Baku, November 26, AZERTAC
This is the third of the five new Learning Hubs which will expand the network of the already existing 13 English Clubs in Azerbaijan. The new learning hubs are established in the IDP schools in Masazir, Zagatala, Tartar, Beylagan and Barda and will have all the necessary high-quality teaching and learning resources, technology, and self-study materials. The British Council has designed and developed the programme, with the funding from the UK Government. Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the British Embassy in Azerbaijan will support the implementation of this programme.
The Learning Hubs: Improved Skills for Stronger Societies is a three-year programme that will develop young people’s skills so that they can build confidence and have better access to educational and career pathways in the future. Learning Hubs programme will build upon the success of the British Council’s English Clubs initiative that took place between 2016-2019.
The launch event of the third Learning Hub this year will take place on 26 November 2019 at school number 2 in Beylagan.
Summer Xia, Country Director of the British Council in Azerbaijan, says: “This is one of our flagship programmes in Azerbaijan. Our Learning Hubs will provide the young learners with an opportunity to engage in conversational English practice, as well as grow their leadership and soft skills which will equip them for competitive education and career pathways in the 21st century.”
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Over three years, 17,200 young people in the IDP communities of Azerbaijan will benefit through the improved English and core skills programmes incorporated through the formal teaching by over 600 trained teachers. In addition to the new Learning Hub locations, the programme already has existing hubs in Baku, Mushfigabad, Ganja and Lankaran.
The programme will focus on good English teaching, as well as increasing understanding of tolerance, mutuality and dialogue among young people and their communities. It will also develop critical thinking, problem solving, communication and debating skills, all whilst connecting the learners with the wider world. The participants will be able to engage with different viewpoints and opinions, analyse situations critically, and express their opinions.
The British Council will also work with teachers in these selected communities, using the UK’s experience and resources to help them develop their confidence, skills and knowledge. The programme will identify their needs, provide them with development opportunities, and prepare them to be able to use the innovative teaching resources and practices in their classrooms. Five new Teacher Activity Groups will be established to provide a platform so that teachers can come together to discuss new ideas, teaching practices and local needs. The teachers will be positioned to influence long-term positive change and contribute to their communities.
The British Council will support the building of cohesion and prosperity in the host communities by involving the participating young learners, teachers, parents, and leaders. They will come together to explore, discuss and celebrate the learning and development within the Learning Hubs and beyond.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It creates friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. The British Council does this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries it works with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. It works with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year it reached over 80 million people directly and 791 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, the British Council a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body.