Thursday, August 31 2023 14:10

ArmInfo.The European Union will provide the Armenian government with 32 million euros to improve the  quality of teaching and modernize STEM laboratories in 337 schools in the country. On August 31, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft Presidential Decree "On Approval of the Financing Agreement "EU  Support to Education in Armenia", signed between the Republic of  Armenia and the European Commission on April 27, 2023 in Brussels and  August 1, 2023 in Yerevan."

As stated in the document, the EU will provide budgetary support to  Armenia on a grant basis in the amount of 29.3 million euros. In  addition, additional technical assistance in the amount of 2.7  million euros will be provided to support the implementation of the  Project. Co-financing from the side of the Republic of Armenia is not  planned.

The goal of the project is to increase the competitiveness of the  educational system of Armenia in accordance with the program of the  Government of the Republic of Armenia for 2021-2026 through reforms  in the field of education, as well as in accordance with the program  for the development of the field of education until 2030. The  project, as noted, will contribute to the implementation of the  planned reforms through increased political dialogue, funding and  technical assistance.

In particular, the project will focus on improving the quality of  teaching and learning in STEM subjects (science, technology,  engineering, mathematics) by combining formal and innovative  non-formal education in order to make high-quality educational  services more accessible in rural communities.

Based on the models and achievements of the EU-funded "EU for  Innovation" program, the program will cover all schools in Ararat,  Kotayk and Gegharkunik, as well as 13 schools in the city of Kapan,  Syunik region. A total of 337 schools will be refurbished and  equipped with STEM labs, trained teachers and updated teaching  methods.