Delegation of the Government of Georgia, UNDP and EU visited the Milk Factory in Gori. UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, Jamie McGoldrick , Head of the European Union Delegation to Georgia, Per Eklund, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Irine Kurdadze, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Georgia, Malkhaz Akishbaia and Governor of Shida Kartli, Zurab Arsoshvili got familiarized with the milk factory and spoke with the staff and students of the University of Gori.

Milk Factory was opened 4 months ago on the basis of the University of Gori. It serves the local farmers and presents the educational institution of the students of the vocational education.

“Functioning of the educational factories on the basis of the professional colleges is the successful model. It is available to develop educational factories for other professional colleges as well” – noted Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Irine Kurdadze.

The mini milk factory was opened in the scope of the joint initiative of UNDP and EU. It is equipped with the modern technique that ensures the safety of the food according to the international standards. It can make around 1,000 liter milk in 24 hours. The production of the factory -  high quality curd, cheese, sour milk and sour-cream is successfully sold in the supermarkets “Goodwill” and “Gmart” and the markets of Gori.

“Development of the vocational education and local factories supports the advancement of economy and offers better opportunities to the local population. This is an important support of the EU in the period of overcoming crisis after 2008 August war” – said the Head of the European Union Delegation to Georgia, Per Eklund.

UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, Jamie McGoldrick noted that the joint initiative of EU and UNDP supported the significant improvement of the vocational education in the region of Shida Kartli. “Classes were given in 12 professions in 2009-2010 in the vocational education center of the University of Gori. Professional training courses were held in 16 professions. Each education course satisfies the requirements of the local market”, - said Jamie McGoldrick.

Supporting of the University of Gori is the part of the assistance of the regions that were damaged during 2008 war. The joint initiative of EU and UNDP is being held in Shida Kartli, Samegrelo- Zemo Svaneti and Mtskheta-Mtianeti regions. The total cost equals to 4,4 mln Euro. The three components of the program envisage renovation of the infrastructure, advancement of micro financing and development of the professional education.