Switzerland started a long-term development initiative to aid Armenia in improving its agricultural vocational education system on December 3, 2021. The Swiss Development Cooperation has accepted in principle a CHF 7,130,000 support package for Armenia. The initiative is being implemented by a unique coalition of international and local development players, as well as the public and commercial sectors, who will also raise extra money. According to a press statement from the Swiss Embassy in Armenia, the reform will be carried out by the Swiss NGO HEKS, the Armenian NGO SDA, and the German Corporation for International Cooperation GIZ, with the overall coordination of the Armenian government.
The intervention will help the Armenian government modernise agricultural vocational education and better match it to market need, resulting in increased economic development and quality jobs. By integrating academic knowledge with practical training in a chosen number of occupations, the initiative aims to boost career options for children living in rural regions. Along with obtaining theoretical knowledge at vocational education schools, students will have the option to strengthen their abilities in local businesses and farms as part of the reform. Their education will culminate in a state diploma.
Switzerland is collaborating with a wide range of partners to boost the project's impact and effectiveness, including the Armenian government, international organisations, the public and commercial sectors, and academic institutions. The German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ, the Austrian Development Agency ADA, the Armenian Izmirilian Foundation, and certain private enterprises in Armenia are among the other financing partners who provide considerable money to the Swiss contribution. The final approval of some of these contributions is still pending.
The project will be carried out in various northern areas, including Southern Syunik and Vayots Dzor. The Swiss NGO HEKS, the Armenian NGO SDA, and the German Corporation for International Cooperation GIZ are the project's implementers.
The project translates principles and objectives of Switzerland’s foreign policy and development cooperation into action. Switzerland supports the transition of Armenia towards a market economy and contributes to ensuring that the country’s population benefits from inclusive economic development. The project will benefit from the Swiss technical expertise on economic development in rural areas and its dual education system.
