August 15 – 18, 2018, a working meeting of all partners of the HEСAFS project was held  in the Tajik Agrarian University named after Sh. Shotemur.

Within the framework of the meeting, a two-day workshop on “Project Development and Management” was held. The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the skills of project proposal writing in accordance with EU requirements  and the Erasmus + program, project management and development, as well as the establishment of potential links between partners in future project

The trainer of the seminar, Irina Kulitane, coordinator of the HECAFS project, noted that: “The ability to correctly read the form and structure of the project application, as well as the fulfillment of all documentation requirements, is extremely important for the successful passage of the selection stages. The actual formation of the tasks and goals of new projects is also highly relevant and important. “

The first day of the seminar was devoted to studying the structure and methods of preparing project applications. The main emphasis was made on the requirements for the development, completion and content of the form. The questions of formulating the goal and objectives of the project, creating a work plan and budget,  their competent presentation in the application were also carefully considered. A special attention was paid to how to attract international donors to solve important local, regional and national problems.

On the second, practical day of the seminar, participants were invited to split into three  discussion groups and independently manage a project proposal on key issues. The groups were able to develop and present ideas for future projects, find potential partners, consistently go through the stages of implementing work plans, assess risks, form a budget, etc.

The third day of the partners’ meeting was dedicated to the development of the current HECAFS project, reporting activities and visualization, work plans and individual meetings. In connection with the upcoming new academic year, the project partners are intensively preparing for the autumn visits of European colleagues to national universities, for conducting lectures, as part of the prepared new curricula and programs.

Within the framework of the seminar there was also an acquaintance with the national universities that conduct training of specialists in the field of agriculture and processing. Thus, the participants got acquainted with the main directions of work of the Tajik Agrarian University, as well as the Technological University of Tajikistan:
their faculties, subject rooms and with well-equipped laboratories, areas of work with students and teachers, and work with international partners. These visits provide an opportunity to see in practice the interaction of educational institutions of the country with partner universities, as well as international projects aimed at strengthening higher and professional education in the country.