Armenia`s deputy minister of science and education, UNICEF reps  discuss priorities of youth development programmes 

ArmInfo.  Deputy Minister of  Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MoESCS) of Armenia Artur Martirosyan held a meeting with UNICEF Early Childhood Development  Adviser in Europe and Central Asia Ivelina Borisova, as well as with  UNICEF Adolescent and Youth Development Specialist in Europe and  Central Asia (formerly Head of the UNICEF Adolescent and Youth  Development Program in Azerbaijan - ed.) Aida Aylarova. 

As ArmInfo was informed by the press service of the Ministry, the  parties focused on ensuring that the activities of the UNICEF  Armenian office for 2026-2030 comply with the priorities of the  Ministry, in particular, reforms in the areas of early childhood  development and youth policy. In this regard, Martirosyan noted that  the adoption of the law "On Youth Policy" will facilitate the  implementation of various activities aimed at complying with this  law, including expanding the network of youth centers and enriching  the content of the programs they implement.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the UNICEF Armenia  office will continue to support efforts to increase the level of  youth participation in various events and emphasized the importance  of expert support and the introduction of best practices used in  Armenia in other countries with comparable conditions. During the  meeting, Martirosyan also recalled that for settlements with up to 10  preschoolers, it is envisaged to introduce a model of alternative  preschool services or provide transportation services for visiting a  kindergarten in a neighboring settlement. 

In turn, Ivelina Borisova emphasized the need for proper  implementation of inclusive education in preschool institutions and  the provision of programs related to mental health. She noted the  positive experience of Armenia and expressed readiness to continue  promoting the development of the potential of teaching staff for more  effective work with children in need of special educational  conditions. During the meeting, the parties also discussed other  issues of mutual interest.