EU allocates 19 mln. euro for reforms and modernisation of Azerbaijan education

Baku. 8 September. REPORT.AZ/ Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov in Baku today to discuss reforms and modernisation of the education sector, Report informs citing EU delegation to Azerbaijan. In this context the Commissioner announced a new EU programme to help improve the quality and relevance of the education system in Azerbaijan that has just been approved by the European Commission.

The new support worth €19 million has a special focus on higher and vocational education and training, strengthening civic participation, governance and inclusiveness of the education system in Azerbaijan.

“Education is one of the priorities of our cooperation with Azerbaijan," Commissioner Füle said.

The new EU funding will support the government to reform the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) systems, to improve their access, quality, and bring them closer to European standards and practices. A modernised higher education and VET system could train more qualified workers with adequate skills and knowledge to meet the growing needs of the labour market.

This will also help to improve the attractiveness of the education system; as well as the national and international recognition of qualifications, teaching and research in Azerbaijan. In the long run, it could lead to more job opportunities and mobility of students, teachers and researchers.

The programme will also provide funding to civil society to increase its capacity and participation in the education sector, with specific focus on the dialogue between civil society, education authorities and business and social partners.