On September 21, Rector of MGIMO A.V.Torkunov and CEO of JSC "Akkuyu Nuclear" (a company of Rosatom State Corporation) A.G.Zoteeva signed an agreement on cooperation in the implementation of the project "Russian Schools Abroad" of the program "Priority 2030"

The main goal of the interaction is to provide an opportunity for schoolchildren whose parents are building and later will operate "Akkuyu" NPP to receive education under Russian educational programs on the territory of the Republic of Turkey.

The cooperation provides for enrollment of children in the programs of basic general, secondary general and secondary vocational education, as well as in other fields of study. Places of study and state examinations for grades 9-11 will be organized for students. To ensure high quality of education and compliance with the state standards of the two states, teachers will be trained in programs of additional professional education. The parties also agreed to develop an international pedagogical community on the basis of the Interfaculty Department of Educational Systems and Pedagogical Technologies of MGIMO, as well as to hold joint events for teachers and students.

"Our main task is to provide students with quality knowledge and educational training that is not inferior to that given to schoolchildren in Russia. Much attention will be paid to creating a comfortable educational environment - children will have access to modern educational infrastructure and all the necessary materials. The best practices that have already proved their effectiveness in the Gorchakov Lyceum experience will be introduced into the educational process. I am confident that our cooperation will contribute to the development of Russian-Turkish relations and promotion of Russian educational standards abroad," Mr. Torkunov said.

"Children are the future, so we always pay special attention to their development, education and leisure. A large-scale career guidance project has been implemented for the children of our employees - these are exciting excursions to the "Akkuyu" NPP site and lectures in schools, where our experts talk about the peculiarities of their profession.  During the three years of the Russian school's existence in the "Akkuyu" NPP construction region, we have been looking for ways to apply the most advanced educational practices and attract experienced and enthusiastic teachers to work at the school. We consider cooperation with MGIMO as the next step in the development of the school, which will bring it to a new level", - said Anastasia Zoteeva, General Director of "Akkuyu Nuclear" JSC.

The MGIMO pedagogical team has already started working at the "Akkuyu" NPP school, where about 1,300 children are studying. The nearest plans include the introduction of non-linear organization of the educational process and trimester-based learning, educational intensives during vacations, organization of blended and distance learning based on the Intelligent School and Learning Process Management Platform. In addition, from the second trimester it is planned to introduce division into subgroups when studying a foreign language, and from the second half of the year - to introduce the use of a third language in extracurricular activities (French, German, Chinese).

At present, a new modern school for 1000 students and a kindergarten for 450 children are being built on the territory of the construction of a residential town for NPP personnel.