President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a new building of school No 1 in Yevlakh.
Representatives of the local public and the school staff warmly welcomed the head of state and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva.

Addressing those present, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Let me congratulate you on the construction of the school. It is a beautiful and modern school. The head of the local executive authority tells me that local school was in a deplorable condition and had not been renovated for many years. That building was knocked down and this wonderful school built in its place. In addition, school No 1 should be number one in everything. I warmly congratulate you, this is a great event. Children will do well here, there are great conditions for teachers as well.

Teachers have an important mission. The Day of Teachers was recently marked in Azerbaijan. Let me congratulate you on this occasion again. The role of teachers in society is great and very important. Teachers play the key role in educating the younger generation and in introducing knowledge. We must make sure that all our children do well and become educated, because education and knowledge is the foundation – both for every citizen and for the country as a whole. If we turn to the experience of developed countries, we can see that their success is linked to the level of education. No natural or mineral resources play a decisive role here. Only education and knowledge are crucial because development of the world is linked to scientific and technological progress. This requires competent personnel. Such personnel, such people make their first steps at school.

We must elevate our education system to the highest level, especially today when Azerbaijan has many such great schools. In the last 5-6 years alone, we have built and renovated over 2,000 schools. This work is continuing. We must make sure that there are no schools in a bad and emergency condition in Azerbaijan. School construction in Yevlakh is well underway. I can even say that the process of construction of schools in Yevlakh is perhaps the most active. More than 20 schools have been built and renovated in recent years. True, there are still schools that are not in the best condition. Gradually, however, they will either be repaired or demolished, and beautiful and modern schools established instead.

Infrastructure and the level of education – these two important factors must be at a high level in Azerbaijan. It is possible to build a nice school – our financial opportunities allow us this opportunity. However, it is necessary to ensure that the level of education is high. The children going to school must understand that in order to occupy a worthy place in life, it is necessary to be educated. In previous times, young people were more interested in obtaining a diploma because it could open all doors. During Soviet times, everyone was provided with a job. But now we are living in a market economy, in open competition. Therefore, a diploma without knowledge and professionalism wouldn’t mean anything. Therefore, the construction of secondary and vocational schools, kindergartens - all this makes our education system better.

Of course, we are using the world’s best practices in Azerbaijan. There are e-learning programs, electronic boards and computers now. Our work in this sphere is also at a good level. 6-7 years ago there was only one computer for a thousand pupils. Now there is one computer for 20 pupils, and children know the computer better than us. Sometimes we even ask them a few things. This means modernity, novelty and development.

I want to congratulate you on this wonderful event, the opening of the school, again. Once again I would like to congratulate teachers on their professional holiday and wish you success and good health.

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The ceremony participants had their picture taken with the President and his wife.

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Then the school was officially opened. The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening and was familiarized with conditions at the school.

It was indicated that Yevlakh’s first secondary school was located here 81 years ago. Since the previous building had become unusable, it was knocked down and construction of a new school commenced in 2009.

In the school lobby, there are photo stands documenting the care and attention of great leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev to education. There is a large library and offices, a gym and a medical station on the first floor. On the second floor, there are classrooms and 2 computer rooms, while on the third there are subject-specific classrooms, 2 laboratories, rooms and an assembly hall.

The head of state and his wife reviewed classrooms and the music room.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the conditions created at the school.