THE EUROPEAN UNION MAKES ANOTHER $7 MILLION DISBURSEMENT IN SUPPORT OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING, AS WELL AS CHILD PROTECTION IN ARMENIA
On 15 July the European Union provided the final instalment of
~@5 million in support to vocational education and training (VET)
in Armenia, as well as a fixed instalment of ~@2 million to support
childcare reforms under the EU food security programme. Both financial
tranches are part of corresponding budget support operations, which
were agreed respectively in 2009 and 2010.
The overall EU assistance to VET in Armenia amounts to ~@15 million.
The key results of the programme are enhanced governance of VET
reforms, development of employment strategies, as well as improved
conditions and efficiency of VET delivery, leading to improved active
employment measures.
The programme has encouraged cooperation of authorities for a more
modern vision regarding VET institutions with updated procedures,
curricula and a National Training Fund on a pilot basis. Moreover,
12 VET colleges, mostly in regions, were modernised with enhanced
infrastructure, equipment, training of staff, improved planning
and budgeting. The impact is tangible - new students and teachers
have joined the system, thanks to improving finances and increasing
confidence in the future management.
Meanwhile, the food security programme has focused on child protection
and has contributed to a reduction of the number of children in
institutions and a decrease in the number of special education
institutions. While in 2007 there were around 12,000 institutionalised
children, their number decreased drastically to 4,500 as of 2012. The
number of special education institutions was decreased from 45 to 23.
The support has also led to unified leadership on child protection
through the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and an Action Plan
to ensure social protection of children at special educational schools
for children with special needs. The role of the National Commission
for Child Protection as a coordinating body with substantial advisory
and monitoring powers was strengthened through a revised charter. In
addition, the professional staff of three specialised orphanages was
trained on modern methodology of work with disabled children.
18:13 31/07/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/30595
On 15 July the European Union provided the final instalment of
~@5 million in support to vocational education and training (VET)
in Armenia, as well as a fixed instalment of ~@2 million to support
childcare reforms under the EU food security programme. Both financial
tranches are part of corresponding budget support operations, which
were agreed respectively in 2009 and 2010.
The overall EU assistance to VET in Armenia amounts to ~@15 million.
The key results of the programme are enhanced governance of VET
reforms, development of employment strategies, as well as improved
conditions and efficiency of VET delivery, leading to improved active
employment measures.
The programme has encouraged cooperation of authorities for a more
modern vision regarding VET institutions with updated procedures,
curricula and a National Training Fund on a pilot basis. Moreover,
12 VET colleges, mostly in regions, were modernised with enhanced
infrastructure, equipment, training of staff, improved planning
and budgeting. The impact is tangible - new students and teachers
have joined the system, thanks to improving finances and increasing
confidence in the future management.
Meanwhile, the food security programme has focused on child protection
and has contributed to a reduction of the number of children in
institutions and a decrease in the number of special education
institutions. While in 2007 there were around 12,000 institutionalised
children, their number decreased drastically to 4,500 as of 2012. The
number of special education institutions was decreased from 45 to 23.
The support has also led to unified leadership on child protection
through the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and an Action Plan
to ensure social protection of children at special educational schools
for children with special needs. The role of the National Commission
for Child Protection as a coordinating body with substantial advisory
and monitoring powers was strengthened through a revised charter. In
addition, the professional staff of three specialised orphanages was
trained on modern methodology of work with disabled children.
18:13 31/07/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/30595