, etc. He also talked about relations established with other departments of the Ministry, as well as on works done within the implementation of People’s computer project. Noting works that will be implemented in 2011 the director of the department underlined that they are planning to connect the secondary special and After-School Institutions to the Internet.     Further, Gultekin Huseynova, director of Department of Science made the report on activity of the Department for 2010. She talked about the structure, responsibilities, and activity of the Department. She underlined that the National Strategy on the development of science in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2015, and State Program on implementation of the National Strategy approved by the presidential decree have stimulated the development of science at schools. In addition, she noted works implemented in this direction and reached successes. She also talked about scientific researches conducted at universities, preparation of scientific and pedagogical staff, as well as holding republican and international conferences. Moreover, there were implemented measures for improvement of scientific research works of students, and libraries. She also informed on requires received by the department, as well as talked about future obligations. At the end, the Minister, Misir Mardanov gave assignments and recommendations for the future obligations.

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Malahat Hajiyeva, Director of Department of deinstitutionalization and child protection, made a report on works done within the implementation of State Program for transferring children from public orphanages to families (deinstitutionalization) and alternative care in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2006-2015). She spoke about responsibilities and structure of the newly established Department. She also gave information on the goal of projects implemented in order to provide and protect the right of children to live in the family, as well as on Memorandum of understanding signed with the relevant state bodies. Moreover, she noted there was established the Coordinating Committee to provide the fruitful execution of projects for Creation of a mechanism for transferring of children to families and surround them with the alternative care, and “Development of the Foster Care Co-operative model and family type’s services between local authorities and nongovernmental organizations.”  M. Hajiyeva, said that the 9-month retraining courses were organized at the Baku Skill improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres in 2010-2011 academic year to prepare social employees working with families and children. Moreover, 22 workers of state child institutions were involved in these courses. She also noted that there were created Rehabilitation – Development and Day Care Centers, and talked about works done in these fields, as well as measures implemented with several state bodies to prevent child abandonment. After, she gave broad information on collaboration with international organizations, and activity of Child Hotline Service. Furthermore, M. Hajiyeva talked about responsibilities for 2011. Further, Faig Shahbazli, Director of Department of textbook and publication, made the report on works done by the Department headed by him. He informed on workers of the department, their responsibilities and works, done in accordance with the work’s plan. Moreover, he talked about the provision of schools with textbooks and learning materials, establishment of Working Group on disciplines to prepare publication and edition of textbooks, preparation of purchasing agreement on publication and distribution of textbooks, and organization of their execution, as well as other issues in this direction.  He noted that according to the Textbook policy, General Education Concept (National Curriculum) in the Azerbaijan Republic, and Procedures for publication, printing and distribution of textbooks, textbooks and learning materials for I, III, VI and VIII –XI grades were discussed and their list was defined by taken into account the number of pupils studied in the country's schools, as well as in the schools with Azerbaijani language teaching located in Georgia and Dagestan, and Sunday schools in the foreign countries. He also noted that in accordance with the executive order of the Ministry on Improving the work for publication of textbooks, the Working Group consisting of 133 practical teachers of different disciplines was established; the views and suggestions of school teachers for textbooks were discussed with the participation of department employees, authors, scientific editors and publishing editors. Additionally there were done fundamental works to improve the textbooks.   F. Shahbazli underlined 127 textbooks and learning materials for teachers in 4637720 copies were published and distributed to the regions. He also talked about applications and letters received by the department during the last year, as well as have talked about other issues. At the end he noted responsibilities of the department for 2011. There were answered to questions and heard suggestions of participants connected with the report at the meeting. At the end, Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, gave its recommendations for future responsibilities.

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Ilham Mustafayev, Director of Department of Higher and Secondary Special Education talked about the key directions of the department’s activity, and works done in 2010. He gave information on the allocation of responsibilities of employees of the Department, and works implemented by them in accordance with their work schedule. He also paid attention to the issues discussed at the Board of the Ministry, and results on measures executed during the last year. According to him, symposiums, conferences, seminars and training courses were held in connection with the credit system usage by the staff of the Department in 2010. Moreover, there were prepared the project on the student admission plan to the higher and secondary special institutions, and some steps were taken in connection with the new funding mechanisms in the higher education. In addition, there were organized exam sessions of 2009-2010 academic year, as well as was held the monitoring. He talked about preparation of method for defining a ranking of universities, holding monitoring and courses in connection with the apply of Basis for Education subject, and work done within the application of the Accounting Law of the Azerbaijan Republic. He also informed that the project on reform of higher education was prepared at the expense of grant obtained from the government of Japan through the World Bank. In addition, he spoke about measures implemented within the State Program for reforms in the education system of the Azerbaijan Republic (2009-2013), and Measure Program for reforms on the secondary special education system in the Republic of Azerbaijan (2010-2013).   In conclusion, director of the department gave information on queries received by the department in 2010, and listed the works that will be implemented in 2011, as well as answered to questions. Gulu Novruzov, Director of Department of International Relations, talked about works done by the department headed by him in 2010, as well as allocation of responsibilities of workers of the Department. He gave information on steps taken by the Department in the international cooperation field, and noted fruitful relations with Council of Europe, European Union, UNESCO, ISESCO, KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and other organizations that have been continued during the last year.   Moreover, he spoke about the high level mutual visits of delegations, bilateral agreements and protocols signed with foreign countries in the education field, and events held in Baku and abroad. In addition, employees of the Ministry participated in the conferences and seminars held within the different projects and programs implemented in partnership with the international organizations. G. Novruzov also talked about works implemented within the execution of State Program for study of youth of Azerbaijan in foreign countries in 2007-2015, and gave statistic data on the study of international students in Azerbaijan, as well as Azeri students studying abroad via the state line.  Gulu Novruzov, Director of Department of International Relations, gave information on inquiries received by the Department last year, talked about the future responsibilities and answered to questions. At the end, Education Minister, MIsir Mardanov, expressed his views on works done by the departments in 2010, and gave its recommendations and assignments on some issues.

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It should be noted that, Report back meetings are being conducted in accordance with the order on the effective organization of assessment of activity of the Ministry’s employees during 2010, according to the State Service Law.  Speaking at the opening the Minister, Misir Mardanov, said that from today reports of work done by the departments of the Ministry during the 2010 will be presented.   Farzali Gadirov, director of Department of Strategic analysis and personnel management talked about functions and responsibilities of the department headed by him. According to information given by him, the three - year Strategic plan and annual activity plan for 2010 of the Ministry have been established. He underlined the document on Defining additional concessions and stimulating measures for young professionals graduated from higher and secondary special pedagogical institutions and working at general education establishments was created. Moreover, Cabinet of Ministries has signed the relevant order.     According to him, the state order was created based on the current vacancies in the schools that were concluded and examined. He also noted 800 pedagogical cadres were sent to schools in rural areas by using encouragement measures. Moreover, 288 teaching job vacancies for schools have been determined for the 2010-2011 school year, and regulation on employing staff was placed on the website of the Ministry.  F. Gadirov underlined that there was established Additional Education Unit of the Department to coordinate the activity of institutions on the Improvement of the Academic Skills, and in these connection documents were prepared, and relevant measures were implemented. He also talked about future responsibilities.  Further, Samir Mammadov, director of Department of Education Informatization System, reported that the department headed by him has three sections. He noted that, there were founded local networks encompassing computer classes, rooms for teachers and directors at 500 institutions. According to him, 1000 educational institutions have been connected to the Internet. He also talked about improvement of ICT abilities of teachers, works implementing in the relevant field and other problems existing in this direction.    Questions and suggestions were given in the conference relating with the both reports. In conclusion, the Minister has recommended to the Department of Education Informatization System to develop a close collaboration with other departments of the Ministry and noted the future responsibilities of both departments.

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Tarana Hajiyeva, Director of Department of Monitoring and Assessment, gave information on the creation history, goals, structure, and activity directions of the department, as well as its normative and legal documents. She also gave information about international assessment, application of assessment’s results, national assessment and its results, intra-school assessment and its results, and preparation of test banks for test and final exams. Further, she spoke on results of total assessment of IX – XI grades, and autumn exams in the IX grades, participation of parents in the exams, as well as assessment tools used in the exams, analysis of pupils achievements, and quality indicators. Moreover, she gave information on exams conducted in 2009-2010 study year in seven regions, changing the quantity of exam questions, and works done in the field of preparation exam lists. In addition, she informed on participation of department’s staff in the international projects and seminars, on queries received by the department and their execution, as well as talked about future challenges. Further, Shahrza Aliyev, director of Department of Science presented the report on works done in 2010. Having talked about the legal base of implemented works, structure of the department, its activity directions, allocation of responsibilities of staff, and issues discussed at the Board, Sh. Aliyev noted the relevant work carried out for the funding of  educational institutions. He also gave information about spending on government programs and activities of special significance, forecast expenditure for the coming year, adoption of statistical records, and works done in the fields of automation of financial accountancy and reporting.  Sh. Aliyev touched upon salaries and other social issues, such as funding mechanism in higher education, revision and audits. He also noted documents received by the department in 2011, as well as works, which are planning to be executed in 2011. Questions on reports were asked, as well as suggestions were made at the end. Education Minister, Misir Mardanov, expressed his views on issues for the coming year.

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