The operation of a commercial course in the 9-year secondary school in the city of Kurdamir caused discontent among parents. Parents expressed concern about the coexistence of two educational systems. This news in the media reoriented the debate on “schools that do entrepreneurship” a few years ago.
“Can secondary school classrooms, hallways or playgrounds be rented?” The question became a topic of discussion on social media.
“Is there a legal basis for educational institutions to conduct business activities?” We tried to find out the response of the corresponding institution and the attitude of education experts.
“Caspian” newspaper article on the subject.
“Guarantee entrepreneurship and innovation activity”
The response to our consultation from the State Agency for Preschool and General Education states that, according to the law “On General Education”, a general education institution must engage in the types of entrepreneurial and innovative activities determined by the Cabinet of Ministers, based on the priority of education, in accordance with its profile and activities within the framework of its statute can: “In accordance with current legislation, to ensure business and innovation activity, relevant areas of production of experiences in the educational institution, additional training can be organize associations, interest courses, exhibitions, etc. on a paid basis. Thus, joint activity agreements can be concluded between a general education institution and individuals or legal entities, paid courses can be organized at the school with the participation of trainers. private preparatory courses and other educational centers: “The school building or any part of the building is the school itself or education cannot be rented by the administrative authorities. The leasing of state property is carried out by the competent state authority.”
“Although it is included in the law, there is no implementation mechanism”
According to Rasif Dunyamaliyev, member of the Public Council of the Ministry of Science and Education, schools can undertake entrepreneurial activities and even open courses. Although this issue is included in the law, there is no mechanism to enforce it. To do this, the schools themselves should be public legal entities: “Steps are being taken in this direction. It is being discussed that some schools should be given autonomy on a pilot basis and tested. After this test, the schools can regulate everything by themselves. Currently, which personnel will regulate this work in schools. There is no potential or experience. This is the problem of the Ministry, on the other hand, the preparatory courses taught in schools should not interfere with. the work of schools: “So that cannot be prevented. Those who engage in this practice cannot work in a public school. Because the work of a tutor is formalized and in the system, you can prepare in a private course or at home. It seems like 1-2 people can bypass the system, but they don’t let the tutors go to school. Therefore, no definitive step has been taken in this direction, but in the future some model may be established.”
“Additional income will be formed for schools”
Regarding the benefit of business activity for the school, the İŞ member believes that at this time additional income will be generated for the schools. These funds also cover teacher salaries, school repairs, etc. will be spent on issues: “Currently there are problems with school security services. Not all schools have a security service. Parents also demand it, and this service is very necessary. In Azerbaijan there are 4,000 schools. You cannot place a policeman in front of each school. To regulate this, the school must have additional income. On the other hand, the school itself can support this practice. According to the ISH member, schools can also provide additional income. this matter should A mechanism of this type should be established so that a lack of transparency is not allowed.
“If transparency is guaranteed…”
Nadir Israfilov, an education expert, says that although the law contains an article on entrepreneurial activity, it does not specify what jobs must be performed. This is where the conflict arises: “Let’s say that most of our schools last five days. On Saturdays and holidays the schools are empty. On those days, sports clubs, individual art courses, etc., rent schools and transfer money a “These funds must go to the school fund and the educational institution must also cover its needs. But once the contract is signed, this can cause dissatisfaction in the group.”
Without further ado
N. Israfilov says that there are schools that have been engaged in entrepreneurial activity since the Soviet era: “The Khaldan school in the Yevlakh region had a large, empty area. School children were fed free of charge with products purchased on the farm of that school. He brought the matter to the board and the decision was sent to the Ministry of Education of the USSR. The school’s director, Zahid Shöyubov, was awarded the title of People’s Teacher of the USSR. that can be financed since the mechanism has not yet been established, this issue generates various rumors and dissatisfaction. To avoid additional rumors, a list of the activities that can be carried out at the school should be published.”
