"Today, the public received a well-coordinated and evidence-based report on a comprehensive series of reforms being implemented across all sectors of education, encompassing preschool, general, higher, and vocational education, as well as science and youth development. This presentation clearly underscores that one of the Georgian government's primary objectives is to advance the development of these crucial sectors”, - Givi Mikanadze, Chairman of the Education, Science, and Youth Affairs Committee, stated during the plenary session, where the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth was heard within the framework of the Ministerial Hour.

As the Committee Chairman noted, the state budget allocated 2.5 billion GEL to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth for 2024, which is four times the amount allocated in 2012. Furthermore, the consolidated state budget for 2024 is nearly 3 billion GEL. He mentioned that since 2013, early and preschool education has been free for citizens and fully covered by the state budget, increasing access to preschool education by 35%.

"It is noteworthy that, according to a study conducted with the support of UNICEF in 2023, 93.6% of parents or family members of children in kindergartens are satisfied with the quality of preschool education”, - Givi Mikanadze stated.

He focused on general education and noted that, for the first time since 2004, the national goals document for general education has been updated through the Ministry's initiative and active cooperation with the Education, Science, and Youth Affairs Committee of Parliament.

"This is essentially a new document, emphasizing the development and strengthening of patriotism, national spirit, national identity, state thinking, respect for the institution of the family, universal values, and global principles among schoolchildren”, - Givi Mikanadze noted.

The Committee Chairman also discussed the importance of the teaching profession and the steps taken to support and motivate teachers. In this context, he recalled the establishment of National Teacher's Day and the awarding of teachers selected through a transparent process. Regarding school infrastructure, Givi Mikanadze informed that the government is implementing a major project to build and rehabilitate 800 schools, ensuring that by the end of 2027, all public schools across the country will have modern educational environments.

"In light of these figures, we should remind the public that during the previous government's administration from 2004-2012, 53 schools were liquidated, 264 schools were reorganized and merged with others, and the buildings of 12 public schools were completely privatized”, - the Committee Chairman remarked.

According to him, since 2013, the "Provision of Textbooks for Students and Teachers" program has been successfully implemented. Today, textbooks are free for teachers and students in all public schools.

Regarding higher education, Givi Mikanadze highlighted the doubling of the number of scholarship recipients from the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

"It cannot be overlooked that the unprecedented decision of the government to write off the financial debts of students whose status was suspended due to financial debt has impacted approximately 27,000 students from both public and private universities, clearing debts totaling around 30 million GEL”, - Givi Mikanadze stated.

In terms of vocational education, the Committee Chairman noted that a new law on Vocational Education was adopted in 2018, addressing commitments under the Association Agreement with the European Union, such as lifelong learning and the development of key competencies. He mentioned that the vocational education budget has significantly increased, reaching 118 million GEL in 2024, compared to 17 million GEL in 2012, representing a sevenfold increase.

"Today, the Parliament approved legislative changes in the Law on the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia during its third reading, which restored the ability of the National Academy of Sciences to elect corresponding members. The targeted actions of the previous government had abolished the legal basis for electing corresponding members of the National Academy of Sciences as of May 1, 2009. In recent years, the state budget allocated for the development of science has significantly increased. Specifically, the budget for supporting scientific research in 2024 has increased fourfold compared to 2012, almost tripled for issuing scientific grants and supporting scientific research, and approximately quintupled for the programs of scientific institutions”, - the Committee Chairman stated.

According to Givi Mikanadze, significant steps have been taken since 2012 towards developing youth policy, creating the institution of youth workers, youth employment, and ensuring an appropriate legislative framework.

"The foundation for the youth policy vision and solid institutional framework was laid in 2014. The first youth policy document and action plan were developed with the participation of young people and approved in 2014. Considering the progress achieved and further development, the Parliament of Georgia approved the Concept of Youth Policy of Georgia in 2020, outlining specific results to be achieved by the state by 2030 based on real needs”, - the Committee Chairman stated and also highlighted the amendments made to the Law on Public Service of Georgia.

"Through this initiative, the internship period for thousands of young people, whether they are final-year students or possess vocational or higher diplomas, will be counted towards their work experience in the public service. This gives them full opportunities to establish themselves in the Georgian public sector. Moreover, starting in 2024, internships in public service have become paid, and the number of interns that can be accepted has increased from 10% to 20% of the agency's staff”, - Givi Mikanadze concluded.