The transfer of know-how, the exchange of experience and the creation of new cooperation with high added value are of key importance when working with a first-class partner like Switzerland. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev at the signing of the programs “Integration of Dual Vocational Education and Training in Bulgaria (DOMINO 2)“ and “Prevention and Health Promotion“, part of the Second Swiss Contribution. The ceremony was held at the Council of Ministers, and the signing was also attended by the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev, the Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov and the Ambassador of Switzerland H.E. Raimund Furer.
The total budget of the two programs is 8.5 million Swiss francs - – “Domino 2“ is 5 million, and “Prevention and Health Promotion“ - 3.5 million.
“Vocational training is perhaps one of the biggest challenges we have in the education system and at the same time is a key factor for the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy“, said Deputy Prime Minister Donchev.
In his words, the two programs are critically important because they are direct investments in young people and their potential. “I am convinced that we will gain experience and create traditions in relation to the project for prevention for better health“, the Deputy Prime Minister was categorical.
Ambassador Furer drew attention to the fact that the “Domino 2“ Program aims to build a more systematic approach in dual education and emphasizes the extremely important cooperation between the public and private sectors. On the part of the program operator, the Ministry of Education, Minister Valchev stated that the “Domino“ Program will have a very high added value, because the country's economic development is critically dependent on vocational education.
The “Prevention and Health Promotion“ Program aims to increase health literacy and prevention of non-communicable diseases through innovative approaches to health education. In 18 schools, 6 kindergartens and 4 nurseries, the pilot will focus on health education and awareness of health challenges. Minister Kirilov emphasized that the implementation of the program is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. The department is a program component operator.