Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia, VivaCell-MTS, “Synopsys Armenia”, “Unicomp” and the Union of Information and Communication Technology Employers
Today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia, VivaCell-MTS, “Synopsys Armenia”, “Unicomp” and the Union of Information and Communication Technology Employers, that envisions the introduction of professional subjects “Microelectronics”, “Information Technologies” and “Basics of Telecommunication” in high schools. The MOU was signed by the RA Minister of Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, Director of “Synopsys Armenia” Hovik Musayelyan, Director of “Unicomp” Company Armen Baldryan and Executive Director of UICTE Eduard Musaelyan.
Congratulating the cooperating sides on the signing of the MOU, Arayik Harutyunyan noted that the Ministry of Education and Science has developed a close cooperation with the above-mentioned organizations in the ICT sphere. The Minister noted that the educational pilot project implemented since 2015 has been expanded to include five more high schools, in addition to the 10 current beneficiary schools. “In October, we had a comprehensive discussion underlining the efficiency of the program and the need for expanding it. This Memorandum proves once again that the sphere of high technologies is а priority for our government, and to succeed in this sphere, we need close cooperation between the state and the private sector,” said the Acting Minister of Education and Science, expressing confidence that this cooperation will be continuous. Arayik Harutyunyan thanked the principals of the beneficiary schools, noting that without their support, the program would not be such a success. “There is one problem, though, in including new schools: the problem of finding and retraining instructors for the above mentioned subjects. Yet, I am confident that we will solve this problem and move on. Having qualified specialists in the ICT sphere, means having new workforce in the sphere,” said Arayik Harutyunyan and added that the program will include also regional high schools as, decentralization and equal development of the regions is also a priority for the government, notwithstanding the fact, that high schools in Gyumri and Vanadzor were one of the first schools to be included in the pilot project.
“As the largest telecommunications company in Armenia and a major employer, VivaCell-MTS continuously supports the development of the ICT education sphere in the country. Projects aimed at the development of ICT are also important for the Company in terms of their huge social significance. Increasing the level of ITC education is aimed not only towards meeting the requirements of the job market, but also towards creating favorable conditions for the youth to stay and work in Armenia. Increasing the quality of education in this sphere is a long-term investment in the future of the country: the knowledge and skills acquired by the youth is then applied in information and communications technology companies operating in Armenia,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.
Director of “Synopsys Armenia” Hovik Musayelyan, too, stated that the program is a success. “We are proud that Armenia is the only country in the world where “Microelectronics”, “Information Technologies” and “Basics of Telecommunication” are mandatory subjects in high schools. This is the second phenomenon, after chess, to be exported from Armenia; even representatives of developed countries note this fact. As we know, high technologies are a priority area for the development of the economy, and if we want to make them into a driving force, we need to improve the quality of education in the ICT sphere,” said Hovik Musaelyan.
In his turn, Director of “Unicomp” Company Armen Baldryan noted that the world is on the brink of economic revolution. “As a company operating in the Armenian ICT sphere, we have high ambitions. I am confident that our country, too, will be part of the economic revolution, and the ICT sphere is an important prerequisite for that. Neither the state, nor companies can reach success without high quality education”, added Armen Baldryan.
According to Executive Director of the UICTE Eduard Musaelyan, in the frames of the educational pilot project 20 teachers were retrained and 2800 students received education in the ICT sphere. “The support from the Ministry of Education and Science encourages us, and we are hopeful that even more students will have sound knowledge base in the ICT sphere as a result of the implemented program,” said Eduard Musaelyan.
To note, as stipulated by the MOU, the RA Ministry of Education and Science will ensure the implementation of the above-mentioned subjects, as well as the elaboration and approval of criteria and materials for teaching “Microelectronics”, “Information Technologies” and “Basics of Telecommunication” subjects. The Ministry will also participate in the selection process of schools and support in raising awareness about the project.
VivaCell-MTS will participate in the process of elaborating the criteria and the teaching materials for the subject of “Basics of Telecommunication” and the vocational training and professional re-training of the instructors of the subject, “Synopsys Armenia” will contribute to the development of subject criteria and curriculum for the “Microelectronics”, as well as organize retraining of instructors of this subject, and “Unicomp” Company will develop criteria and curriculum of “Information Technologies”, as well as organize retraining of instructors of this subject. “Unicomp” Company will also ensure the provision of technical support to the “Microelectronics” “Information Technologies”, “Basics of Telecommunication” laboratories and respective computer networks of high schools included in the program. The Union of Information and Communication Technology Employers will support the project by attracting new partners, monitoring the implementation of the program and choosing the high schools to be included in the pilot project.
You can also reach us at 111 or 093 297111.
For information about fixed services please call at 060 61 00 00 phone number.