The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Dimitri Shashkini, met socially vulnerable students newly enrolled at the Vocational Education Center “New Wave” with the help of the new funding program based on a voucher system. On May 7^th, the first 111 students to benefit from 1,000 GEL vouchers began studying in “New Wave”. Most of them are from mountainous Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo and Svaneti. They will live in a new modern dormitory.

In total, 250 students with vouchers were enrolled in Kobuleti Vocational Center. Students at the Center can specialize in professions based on Adjara’s economic development priorities, such as: hotel manager, chef, heavy construction technical operator, crane operator, plaster specialist, electrician, refrigeration specialist and restaurant manager. The Center is fully equipped with Ministry-funded modern educational materials, technology and necessary inventory. Various labs and workshops are available for practical teaching.

75% of the Center’s graduates are already employed at “Sheraton Batumi”, “Radisson” , “Georgian Palace”, “Piazza”, “Boni”, “Oasis”, “Elbakuri”, “Savane” and more.

For the first time this year, by the President’s initiative, the government funds all willing candidates who decide to study at Vocational Education Centers through a new voucher system. Throughout the year, 7,000 students will study using the voucher system. Socially vulnerable students are fully funded with the vouchers. At the same time, current 9^th and 12^th graders can get a voucher if they decide to continue their professional education after completing high school.