SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, September 16. The first school bell has rung in Shusha after 32 years, TurkicWorld reports.
Children from families who returned to Shusha began the new school year at Secondary School No. 1.
The event has brought together the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District, Aydin Karimov, the Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, the Deputy Director of the Karabakh Regional Department of Education, Anar Majidov, the school staff, and parents of the students.
The event began with a ceremonial march by the students to the newly opened Shusha City Secondary School No. 1.
The proceedings included the performance of the national anthem of Azerbaijan and a moment of silence to honor the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs.
Minister Amrullayev delivered a speech congratulating educators and students on the start of the new academic year. He emphasized that this day is a historic moment for the Azerbaijani people and will be remembered fondly by the students of Shusha.
He highlighted Shusha's crucial role in Azerbaijan's educational landscape and expressed confidence that the tradition of excellence in education would continue.
"One of the first buildings constructed in Shusha following its liberation was Secondary School No. 1. This school, built to the highest modern standards, is now operational. I am confident that Shusha’s school will become one of the leading institutions in Azerbaijan's education system," Amrullayev stated.
Aydin Kerimov and Asif Jahangirov, a distinguished teacher, also extended their congratulations to the teachers and students, wishing them success and the continued advancement of education in Shusha.
Sabina Gozalova, the director of Shusha City Secondary School No. 1, provided details about the new facility. The three-story building, which accommodates 960 students, features 40 classrooms, specialized laboratories, a STEAM center, a library, and other essential amenities. It also includes a football field and additional infrastructure.
The director assured that the attention and care from the state would be met with diligent work from the school’s staff and students.
The ceremony concluded with the ringing of the first bell of the new academic year.
The 2024-2025 school year in Azerbaijan officially begins on September 16, with the theme "Solidarity for a Green World" set for the first lesson. This year, 132,261 children have enrolled in the first grade and 89,000 in preparatory preschool groups across the country.
