On June 20, “Erasmus+ National Kick-off Day 2024” event took place at the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. The purpose of the event was to present the main goals, expected results of the projects implemented by Armenian higher education and VET institutions that received funding as a result of the Erasmus+ Call 2023, hold discussions aimed at the implementation of these projects and identify the challenges of the field and solutions. The event hosted more than 150 representatives from higher and vocational education institutions, education policymakers, civil society and business representatives and other interested parties. 

The event started with the opening remarks of Vassilis Maragos (Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia) and Artur Martirosyan (Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of RA). Afterwards, Lana Karlova (Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia) introduced the recent updates on “Capacity Building in Higher Education” action.

PART 1. Higher education 

The first half of the event was dedicated to the presentations of the 8 projects funded in frames of Erasmus+ Call 2023 on “Capacity Building in Higher Education” Action.

Panel discussion 1

The first panel discussion “Erasmus+ projects funded in 2023, their impact on higher education” was moderated by Garegin Hambardzumyan (Head of International Relations Department of the National Agrarian University of Armenia, Higher Education Reform Expert).

The speakers of this panel discussion were:

• Alexandr Markarov, Yerevan State University, “KPI4HE – Establishment of National framework of Key Performance Indicators for good governance and quality towards inclusive, digital and green oriented higher education in Armenia”,
• Marianna Harutyunyan, Armenian State Pedagogical University, “T4GREEN – Transforming Teacher Education for Green and Digital Transition in Armenia and Moldova”,
• Irina Vanyan, National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, “RE-GRAD – Reforming Undergraduate Education for GReen and Sustainable Development in Armenia and MolDova”,
• Lusik Vardanyan, Vanadzor State University, “DeSIRe – Development of Soft Skills at Higher Education Institutions of Armenia and Georgia in Compliance with the 21st Century Labour Market Requirements”. 

The discussion emphasized the importance of enhanced governance and management mechanisms, focusing on inclusivity, digitalization, and sustainability. The speakers highlighted the need to transform teacher education through green and digital transitions, reform undergraduate education and develop modern skills aligned with 21st-century labor market needs. The panel also addressed potential risks and the importance of ensuring long-term sustainability.

Panel discussion 2

The second panel discussion “Erasmus+ projects funded in 2023, their impact on higher education” was moderated by Ruzanna Minasyan (Head of Academic Programme Development Division, State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia, Higher Education Reform Expert).

The speakers of this panel discussion were:

• Ruben Markosyan, Eurasia International University, “Micro-GEAR – Micro-credentials for Higher Education systems of Georgia and Armenia: South Caucasus lighthouse project”,
• Gor Martirosyan, National Polytechnic University of Armenia, “LISS24 – Learn – Innovate – Sell – Succeed”,
• Alexandr Markarov, Yerevan State University, JoPScip – “Curriculum Development – Joint MA Program in Political Science”,
• Anna Martirosyan, Eurasia International University, SIN-NEC – “Sustainability and Internationalization capacities to promote modernisation of Newcomers Higher Education in Neighbourhood East Countries”.

The discussion delved into broad themes such as sustainability strategies, training programs and the use of virtual exchanges to pilot new educational models. A recurring theme was the vital connection between academia, business and the labor market. By aligning educational outcomes with market needs, these projects ensure that graduates are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the practical skills and international outlook necessary for success in today’s global economy.

PART 2. Vocational education 

The second half of the event was dedicated to the introduction of 4 projects funded in frames of Erasmus+ Call 2023  “Capacity Building in VET” Action․

The session started with welcoming speeches from Araksia Svajyan (Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of RA) and David Avakian (Project Manager at Delegation of the European Union to Armenia). Afterwards, Lana Karlova (Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia) introduced the recent updates on the “Capacity Building in VET” action.

Panel discussion 3

The third panel discussion “Erasmus+ projects funded in 2023, and their impact on the VET sector” was moderated by Ruzanna Minasyan (Head of Academic Programme Development Division, State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia, Higher Education Reform Expert).

The speakers of this panel discussion were:

• Syuzanna Sarukhanyan, Stepanavan State Agricultural College named after Professor A. Kalantar, “CB4WBL – An innovative model of SMART Farm adjacent to VET institution for students work-based learning towards better employability of graduates”,
• Naira Aloyan, Agricultural College аfter A.Kochinyan, “VETfarm – VET Demonstration Partnership for Pistachio Farm in Armenia: Geospatial Approach”,
• Arthur Ghazaryan, “Youth Cooperation Centre of Dilijan” NGO, “IN-VET – INVEsT in you: promote international traineeship programs for Armenian, Georgian and Moldovan students in Central Europe”,
• Gohar Grigoryan, French-Armenian Vocational Education Center, “IMPROVET-AM – IMProve and PROmote VET in Armenia”․

Overall, the discussion highlighted how these projects are transforming the VET sector by providing practical, work-based learning opportunities, enhancing the quality of education and aligning training programs with labor market needs, ultimately improving employability and professional readiness of graduates.

Panel discussion 4

The fourth panel discussion was on “Prospects and challenges of internationalisation of VET sector”, which was moderated by Tigran Mikayelyan (Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Khachatur Abovyan State Pedagogical University of Armenia, Higher Education Reform Expert). 

The speakers of this panel discussion were

• Armenuhi Poghosyan, Head of VET Department, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, 
• Marine Jamkochian, representative of Business and Education Partnership Foundation, 
• Arayik Navoyan, Head of Armenian Center for Education Policy and Management,
• Arthur Siradeghyan, Director of Vardenis “Badeyan” State College.

The panel emphasized partnerships between educational institutions and businesses for practical international experiences. It also addressed language and cultural barriers with innovative solutions. The benefits of student and faculty exchanges were underscored for enriching educational opportunities. Overall, the panel emphasized collaborative strategies and curriculum enhancements to advance internationalisation in Armenia’s VET sector.

“Erasmus+ National Kick-off Day 2024” event concluded with insightful discussions on the transformative potential of these projects. Moderators and panelists highlighted the significant advancements in governance, quality assurance, sustainability and internationalisation across both higher and vocational education institutions. 

The discussions underscored the importance of aligning national educational standards with international benchmarks, fostering innovative teaching and learning models, and enhancing employability through practical, hands-on experiences. Partnerships between educational institutions, businesses and international bodies were emphasized as crucial for providing students with the skills and knowledge required in a globalized job market.

Addressing challenges such as language barriers, curriculum alignment and cultural differences, the event showcased solutions like language training programs, curriculum innovations and international exchange opportunities. The role of Erasmus+ program was celebrated for its critical contribution to these advancements, ultimately promoting a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally connected educational landscape in Armenia and beyond.