Professional education system`s development in Armenia is crucial  for  country`s economic growth - Minister

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.