Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of secondary school No 158 in the Yasamal district of Baku after major overhaul and reconstruction on Knowledge Day

On 16 September, the Day of Knowledge, secondary school No 158 in the Yasamal district of Baku was put into operation after major overhaul and reconstruction.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

The head of state reviewed the stand describing the condition of the school prior to repairs.

Baku Mayor Hajibala Abutalibov informed the President about the work done. It was noted that the building of secondary school No 158 was constructed in 1961. The school for 1,850 pupils consists of three academic buildings and one ancillary facility. Work on major repairs and reconstruction of the school began in May of this year and all the classrooms, subject-specific rooms, the canteen, the library, the assembly hall and the gym have been renovated in a short period of time and in line with contemporary standards. The lighting and heating systems of the educational institution have also been refurbished. The area around the school has been landscaped.

After reviewing the work done, President Ilham Aliyev met with the teachers and pupils of the school and congratulated them on the new school year.

Addressing the teachers and pupils of the school, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Good morning. I would like to sincerely congratulate all of you on the start of a new school year. At the same time, I congratulate you on the reopening of your school after major overhaul. It is a beautiful school now. I have also reviewed the pictures of the old school. As people working here, you know best what condition the school was in before. The school has been overhauled and rebuilt in a short period of time, in just three months. This school will operate for decades to come in this beautiful condition. All the necessary equipment is available. Everything has been done. So it will be pleasant both for teachers to work and for pupils to study here.

The key issue is to further improve the quality of education because the construction of schools has assumed large proportions in the country in general and in Baku in particular. A total of 46 schools have been overhauled in Baku this summer alone. More than 200 schools have been refurbished in the country in general. The construction and renovation of schools in Azerbaijan has been very extensive in recent years. There are around 4,500 schools in Azerbaijan. Over the past 10 years we have built and refurbished more than 2,700 schools. Despite this, there are still schools in need of renovation, including those in Baku. A total of 267 schools have been refurbished and built in Baku in recent years, but 90 more still need to be renovated because their condition is close to the previous appearance of this school. This means that we will need another year or two to bring all schools in Baku to this condition. 

The quality of education is an unending process. We need to always keep this issue in the spotlight, especially teachers and people dealing with education. We need to always pay attention to this issue. 

It has been repeatedly stated: “Education is a key contributor to the future of any country.” The development of any country is determined by its people, their knowledge and talents. There are countries that do not have large natural resources, but have achieved the highest level of development in the world. This is the direction in which we should go. Our advantage is in the fact that we have natural resources and are channelling our revenues into the human capital, including the reforms conducted in the sphere of education. 

We need to make sure that the successful and long-term development of our country is determined by science, knowledge and technology. Scientific and technological progress of any country is a key factor in the development of any country. The future of countries in the 21st century will depend on education and the level of knowledge. So our kids should be knowledgeable and competent. They should stay abreast of all the innovations taking place in the world. Of course, teachers should also ensure the high level of education.

I am hopeful that the reforms currently under way in the sphere of education will soon bear fruit. Certain work has alreadybeen done in this area. But I still think that the current development dynamics of Azerbaijan requires us to raise the level of education to the highest possible standard. I have no doubt that we will achieve that because the people of Azerbaijan have tremendous potential. Our people are talented and knowledgeable. I am sure that the children also understand that if they gain good knowledge at school and university, it will be easier for them to find themselves a place in the future.

The level of knowledge in our society determines the future of everyone. As our country develops, this factor will play an increasingly important role. At the same time, the future of any country is determined by patriotic people. Our people have always been noted for love of the motherland and attachment to the native country. The work under way in Azerbaijan is already attracting the attention of the international community. We have achieved the highest pace of economic growth on a global scale. Our international standing is also strengthening. Therefore, there are many reasons to be proud of our country. Taking this into consideration, I would like to repeat that our young people and children should be brought up in a patriotic spirit. They should treat their motherland with love.

Of course, both families and teachers have a special role to play in this area because the world outlook of every individual forms in secondary school. Those doing well at school usually do well in university as well.

I am sure that several key objectives facing the sphere of education will soon be met. The quality of education in higher education institutions should be improved. We need to create a different picture in vocational schools. The activities of our vocational schools should correspond to our economic development, so that we could train qualified professionals.

Different programs are being implemented to train qualified professionals. We are sending our young people to receive education abroad. But I have already expressed my views about that. I want to reiterate that the level of education in Azerbaijan should be high enough for young people not to have to travel abroad to receive education. And this depends on the teachers, the leadership of the country, everyone working in the education system and, of course, children. Children should do well at school. They should listen to their teachers because this is necessary for them and for their future.

We, in turn, will do our best to bring all schools to such beautiful condition and resolve all other issues associated with education. I want to congratulate all of you again and wish you every success.

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School principal Zemfira Samadova expressed her gratitude to the head of the state for the care and attention being paid to the development of education in the country.

In conclusion, a photo was taken as a souvenir.