On June 1, the world celebrates the International Children’s Day. To honor this day, the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs together with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science presented a report of child care in Georgia. The representatives of the above mentioned ministries spoke about multiple reforms and challenges, which were conducted in this direction.
Presentations were held by the Deputy Health Minister – Ms. Nino Berdzuli, the head of the Social Welfare department – Ms. Nino Odisharia, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science – Ms. Lia Gigauri, First Deputy Minister of Justice – Mr. Alexander Baramidze, and the Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs – Mr. Revaz Javelidze.
The presentation focused on issues of maternal and child health and the changes implemented to develop these areas. The Child welfare reform, entails the deinstitutionalization, involving the family strengthening and the protection of children's basic principles and rights. The presentation also emphasized on the protection of homeless children, and child victims of violence, in conjunction with highlighting the potential changes in the juvenile justice code.
Moreover, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia –Ms. Lia Gigauri spoke about the changes, which assisted with the development of secondary education throughout the last few years. Discussions focused on the formal and informal education programs that promoted a healthy lifestyle and the protection of the rights of the persons with special needs. Additionally, Ms. Lia Gigauri particularly emphasized the support for inclusive education module.
Among the invited guests, were the reintegrated families (meaning, a child returned to their biological family with the government support), non-governmental and international organizations, doctors, and the representatives of the Health, Justice, Education and Science, Sports and Youth Affairs Ministries;
At the end of the meeting, there was an exhibition held of the children’s work who are under government’s protection. The active participants of the above-mentioned exhibition are: The Child and the Environment, Charitable Foundation Caritas Georgia, World Vision, and Kojori house for the children with special needs.