Ganja Education Information Center

Cost	Service
Free	One-on-one advising
Free	Advising by appointment
Free	Drop-in advising
Free	Regularly scheduled introductory presentations / sessions
Free	Computer / internet access/use
Free	Library hours
Free	Videos, DVDs available to borrow
Free	Test preparation materials for sale
Free	Test preparation courses
Free	English language courses

No higher education fairs have been scheduled.

"Women in Our World" project

8 week gender studies course about women's contribution to all of societal development, including medicine, science, technology, aerospace, politics, mathematics, civil rights, human rights, government and other social areas starts on February 5th in GEIC. The aim of the course is to educate students about women's contribution to the world and to encourage Azerbaijani's to be more active in women's education, self esteem building and encouragement of young women in our community. Classes will be conducted by Peace Corps volunteer in GEIC Raechelle Watkins-Baghirova.

"How to write Statement of Purpose?" Seminar

On February 11, a seminar entitled "How to write Statement of Purpose?" was offered in Ganja Education Information Center. Teachers working in local universities and students applying for undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs participated in the seminar.

"Women in Our World" Gender Studies Course presentations

On April 2nd, students presented the final results of group surveys. Students participated in an eight-week course about gender issues, problems, and differences. The students concluded the course with a two-week research component that surveyed community members about perceptions of gender issues. The final presentation also included a certificate award ceremony. The results of student research will be used to compile a report for training US Peace Corps volunteers serving in Azerbaijan.

"Cultural Presentation" from US Embassy

On May 20th, US Embassy Cultural Affairs representative Brent Maier visited our Center with a traveling Jazz musician from the United States of America. Demitrus Splenes, saxaphone player, performed for students of the Youth Civic Leadership Academy. His improv jazz impressed the students very much as he performed a Greek-American fusion.

2010 "International AIDS Candleight Memorial"

On May 16th, the international AIDS candleight memorial was held to draw awareness to HIV/AIDS. Participents of the memorial took part in an educational presentation about HIV/AIDS, as well as a traditional candle lighting ceremony. Students lit candles to honor people around the world and in Azerbaijan who are living with HIV/AIDS. The presentation also honored students who participated in an essay writing competition regarding anti-discrimination of HIV/AIDS persons, as well as winners of an educational art competition for prevention of HIV/AIDS.

"3rd Annual Youth Civic Leadership Academy"

In May, the first group of students began classes for the 3rd annual Youth Civic Leadership Academy. This year, the project focuses on development of youth's engagement in civic oportunities through classes conducted in the English language. Student attend daily classes in volunteerism, community service, human rights, leadership, public speaking, debate, american culture, US government and the electoral college, as well as classes in their native language entitled "Youth for a fair and free democratic election." Three groups of 20 students will participate in 5-7 week courses. A total of 60 participants will be selected this year.

"English Language Multimedia Listening Library"

On May 5th, the grand opening of a new section of the GEIC english language library was conducted to celebrate the aquisition of 300 new materials in the English language for development of English language listening comprehension skills. In the first 60 days of the multimedia listening library's use, more than 150 dvds, cds, cassettes, vhs, and CD-rom materials were checked out for student use. The goal of the new listening library is to encourage active listening for TOEFL score improvement, as well as to provide competative listening skills for study abroad applicants. Materials are available for check out, and purchase was made possible through US AID and Peace Corps Small Project Assistance Program funding.

"Right to Play" day at SOS Children's Village

In June, students of the 3rd Annual Youth Civic Leadership Academy conducted a "Right to Play" day at the local children's orphanage SOS Children's Village. Students put human rights education, and leadership training skills into action by planning, coordinating and conducting a fun day designed for older youth to interact with at-need children in their community.

"Pictures of the Year" Photo Exhibition

On July 10th, at Ganja Education Information Center, the US Embassy-sponsored photo exhibition entitled "Pictures of the Year" was opened to the public. Keith Bean, Information Officer for the Embassy of the United States of America in Azerbaijan gave a welcome speech to youth, visitors and seven Peace Corps volunteers who came to see the 50 photo exhibition. Photos were captioned in Azerbaijani, and were taken by journalists around the world.

"Without Complex Gender Training Course"

On August 2nd, a two week gender training program began that focused on breaking stereotypes of gender roles in Azerbaijan. 15 students participated in the course which was taught by two student volunteers, and alumni of previous gender studies projects.

"Beginner's Spanish Language and Culture Club"

On July 15th, the student Spanish Language and Culture Club was formed at GEIC. To date 20 participants have attended the club, and there are plans to continue the project into the Fall semester. Students are currently focusing on building beginning Spanish language skills, and basics of Spanish speaking cultures.

"Switch on the Life"

In July a 10 week course in a variety of subjects began. This course is being co-facilitated by United States Peace Corps Volunteers in Azerbaijan, who are serving around the country. All classes are taught in English, and students are broken into both study groups and work groups. Those students who are in charge of work groups are responsible for preparing lessons to teach to the other students. Guided by the PCV, these work groups teach a variety of topics including human rights, world history, famous persons, mysteries of the world, and american life.

"Community Clean Up"

In July the third group of the Youth Civic Leadership Academy planned, coordinated and lead a community based clean up project. The students fund-raised money for supplies, and spent a morning cleaning up the street adjacent to GEIC.

New US Embassy Charge d'Affairs visits GEIC

In an exciting day for the Ganja Education Information Center, over 30 students met with the new Charge d'Affairs Adam Sterling from the United States Embassy. In Adam Sterling's first visit to the Western region of Azerbaijan, he was invited to the GEIC at the request of Terry Davidson (PAO in Baku).
Cultural and Educational officer of the US Embassy, Brent Maier was also in attendance at the meeting with the students. As part of a tour of Ganja city, director Hasan Huseynli attended meetings with Mr. Sterling at the Azerbaijan Agrarian University where they gave information about the USA, its higher education system and the USA Education Programs available for Azerbaijani students wishing to study abroad. The event was a big success and demonstrated the renewed commitments to education by the United States Embassy and the GEIC.

"Halloween" party

In America, Halloween is a time of festive good cheer, when people of all ages celebrate by dressing up in costumes and having a good time with friends. On October 31st the Halloween event at the Ganja Education Information Center combined some of the most exciting aspects of the holiday, combining games, music, and costumes to create a truly unique atmosphere. The event drew over 60 people, including students and teachers. In addition to dancing, socializing, and refreshments, there was the classic “bobbing for apples” activity—a game in which participants attempt to grab apples floating in a bucket of water using only their mouth! The centerpiece of the event was a lively and competitive costume contest in which all attendees voted on the “best costume” for young men and women. Vampire costumes were undoubtedly the most popular but witches, cats, and zombies were well represented as well! Overall, this year’s party was a vibrant and exciting opportunity for community members to come together and celebrate with activities and the company of others.

North Arizona University video-conference

November 9 North Arizona University representative Christopher Peltier was organized video-conference between North Arizona University and Ganja Education Information Center. It was the first live communication conducted in the GEIC with the US University. Wide information was given to the participants about NAU and the higher education system of USA. Participants also had opportunity to ask questions they interested in. Christopher answered to all questions of our students widely and clearly. It was very useful for Ganja youth who interested to study abroad.

Education Week in GEIC

International Education Week was celebrated at the Ganja Education Information Center 24-28 November. Throughout the week all participants were very excited each day. IEW included presentations of guest speakers, including Fulbright Scholar Dr.Richard Moore, who presented on 2 days covering a variety of different topics: "Overview of Education in the U.S."; "College vs. University terminology"; "Admission process - selectivity/availability"; "Rankings controversy and impact"; "Finances - tuition, scholarships and debt"; "Exchange programs - Federal and institutional" ; "Government role – state focus".

Guest speaker Rebecca Kraut (Stanford University alumna) gave comprehensive information about Stanford University. Alumni of US Government exchange programs, Elnur Ahmadov (Edmund Muskie program) and Vidadi Huseynov (Fulbright program), spoke about their education and life experiences in the USA. speakers talked about their education and life experience in USA. Thessaloniki University (Greece) presented Erasmus Mundus program by video communication as well.

Guest speakers also had the opportunity to listen to national Azerbaijani music (which played on national instrument “tar”) and learn about about Azerbaijan culture during their conversations and interactions with participants.

At the end of IEW a raffle was held for active participants. Awards included books were about USA, USA Education system and the books by USA writers.

Presentation in Ganja Education İnformation Center

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)program in the USA

On January 5, 2011, presentation of Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)program in the USA organized in Ganja Education İnformation Center.
Presentation was held by Fidan Huseynova – coordinator of UGRAD program in IREX Baku office. Firstly, she demonstrated a film connected Global UGRAD program. Students presently participating in this program shared their opinion about this program in the film.
Then Fidan Huseynova gave wide information about the program, about the requirements and rules, which are necessary for the participation in the program. After she answered many questions, in which students were interested.
Application forms and CD’s with more information on Global UGRAD program were distributed among participants.

Presentation in Ganja Education İnformation Center

2011 STUDY OF THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTES (SUSI) FOR AZERBAIJANI
YOUNG LEADERS ON CIVIC EDUCATION
On April 8, 2011 Study of the United States Institutes Program (SUSI) presentation was organized in GEIC by Fidan Huseynova - EPD Program Associate IREX (International Research and Exchanges Board). Students interested in applying to this program were participated in the presentation. Then Fidan Huseynova gave wide information to the participants of the presentation about the Study of the United States Institutes Program, applying procedure, admission criterion, appropriate target groups. After she answered many questions, in which students were interested.
Application forms on the Study of the United States Institutes Program (SUSI) were distributed among participants.

Presentation of the Junior Faculty Development Program 2011-2012

On May 27 , 2011 , presentation of Junior Faculty Development Program 2011-2012
(JFDP) organized in Ganja Education İnformation Center.
Presentation was held by Amy Petersen - Country Director of American Council for International Education (ACCELS) Baku, Azerbaijan. She gave information about the JFDP Program and after explained to applying procedures, requirements and rules, which are necessary for the participation in the program.
Application forms on Junior Faculty Development Program 2011-2012 (JFDP) program were distributed among participants.

Visual Arts Initiative Program

Three representatives of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) conducted one - week workshops on Visual Arts Initiative Program in Ganja Education Information Center, Azerbaijan. Community Art Program on art skills development, including manual printing and photographing was held on October 23, 2011. The aim of the project was to raise the art skills among youth in Ganja city, including disabled youth. Young participants of the project were very active in manual printing and taking pictures in their own subjects. In the end of project there was arranged an Art Exhibition of the prints and photos made by participants. The project was organized by Cultural Department of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan and MICA.

The British Ambassador to Azerbaijan , Peter Bateman visits GEIC

On March 6, 2012, the British Ambassador to Azerbaijan , Peter Bateman visited “Intelligent Citizen” Enlightenment Center. He has met staff, young volunteers and members of our Center.

Directot of “Intelligent Citizen” Enlightenment Center public union Hasan Huseynli introduced Peter Bateman to meeting participants. Youth talked about their activities in the Center and their successes in study programs.
In the end of the meeting P. Bateman told that he was pleased with the activity of GEIC and he wished success to the Center in its future activities.

No upcoming events are currently scheduled.

No pre-departure orientations are currently scheduled.