On 23 July, master classes aimed at developing practical skills of budget analysis were held. Mr. Hovhannes Avetisyan, Seasoned Guest Lecturer delivered the lecture.

The master classes were carried out within the framework of the advanced and practical skills development phase of the training program for young professionals launched within the “Budgets for Citizens” project, and the face-to-face phase of the budgetary training program for the representatives of the CSO/Mass Media. Young professionals and representatives of CSOs/Mass Media participated in the training.

The main objective of the master classes was to develop practical skills in budget analysis, practical application of theoretical knowledge and calculation skills in the budget process based on the theoretical knowledge already acquired by young professionals and representatives of the CSOs/Mass Media.

At the beginning of the master classes, both the young professionals and the representatives of the CSOs/Mass Media completed the initial knowledge test developed by the seasoned expert. Further, the participants and the expert held a discussion on expenses, revenues, state budget deficit, state debt and program budgeting.

The discussion was followed by the main part of the master class – the development of practical skills. The participants, with the help of an expert, performed a number of analytical exercises, calculating the state debt, GDP index, taxes and drawing charts.

The young professionals and CSOs/Mass Media representatives completed the knowledge verification tests prepared by an expert at the beginning and at the end of the course in order to verify the growth of knowledge.

The courses are held in a hybrid method, in face-to-face and online (remote) formats, with the aim of giving young professionals and representatives of CSOs and Mass Media from distant marzes the opportunity to participate in the courses and have their input in the improvement of the sector.

The “Budgets 4 Citizens” (B4C) action (8 December, 2022 – 7 December, 2026) is being implemented with the financial support of the European Union by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, in cooperation with partners “Economic Development and Research Center” (EDRC) NGO and “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic).