To celebrate the beginning of the new academic year, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli addressed the teachers, students, parents, professors:

"Due to the ongoing pandemic, 2020 turned out to be full of challenges for the entire world. Consequently, we have to start this school year under unusual circumstances.

Protecting the health and safety of every pupil, teacher, student, lecturer and every citizen is a major concern of our government, so in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Interagency Coordinating Council headed by the Prime Minister has decided to start the academic year in a remote mode for some cities and municipalities across the country. Starting October 1, classes will continue normally in classrooms and auditoriums nationwide.

Under these uncertain times, in the conditions of harsh pandemic during the spring semester, the Georgian education system quickly adapted to the new reality in the shortest possible time, and we, as a team, in cooperation with our foreign partners, managed to deal with the existing challenge, and set an example for many to follow. As a result, we have maintained the continuity and quality of education. Therefore, Georgian education system, has gained considerable experience in terms of hybrid teaching.

In the previous semester, TV School project was one of the most important pillars that allowed us to maximize access to education. Subsequently, starting from September 15, the project TV school will resume again. It will be yet again, an extremely important component of distance learning, and a substantial resource for all students and teachers in Georgia. In order to successfully overcome the challenge we face today, every citizen needs to show the greatest civic responsibility so that the epidemic situation does not worsen. I believe that with joint efforts we will be able to deal with this important obstacle and the learning process will return to the usual environment in no time.

I, as a Minister and an ordinary citizen of this country, would like to extend my immense gratitude to every student, teacher, lecturer, parent and every employee of educational institution for your resilience, professionalism, responsibility and dedication.

I wish you health, success and best of luck with the new academic year”- stated the Minister.