SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
2003-2004 ACADEMIC YEAR DIFFERS FROM PREVIOUS BY MANY POSITIVE FEATURES
M. Mardanov noted that owing to the measures taken by the Government and assistance rendered by international organizations and entrepreneurs, this academic year differs from previous ones by many positive features. Therefore, with the assistance of the Embassy of Japan, 14 new schools were constructed and put into commission; at the expense of financial resources allotted by the Government more than 200 schools were thoroughly renovated. A two-floor school constructed at the personal expense of entrepreneur Agamirza Akhadov in Chiyni village of Ujar region of Azerbaijan meeting the European standards.
Schoolchildren of the first form were distributed free educational materials. Primary forms have been provided with educational materials, financial resources are allotted by the state budget to provide schoolchildren from the occupied territories with all textbooks free.
Minister said that significant progress was made in the preparation of educational establishments to winter. Negotiations with donor organizations and international financial bodies are being held at present to develop education and eliminate existing problems. Some of these negotiations have already been completed. A Protocol with the Saudi Development Fund was signed on the construction of five schools meeting modern demands for the total cost of $9.7 million credit allotted by this fund.
In conclusion, M. Mardanov answered journalists’ questions.