ArmInfo. The development of the professional education system in Armenia is considered one of the important preconditions for the country's economic growth, as stated by the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Armenia Zhanna Andreasyan, during a government session on July 17, while presenting the Cabinet of Ministers' draft decision on approving the list of free study places in educational institutions of the country.
According to the Minister, last year 58 educational institutions were allocated free places for study in areas such as industry, construction, and agriculture, with students receiving a minimum stipend of 50,000 drams. This approach, which has continued this year, has been ongoing for three years now. As a result of the program's implementation, 15,000 new students were enrolled in the secondary vocational education system last year, bringing the total number to nearly 45,000.
Every year, as noted by the Minister, the RA government allocates funds for free education in various secondary vocational institutions for approved subjects. There are 6064 places available, with 3312 individuals eligible for free education. These proportions will be maintained in the upcoming academic year. Specifically, 58 educational institutions will offer free places for training in 41 specialties and 74 secondary vocational educational institutions will provide opportunities for 116 specialties. The document was developed taking into account the needs of the labor market.
RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that education is the cornerstone of the government's policy. According to the education development strategy, all preschool-age children are required to attend preschool educational institutions located near their home. For the first time, criteria for preschool education have been established. Pashinyan also highlighted that the "Academic City" currently under construction will include high schools for the most talented children to attend.
