The Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, Giorgi Amilakhvari, presented implemented and ongoing projects in education, science, and youth policy to MPs during the minister's hour. 

Giorgi Amilakhvari highlighted the remarkable growth in the education system's budget, which reached an unprecedented 2.51 billion GEL in 2024. 

Addressing preschool education, Minister Amilakhvari discussed the introduction of bilingual education aimed at strengthening ethnic minorities, enhancing their access to quality education, and improving their proficiency in the state language. He noted that for the 2023-2024 academic year, 61% of non-Georgian language preschools participating in the program have adopted bilingual education, achieved through close collaboration between municipal representatives and the ministry. 

The minister also emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making in education policy. He highlighted the National Center for Educational Research, established in 2023, which conducted three comprehensive studies last year to assess strategic directions in school education, including the national curriculum, school textbooks, and the teacher's professional development and career advancement scheme. The aim was to reconcile differing viewpoints on challenges within the school education system and inform future planning. 

Giorgi Amilakhvari detailed steps taken in ongoing reforms within the general education system, such as approving new national educational goals, revising all subject standards, integrating vocational education programs into schools, and granting schools greater academic autonomy. 

With regards to teacher salaries, the minister emphasized reforms aimed at creating a fair and transparent salary system. Starting July 1, 2024, teachers will see an unprecedented average salary increase of 500 GEL under full workload conditions, irrespective of their status. 

Moreover, the minister highlighted the ministry's commitment to valuing the teaching profession, exemplified by establishing National Teacher's Day and a corresponding national award, which has already recognized 11 teachers in 2023. 

Regarding school infrastructure, the minister reported ongoing improvements across Georgia, with over 170 schools currently under construction or renovation by the Educational and Scientific Infrastructure Development Agency, totaling 915,375,465 GEL in contractual value. 

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia has introduced significant innovations in the education system, notably allowing distance learning, both partially and fully online. A specific list of study areas has been identified where e-learning components can be fully or partially utilized. Additionally, for the first time, education received through distance learning abroad will be recognized. Plans are underway to establish fully online universities once rigorous quality assurance standards are developed. 

Giorgi Amilakhvari highlighted these developments, noting that alongside existing programs, universities now have the flexibility to offer 180-credit (3-year) undergraduate programs and 60-credit (1-year) master's programs in business administration starting from 2023.

The minister also reported on the International Education Center's support, which funded 191 individuals in 2023. An additional 43 scholarship recipients were granted extended funding based on academic excellence, with 5.8 million GEL allocated from the budget for this purpose. 

Further discussion centered on the expansion of the 1+4 program, doubling the funding for Armenian and Azerbaijani-speaking students with state educational grants to 200 each per year, starting from the 2024-2025 academic year. Amilakhvari emphasized efforts to internationalize higher education by seeking ABET accreditation for STEM undergraduate programs in Georgian universities and increasing participation in international exhibitions. He highlighted Georgia's membership in the European "Eurydice Network" since 2024, enhancing collaboration within the Erasmus+ program among EU member and associated countries. 

The minister praised the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF) grant program, noting a substantial grant of 4.2 million dollars allocated to Georgian universities for joint and dual educational programs. He also mentioned a 5 million dollar joint educational project in partnership with San Diego State University. 

Giorgi Amilakhvari discussed the Ministry's collaboration with the British Council and Times Higher Education, noting optimistic findings that indicate potential for attracting British universities to Georgia. 

Addressing youth policy integration into unified state education policy since January 1, 2024, Amilakhvari presented current and upcoming initiatives. He highlighted "Studfest 2024," involving 20,000 students from 54 universities in various activities. The ministry has launched a graduate internship program, starting September 2024, offering over 3,000 graduates paid internships in their preferred regions. 

In support of youth development, the ministry has announced its largest grant competitions in recent years, with an initial budget of 1,100,000 GEL. Furthermore, a financial support program of 656 thousand GEL has been allocated to promote student initiatives and enhance university student life. 

The Minister concluded by outlining ongoing and future youth policy projects, emphasizing the importance of youth camps. The "thematic camp" initiative began in May 2024, with preparations underway for the Anaklia and Shaori camps expected to host up to 4,000 young participants. Collaboration with the Ministry of Defense continues in preparation for the "Army Camp" project. 

Vocational education remains a top priority for the Georgian government. Amilakhvari outlined a new vision for enhancing professional education, emphasizing increased private sector involvement, enhanced training for college principals and teachers, expanded integration of vocational education in schools, and updates to professions and qualifications. 

In closing, Giorgi Amilakhvari discussed recent developments and future plans in higher education, including initiatives to support students such as doubling the number of scholarship recipients and increasing the state scholarship amount to 300 GEL per month for 5,000 successful students of state universities. Additionally, the government has decided to forgive the financial debts of 27,000 students, totaling up to 30 million GEL.