The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Dimitri Shashkini, held the briefing for the journalists at the press-club “Prime Time”. As Minister stated, in 2011 Ministry was implementing projects in 42 directions. In 2012 there will be 5 new projects added to this list.  During the briefing Minister highlighted some of the achievements of 2011. In summer 2012, Ministry will start the student employment program, which envisages employing 25,000 students for summer jobs; and the retraining the population of 15 cities (Rustavi, Kutaisi, Poti, Zestaponi, Gori, Khashuri, Zugdidi, Batumi, Tkibuli, Oni, Chiatuta, Akhalkalaki, Samtredia, Ozurgeti, Telavi) in English, computer and professional skills.

The program “Georgian Language for Future Success” that started in September 2011 by the initiative of the President will continue in 2012. The aim of the program is to improve the knowledge of Georgian language among the ethnic minorities living in Georgia. In the scope of the program 150 native speaker teachers are teaching Georgian language in the schools of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli and Kakheti. By the end of the year the number of teachers will increase to 500.

Instruction in the English language will be further strengthened and 1,500 native English speakers will arrive to Georgia as a part of the educational program “Teach and learn with Georgia.” 300 local volunteer English language teachers will teach English to the schoolchildren of Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti and other mountainous regions of Georgia.

Last year all first graders and their teachers received net-books. This process will continue next year as well. Schoolchildren from all socially vulnerable families will be granted school textbooks at no cost. Implementation of the E-strategy will start next year and the instruction of IT technologies will be enhanced at schools; schools will be supplied with smart boards, 100 classes will be opened with modern innovative equipments (so called :Future Classes"). Schools will be provided with “Smart Boards”.

Teacher salaries will be increased. Number of certified teachers will increase. More teachers will be able to pass trainings and prepare for teacher certification exams. 

A new national curriculum will be implemented for grades VII-XII starting in the next academic year, and new textbooks will be also developed; the price of these handbooks will be only 10 GEL. Also, a new student assessment system will be activated.

Minister also highlighted importance of the Safe School concept. In 2012 the Office of Resource Officers will widen the scope of their activities and will become the member of international association of resource officers.

During the Q&A session, Minister answered the journalists’ questions on improvement of school infrastructure; special schools; duties of resource officers and development of scientific fields.