site.btaTwo Swiss-Backed Programmes on Dual Education and Health Promotion Signed in Sofia

Bulgaria and Switzerland have signed two programmes, “DOMINO 2: Mainstreaming Dual Vocational Education and Training in Bulgaria” and “Prevention and Health Promotion”, part of the Second Swiss Contribution to Bulgaria, the Innovation and Growth Ministry in Sofia said on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Education and Science Krassimir Valchev, Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov and Swiss Ambassador to Bulgaria Raymund Furrer laid their signatures to the two programmes during a ceremony at the Council of Ministers.

“DOMINO 2” has a budget of CHF 5 million, and “Prevention and Health Promotion” will be funded with CHF 3.5 million.

Deputy PM Donchev commented: “Vocational training is perhaps one of the greatest challenges we face in the education system, and at the same time it is a pivotal factor for the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.”

According to him, the two programmes are of critical importance because they invest directly in young people and their potential. “I am convinced that we will amass experience and will build traditions through the project for prevention for better health,” Donchev added.

He also said: “Transferring know-how, sharing experience and developing new cooperation with high added value are essential when you work with a top-class partner like Switzerland.”

Ambassador Furrer noted that “DOMINO 2” is aimed at working out a more systematic approach to dual education and lays emphasis on cooperation between the public and the private sector, which is of vital importance. Education Minister Valchev, whose department will operate the programme, said that “DOMINO 2” will generate very high added value, and noted that Bulgaria’s economic development is critically dependent on vocational education.

“Prevention and Health Promotion” is aimed at boosting health literacy and preventing non-infectious diseases by applying innovative approaches to training in health matters. The programme will enhance health education and awareness of health challenges in 18 schools, six kindergartens and four nurseries. Health Minister Kirilov said the implementation of the programme is a priority for his department, which will be the programme operator.