Turkish NGO proposes opening of segregated schoolsMarch 1, 2012 - 12:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The sub-panel of Turkish parliament’s education commission discussed proposals submitted by civic groups and trade unions on the much-criticized education reform bill. The most controversial proposal came from the Association of Imam-Hatip Graduates, which said boys and girls should be segregated. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ defended the bill as a move to boost vocational schools and provide a well-trained work force for the industry. “While students in vocational schools make up 65-70 percent in other countries, in Turkey it’s just the opposite. This shows that something is wrong,” Bozdağ said on Kanal 24 television. He explained the reform would enable parents to send children to vocational schools after a four-year basic education, but would allow them to change their choices afterwards. Bozdağ defended a planned provision to allow students to opt out of school in favor of home study after eight years as “suitable to Turkey’s realities.” The draft bill has come under fire on grounds that it would allow conservative parents to take girls from school and encourage child labor, Hurriyet Daily News reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |