The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, held a working meeting with the donors and non-governmental organizations in regards to the field of inclusive education. The goal of the meeting was to set strategic directions towards the inclusive education in 2016.

Since 2013, under the guidance and financial support of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, the process of implementing vocational education has started in the Georgian educational system. The process is carried out in parallel with the vocational education reform to ensure the access to the vocational training for the individuals with the special educational needs (SEN). In this regard, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia responds to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and vows to provide and protect the fundamental human rights.

During the meeting with the donors, an emphasis was put on all the important initiatives which are planned to be executed in the inclusive vocational education by 2016. In particular:

The quality improvement of the inclusive vocational education, which implies the provision of appropriate human and material resources, in conjunction with enhancing the teachers’ competence in terms of their teaching methodology and individual empowerment.

The introduction of technology to enhance the learning process. The Ministry of Education and Science provides the brand new educational technology, necessary for the individuals with special needs. Also, in 2016, the audio manuals will be given to the students with visual impairment.

The development of Entrepreneurship. It is one of the main priorities for the Ministry to activate and promote the entrepreneurship. In this regard, the schools are planned to have a teaching guide, whereas the vocational education institutions will initiate internships and other various practical projects with a solid funding.

An important component is the developing of certain skills amongst the individuals with special educational needs, which includes writing, reading, teaching of basic arithmetic, time management and other skills. This year, the entire service will be piloted.

The development of support employment component. It is necessary to ensure the employment for the persons with disabilities and special needs through interagency cooperation. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research are having joint negotiations with the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs to start a pilot system of employment through various services for the persons with disabilities and special educational skills. As a result of this cooperation, in 2016, 11 people will be involved in this service provision, 1 supportive employment coordinator and 10 supportive employment consultant.

In 2016, one of the main priorities for the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia is the implementation of inclusive education and the introduction of a monitoring mechanism to ensure quality of the main components.