Within the framework of the 10th meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Armenia and Turkmenistan, held on March 26 in Yerevan, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Azat Ataev visited key educational institutions of the friendly state.
The visits were aimed at studying innovative education models, exchanging experiences, and seeking opportunities for future cooperation.
The first stop was the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, renowned for its unique model of free additional education for teenagers aged 12-18. The center is an important resource for developing digital skills and future competencies. Its work is focused on extracurricular education in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), including such areas as animation, game development, web development, programming, robotics, and new media. The program is built on principles of self-learning, workshops, and laboratory projects, allowing teenagers to independently choose their learning trajectory.
The Turkmen side expressed interest in this approach, particularly in the context of preparing youth for the challenges of the digital economy. Discussions included opportunities for Turkmenistan to adapt similar programs to enhance technological literacy among students.
Next, the Deputy Minister visited the National Center for Vocational Education and Training Development (NCVETD), which plays a key role in reforming Armenia's vocational education system. The center is involved in developing qualification frameworks, evaluating quality, accrediting programs, and training working personnel.
NCVETD also represents Armenia in WorldSkills International, an international organization that conducts competitions in professional skills. The center makes a significant contribution to integrating education with real economic needs.
Special attention in the discussions was given to dual education, forecasting labor market needs, and cooperation with the private sector. It was noted that such approaches could become the foundation for reforming vocational training in Turkmenistan, especially in collaboration with the private sector.
Azat Ataev also visited the Armenian National Engineering Laboratories (ANEL), a center of excellence located at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia. The main goal of the center is to meet the needs of the engineering industry for qualified personnel capable of enhancing the added value and innovation of Armenian high-tech companies. Founded in 2013, ANEL includes 30 modern educational and research laboratories aimed at preparing specialists for high-tech industries.
The laboratories are equipped with modern equipment for high-precision research and offer basic, advanced, and specialized courses in more than 50 disciplines, including international certification (e.g., CLAD, CLD, CLA). Discussions with ANEL focused on exchanging experiences in engineering education, scientific research, and innovation.
During the visits, productive discussions were held with the leaders and staff of the institutions, exploring opportunities for future interaction. Among the proposed directions are student exchange, joint research projects, and adapting best practices in education and training.
The meetings opened new perspectives for strengthening ties between educational institutions of Turkmenistan and Armenia, particularly in engineering research and training personnel for high-tech industries. These meetings highlight the growing partnership between Turkmenistan and Armenia, with an emphasis on mutually beneficial development of educational systems.
