International Research & Exchanges Board

What is IREX?

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing leadership and innovative programs to improve the quality of education, strengthen independent media, and foster pluralistic civil society development.  

IREX has been registered in Azerbaijan since 1998. Working throughout the country, IREX currently administers a variety of civil society, higher education and media development programs funded by USAID and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State.

Latest News

Geysar Gurbanov (UGRAD 2008) as a job hunter trainer12.07.2010

Geysar Gurbanov's (UGRAD 2006) Project Smile was aimed to organize training for orphans on job hunting and basic resume writing from Gizildash Orphanage. Gizildash is a small town to the south-west of Baku, known for its limestone quarries and has orphanage-college for students up to the age of 20. Attached to the college is accommodation shared between 50 orphans aged 14-20 and refugee families from Armenia. The main goal of Gizildash orphanage is to provide shelter and vocational training to its students. The vocational skills trainings include carpentry, woodworking, hairdressing, cooking and a variety of other occupations.

Book Club - “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay”27.06.2010

The book club met on June 27 to discuss "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" by Michael Chabon.  Turgut Mustafayev, (Muskie 2003-05), moderated a challenging discussion.  Most book club members did not finish the book, as it is quite long and quite complex; still, they had a great debate on the issues of escapism, survivor's guilt, and the role of family in one's life and how all three of these issues influence life choices. 

Muskie Program Pre-Departure Orientation21.06.2010

On June 19th, 2010 IREX staff conducted a full-day pre-departure orientation (PDO) for 2010 Muskie Program Participants. This orientation took place at the American Center located at the University of Languages. The Muskie PDO covered a number of topics from discussing packing tips to finding a successful internship.

Muskie Program Reception21.06.2010

On June 19th, 2010 a Muskie Program Reception took place at AZZA Restaurant in ISR Plaza Hotel. This reception was held in honor of new 2010 Muskie Program Participants and newly returned 2008 Muskie alumni. 2008 Muskie alumni were presented with Muskie program completion certificates.

Increasing public awareness on drug abuse prevention20.06.2010

Today drug abuse prevention and awareness turn into priority in local social policy. Continuing these national efforts Eldar Gurbanov and seven volunteers decided to raise public awareness on harmful and sometimes deadly results and consequences of drug abuse among young people within Project Smile.

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