Open Society Institute-Assistance Foundation Azerbaijan

Step by Step Project began operating in 1998 as one of the regional projects financed by the Open Society Institute New York together with the National Foundation Open Society Institute - Assistance Foundation Azerbaijan. The Open Society Institute is one of the key organizations playing an important role in the process of education reform. In this context, Step by Step is one of the biggest and most important programs at OSI, especially due to the fact that this program is dealing also with reform of preschool education which is not covered by other organizations. In 2002 the Step by Step Program is in the process for applying for NGO status. Until that status is granted by Azeri Government the program will remain a part of OSI-AF.

Step by Step Project since its inception has grown from nine kindergartens in five towns to its current level which is 101 classrooms in 36 kindergartens, 79 classrooms in 43 primary schools, and an active collaboration with 3 Universities in the training and retraining of teachers throughout Azerbaijan. The project enjoys strong approval from the Ministry of Education and each of the Universities within the country. The results of the project are currently being manifested in substantial progress of children in all domains. There is now interest in reformation of educational curriculums at all levels, an active internship program in cooperation with the Pedagogical Institute, and a collaborative effort directed to the Higher Education Initiative. Step by Step Azerbaijan works closely with teachers encouraging the publication of books for the ISSA web site as well as inviting contributions to the ISSA journal.

Step by Step AZ has established two Training Centers that are currently providing training for teachers, parents, and community as well as ongoing training for those already working in Step by Step. Plans are underway for the Step by Step training centers to expand to a total of nine and to provide comprehensive training to teachers from schools that are interested in learning about Step by Step, to become an alternative venue for the retraining of teachers in Azerbaijan, as well as continuing their current level of service.

Step by Step Az has involved into program implementation process all the national minorities in country. Step by Step Az has also developed children's books publishing project.

Partners

SOS Kinderdorf
Schools
Preschools
Universities
Teacher Re-Training Institutes
Ministry of Education
UNICEF
EXXON MOBIL
Children's Aid Direct
United Aid for Azerbaijan
United Nations Women's Guild
United Methodist Committee on Relief
World Vision

For more information about the SbS program in Azerbaijan, please, click on the links at the right or contact the program Director, Ulviya Mikailova, directly.

Ulviya Mikailova
OSI-AF Azerbaijan
1, Khagani street
370000 Baku
Phone: (99412) 98-69-33
Fax: (99412) 98-69-34
E-mail: umikailova@osi-az.org

or
Master-Trainer for Preschool Program: Elnara Ganizade
or
Master-Trainer for Primary Program: Farida Aliyeva