Inclusive Training Center Opens at Baku Vocational Center for Culture and Crafts
An inclusive training and teaching center for people with disabilities and neurodiversity has been set up at the Baku State Center for Professional Education in Culture and Crafts.
Gurban Gurbanzadeh2 min read
An inclusive training and teaching center has been set up at the Baku State Center for Professional Education in Culture and Crafts. It is intended for people with disabilities and neurodiversity and was opened under the SkillBridge project.
Attending the opening were Alyona Alieva, deputy minister of science and education; Firuddin Gurbanov, head of the Khazar District Executive Power; Elshan Salahov, deputy minister of youth and sport; Indira Hajiyeva, executive director of SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations MMC; Polad Rustamov; and Milli Majlis deputy Soltan Mammadov.
What the Center Offers
The center has four workshops equipped with modern technology. Training is planned in graphic design, web design and software, interior and exterior art and decoration, woodcarving, as well as sales and cashier-controller work.
In the workshop of the public union Together and Healthy, young people with neurodiversity are undergoing practical training in confectionery, barista work and office administration.
Project Goals and Speeches
The project aims to assess 200 people, enroll 100 people in training programs and secure employment for at least 60 people. Project head Gazi Aynalov said the center will help develop the professional skills of people with disabilities and neurodiversity and help them integrate into the labor market.
Ayten Aynalova, founder of the public union Together and Healthy, spoke about support for people with autism and their families. Elshan Salahov stressed the importance of inclusive education and equal opportunities for children. Firuddin Gurbanov said physical barriers must be removed and practical skills of graduates developed.
Ilgar Bayramli, director of the State Agency for Professional Education, said that more than 5,000 training opportunities for people with disabilities had been created at vocational education institutions in 2023–2026. In the current academic year, enrollment of such students rose 40% compared with 2023, to 1,400 people. According to him, the new center will expand access to professional education and help turn skills into real employment.
Two young people with neurodiversity spoke about their experience. Guests toured the center and its workshops. The project is being implemented in partnership with the State Agency for Professional Education, with financial support from SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations MMC and partners of the South Caucasus Pipeline. The public union Together and Healthy is the implementing organization.
Source: oxu.az
