OSI-AF Contribution to the Education in Azerbaijan

Main strategic achievements of 2003

For the last 6 years OSI-AF has made contributions amounted 4 323 000 USD for the activity of the education programs. Every year 500 000 USD of the total sum were invested as a grant to support the activities of different people as well as organizations in educational sphere.

Conferences, Seminars and Trainings
During these 6 years more than 480 conferences, seminars and training courses (trainings) on educational issues were held in Azerbaijan in the framework of Education programs of OSI-AF. More than 5000 people gained a chance to participate in these events.

Publishing of training and methodical appliances
OSI-AF invested 500 000 USD on translation, printing and publishing supplies meeting the today's requirements. OSI-AF organized preparing and publishing training and methodical appliances of more than 55 topics. 6 main and 2 alternative training sets are available among them.

Education abroad
In 1997 the Baku Centre of Education Information was established as a division of OSI-AF. This centre provided Azerbaijani students of different levels and specialists with opportunities of getting education abroad. 380 students, teachers and specialists have been granted material support to continue their education in foreign countries since 1997.

Teachers' Advanced Training

1. In the field of pre-school education 328 kindergarten teachers were trained, 25 advanced training courses were organized, 32 trainers were prepared for providing kindergarten teachers with free training. Only for advanced training of kindergarten teachers OSI-AF invested 200 000 USD from 1998 up to now.
2. For primary school teachers 32 advanced training courses were held, 318 education workers were trained, 10 people participated in international advanced training courses and 44 trainers were prepared for providing other teachers with independent training. The cost of all these projects implemented since 1998 has amounted to over 225 000 USD.
3. For advanced training of high school subject teachers 40 advanced training courses were organized, 300 subject teachers were trained, 25 trainers were prepared for providing independent training. 10 people participated in international advanced training courses and since 1999 the cost of all the investments in this field has amounted to 50 000 USD.
4. In the field of English language training 450 teachers participated in various advanced training events, 24 advanced training courses were organized, 48 trainers were prepared for providing English teachers with independent training and 5 teachers participated in various international events (SMAT, SIT, TESOL, MENTOR course). The 5-year- expenses of OSI-AF in this field have amounted to 175 000USD.
5. In the field of civil education 1500 teachers participated in different advanced training courses, including 8 people, who took part in such international events. 50 advanced training courses were held and 18 people were prepared for providing independent civil education training. The investment amounted to 80 000 USD.
6. In the field of textbook preparing 150 teachers were trained, 25 trainers were prepared for advanced training and 28 courses were held. 10 teachers took part in international advanced training events and the investment amounted to 50 000 USD.

Main strategic achievements of 2003

Introduction of new teaching methodology into National Education

• Step by Step and RWCT training package was evaluated and certified by MoE In-service teachers Training Board
• English Language course were introduced at Initial Teacher Training curriculum
• Set of 3 Innovative Textbooks on English Language, French and Biology selected through textbook approval Board were adopted by MoE as core-textbooks
• Teacher's guidebook on innovative methods of history teaching for grade 5,6,7 developed by History teaching resource centre
• Regional Education Network through 4 Universities based Resources Centers were supported
• 3-year Social work curriculum development Project is started at two Universities
• Two guidebooks on Education evaluation and Textbook Evaluation were published
• E-teaching resources development pilot Project is started

Piloting and incorporation of new model teacher training provision and textbook approval mechanism

• Step by Step and RWCT Resources Centres based on 5 Higher Education Institutions were established
• Textbook Approval Board as selection body was piloted by MoE for evaluation of all alternative textbooks
• Network of 12 Resources Centres as infrastructure for all OSI educational training provision were established in 12 districts

The development of Civic Society participation through cooperation and networking level:

• Established Networking and cooperation among Civic education NGOs under Azerbaijan Civic Education Coalition building
• Debate Program trainers jointly with International Rescue Committee started Debate Program implementation among refugee community
• Pilot Project in of On-line Debate School Network in the Lenkoran region was accomplished

Additional funding from other donors for OSI Educational Initiatives and groups

• Eurasia Foundation funded in frames of Active Community School Project two educational initiatives submitted by two organizations supported by OSI: Lenkoran Training Center based on University and Debate in Civil Society. Total budget: USD 48 000
• Publishing House with History textbook team supported by OSI became winners of Textbook tender funded by WB& MoE Project Implementation Unit. Total budget: approximately USD 44 000
• I*EARN and IREX funded training activities of Azerbaijan I*EARN teachers Network established by OSI. Total budget: USD 10 000