Belarus Higher Education Modernization Project

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The objective of the Higher Education Modernization Project for Belarus to improve the teaching and learning environment and the information on labor market relevance of higher education. The Project has four components. 1. Modernization of the teaching and learning environment component will enhance the environment for teaching and learning as well as that for research and innovation. Subcomponent 1.1: Enabling high quality practical training will: (i) set up or modernize laboratory and research facilities at higher education institutions (HEIs); (ii) outfit classrooms with modern educational equipment and (iii) set up or modernize centers for shared use of unique educational and scientific equipment. Subcomponent 1.2: Modernization of the physical environment for teaching and learning will focus on the rehabilitation of buildings and premises of higher education institutions in order to: (i) improve the overall conditions for teaching and learning; (ii) create a barrier-free environment for learning and improving access and working and learning conditions of staff and students with disabilities by creating an inclusive learning and working environment; and (iii) improve energy efficiency of buildings and premises. 2. Innovations in teaching and learning component will increase quality, relevance and attractiveness of tertiary education through modernized programs with a focus on learning outcomes and curriculum reforms. Subcomponent 2.1: Development of learning outcomes and curriculum will finance the design and further development of higher education curricula to bring them closer to labor market needs and European Higher Education Area practices. Subcomponent 2.2: Internationalization of higher education will strengthen the incoming and outgoing mobility of academics and students and increasing the attractiveness of Belarusian universities in an international setting. Subcomponent 2.3: Flexible delivery modes will focus on modern delivery modes, approaches and instruments like online technology, use of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, etc. provide important opportunities to modernize teaching and learning, reach students in remote areas and create more inclusive tertiary education systems. 3. Quality Assurance (QA) component will ensure that the activities of individuals within HEIs are oriented toward a process of continuous quality enhancement. Subcomponent 3.1: External quality assurance will include the development of a legal framework for the external quality assurance system in tertiary education. Subcomponent 3.2: Internal quality assurance will include the development of internal quality assurance in line with the ESG-2015 (European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area). 4. Project Management component will support project management, monitoring and evaluation (M and E), and technical assistance (TA) in order to ensure efficient and effective management of project implementation.