The results of the cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Education were summarized

Representatives of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research are on a working visit to Tbilisi. Today, during a meeting held between Tamar Sanikidze, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, and Kari Brustad, Director General of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, the results achieved within the framework of cooperation between the two countries and future activities were discussed.

The Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research has been cooperating with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia since 2006 in the process of introducing inclusive education within the educational system. Since the same year, with the support of Norwegian partners, the foundation for inclusive education in public schools was established. Since 2013, inclusive education has been introduced across Georgia within the vocational education system.

By strengthening inclusive vocational education, the Ministry responds to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was ratified by the Parliament of Georgia in December 2013.

Results achieved at the general education level in recent years:

• The number of students with special educational needs in schools has increased;
• A multidisciplinary team exists and operates with an expanded composition;
• Assessment tools for students with special educational needs have been introduced;
• Special educators have been employed in schools;
• The number of integrated classes has increased;
• A master's degree program in special education has been introduced.

Activities implemented in vocational education:

• Legislative amendments were implemented to promote the education of persons with special educational needs and persons with disabilities;
• The enrollment mechanism for persons with special educational needs and persons with disabilities was refined — 92 persons with special educational needs and disabilities are mastering professions free of charge across 11 vocational colleges;
• 250 teachers from vocational colleges underwent special retraining;
• By December 2014, based on universal design principles, adaptation projects for 5 vocational colleges will be created;
• By 2016, the physical environment will be arranged and fully adapted for persons with special educational needs and disabilities in 7 vocational colleges;
• The Ministry is carrying out relevant work aimed at the employment of persons with special educational needs and persons with disabilities;
• In 2015, financing of entrepreneurship projects at the school and vocational levels is planned.