Maia Khajishvili speaks about inclusive education in Georgia

Georgia: The Committee of Education, Science, and Youth Affairs held a meeting at which Maia Khajishvili, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, presented a report on April 26, 2024.

The Minister summarized the Ministry of Education and Youth‘s last year and discussed future plans. Special attention has been paid to programs aimed at supporting teachers and increasing education accessibility and inclusion.

He also noted that improving public school infrastructure is one of the main areas of the Ministry’s work. Construction of 3 public schools and full/partial rehabilitation of 40 schools have been completed in 2023.

“It is essential for us to create conditions for the diversity of school life and the realization of the interests and skills of the students, in parallel with the infrastructure arrangement. In 2024, 90 public schools will be equipped with school supplies, technology, literature, sports equipment, and musical instruments. In addition, library and art spaces will be arranged in at least 13 schools. “

The Minister also spoke about inclusive education. Three inclusive education centers are functioning in Kobuleti, Keda, and Batumi. A similar center in Khelvachauri municipality is also planned for this year.

A number of projects are being implemented to promote and support teachers’ professional development, among them “the project on my lesson,” which was implemented for the first time this year and is being successfully carried out.

In the field of higher education, Maia Khajishvili noted that in the framework of undergraduate and graduate programs, more than 950 students were financed for education in 2023, and this number will increase to 1400 in 2024.

Last year, 38 grants were awarded under the Study Abroad Program, 50 grants under the Bachelor’s Program, and 115 students’ internships abroad were also funded.

Notably, residential campuses for 800-1000 students are planned for three state higher education institutions in Batumi. Speaking about youth issues, the Minister noted that the Regional Youth Center has implemented up to 150 events in different directions.

About 10,000 young people from six municipalities of Adjara participate in the Center’s projects annually to promote informal education and proper time management. 

The Center’s priorities are youth career development, promotion of free initiatives and the youth economy, Gaining and sharing international experience, and promoting volunteer work.

According to the statement of Givi Mikanadze, Chairman of the Parliament’s Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee, the budget of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara has been significantly increased, emphasizing the priority of education and youth affairs for the state.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth Affairs of Georgia, Nodar Papukashvili, the Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Sports of Adjara Jemal Surmanidze, the Head of Regional Youth Center, Tamar Gabaidze, and the Representative of the Center, Mariam Baidoshvili, were present.