Azerbaijan marks Day of Knowledge
By Amina Nazarli
September 15 is marked in Azerbaijan as the Day of Knowledge.
This day is a very responsible and joyful time for thousands of children, parents, grandparents and teachers.
Unconditionally, a particular attention is given to first-graders and graduates. For many children, discovering every new thing in the world is a step forward in a long way. But the most touching moment for each first-grader is when they encounter their first schoolteacher.
Traditionally, solemn lines are read out on this day in schools, marking the beginning of the school year.
This year, over 138,000 children are expected to sit for the first time at the school desks. However, the number of first-grade pupils slightly dropped in comparison with last year, when the number was 141,166, with 74,998 boys and 66,168 girls.
Besides, a total of 1,692 young teachers will work for the first time in 2014/2015 academic year.
Positive emotions are very important on the first day of the school year. That is why in accordance with Education Minister, Mikail Jabbarov's order the first lesson on the Day of Knowledge will be devoted to the theme of patriotism. There is only one name and one goal of these lessons - institutionalizing love in students for their homeland.
As an innovation this year, "Sabah" groups will operate in the universities, where 738 talented students will study. More than 200 people, who finished school with honor, entered the universities.
In 2014, some 122 schools were built and reconstructed, 56 - repaired and 64 schools were under renovation.
September 15 is the beginning of new challenges and victories, difficulties and achievements, sorrows and joys. We wish all the pupils and students good luck in the coming school year.