ArmInfo. Armenia takes all necessary measures to improve the quality of education. Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan stated from the rostrum of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.
According to him, first of all, the process of cleansing the budget of the ministry from unnecessary programs that were imposed on the phone from reputable persons began. Instead, the implementation of programs that are consonant with government policies began. As the minister noted, there are quantitative and qualitative problems in the education system, there is a shortage of qualified personnel. The task of the department is to solve this problem in the next few years. The first steps in this direction have already been made. In particular, all projects are carried out on a competitive basis, which gave the system a second wind, as there was competition, followed by an increase in the quality of education. For the time being, the question rests on a small number of participants in contests, which, in the opinion of the minister, is mainly due to the inertia of previous years.
"People simply do not believe in the possibility of their victory, but this is not so," said Harutyunyan. He recalled that in 2019, budget financing of the education system, most of which was aimed at capital construction, increased by almost 10%. From September of this year, teachers' salaries will be increased. As a result of savings, previously transferred to the Youth Foundation of Armenia, universities also increased the salaries of teachers.
The Minister emphasized that inclusive education continues to be one of the main directions of the department. This year, 5 new schools have already been commissioned, another 7 construction starts. Of course, Harutyunyan stated, this is not enough, but as budget funds increase, allocations for the needs of the education system will increase.