The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli hosted the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia, Hubert Knirsch and discussed plans for future cooperation in the field of general, vocational, and higher education.

The Minister thanked the Ambassador for the fruitful cooperation in the field of education, whilst highlighting the results achieved in the field of vocational education with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). With the support of GIZ, the German dual model was introduced in the vocational education system of Georgia together with several crucial projects being implemented.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli introduced the German ambassador to a vocational education development strategy that aims to expand the network of vocational schools and meet local socio-economic needs. As a result, both young people and adults in all municipalities will have the opportunity to receive vocational education. For this precise purpose, the Ministry will utilize the educational spaces of vocational colleges, as well as higher and general education institutions. In addition, the private sector is actively involved in vocational education and their interests and requirements are taken into account when developing various programs. This is the goal of the new Skills Agency of Georgia - "The Skills Agency of Georgia".

According to the Minister, several important steps have been taken to attract young people to the vocational education system. In particular, in 2020, the system for the first-time accepted students who will receive diplomas equal to the certificate of general education and, if desired, will continue their studies at the higher education level. In addition, the 2020 amendments will postpone compulsory military service for students at vocational schools until the end of their studies.

The Minister expressed hope that the close cooperation with the German side in the field of vocational education will continue in the future. The parties also discussed ways to expand cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Furthermore, Mikheil Chkhenkeli noted that German professors play an important role in the strategic development of Kutaisi International University, both in administration and academia.

The parties also talked discussed general education, stressed the need to support German language teachers in terms of their professional development, as well as the need to strengthen the teaching of German at schools.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Ambassador Tanya Houth.