The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia – Aleksandre Jejelava, presented the primary directions towards the development of education and science to the Prime Minister, the government officials, diplomatic corps, as well as to the international and non-governmental organizations.

In order to achieve the goals set in the vocational and higher education, it is crucial to establish schools as interesting and modern, to increase the education quality and develop critical and independent thinking amongst the youth. Free lessons will serve the purpose. Moreover, the textbooks and educational programs will be updated and revised, as well as integrating modern technologies into the educational process.

Vocational education or qualification is becoming a prerequisite to the employment and that is why, nowadays the professions obtained in the vocational colleges are the most-in demand by the employers. Consequently, vocational colleges will offer a variety of programs (inducing dual vocational education), training and retraining with the full state funding, to the citizens of all ages. A large portion of the work-based learning – dual education will be based in an enterprise, where the students will be able to work, simultaneously. It needs to be mentioned, that potential employers are also involved in the process, in conjunction with foreseeing the minimum wage.

Vocational colleges are now operating in all regions of Georgia, and the citizens can obtain vocational education near their household, which further supports the development of various industries and agriculture in Georgia. This time, there are 37 vocational institutions and 10 service centers functioning in Georgia. In 2017, there are two service centers scheduled to be open in Khobi and Stephantsminda.

The legislation will be improved – and as a result, the student who has a vocational diploma, will be able to enroll in the higher educational institution.

Higher Education

In order to better interlink the Education and Georgian economy, the government will offer higher education to the students, which is oriented towards the employment and the country development. The universities will prepare such specialists, who are much needed in the fields of: entrepreneurship, construction, business, agriculture, politics, civic sector, sports, arts, and science.  Additionally, the government will fund the priority professions, which is in-demand by the employer. The best Georgian students will receive the international diplomas.

Science

Georgia will become the highest center for education, research and science in Eastern Europe, Middle East and in CIS. The new Kutaisi Technology University project – “Study in Georgia” will serve exactly this purpose. Within the scope of this project, English speaking international programs will be implemented, which will attract foreign students, and more Georgian students will have the capability to participate in exchange programs.

Most importantly, the commercialization of science will take place – where the young Georgian scientists/innovators will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas commercially. This approach will promote the Georgian scientists who work abroad to return home. As a result, all this will help the economic development in Georgia.