A new school has opened in Chokhatauri Municipality, and the construction of two schools is beginning
The village school has been fully equipped with new desks and blackboards. The school features a heating system, library, medical office, and is adapted for students with special educational needs.
The old building of the Tsipnari Public School was in a severely dilapidated condition; therefore, the educational process was conducted in a wooden kindergarten building that lacked elementary conditions. The village had been waiting for the construction of a school for 20 years, which caused residents to leave the village. The school, designed for 60 students, currently accommodates 35 students; however, the new school will operate at full capacity starting from the next academic year. Following the commencement of school construction in the village of Tsipnari, several families have already returned.
The construction of two more new schools will begin in the Chokhatauri District, one of them in the village of Zoti, where the Minister also traveled, inspected the old wooden building of the school, met with the local population, and presented them with the project for the new school.
The village of Zoti is the highest-altitude village in the Chokhatauri District. There is a public school in the village with 196 students. There is no migration in the village, and the student body fluctuates between 180 and 220 students. The number of students in the Zoti Public School increases annually. The old wooden building of the century-old school, which cannot accommodate the students and is depreciated, poses a threat to life. By the decision of the Ministry, the construction of a new, modern standard school in the village of Zoti will begin in December 2014.
The Zoti Public School is one of the 8 schools whose construction will begin in 2014.
The dramatic improvement of school infrastructure and the creation of a modern educational environment are key priorities of the educational reform. Accordingly, the development of school infrastructure is proceeding in a planned manner, based on needs and modern educational standards. The statistics of infrastructural projects implemented and planned by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia for 2013-2014 are as follows:
- In 2013-2014, more than 1,000 public schools were rehabilitated.
- In 2013, the construction of 9 new village schools began; some have been completed, and some are in the process of completion.
- At the end of 2014, the construction of 5 village and 3 urban schools will begin.
- Nearly 1,600 public schools have been equipped with new desks and blackboards.
Based on the implemented projects, 50% of Georgian students are provided with an improved and completely modern learning environment.
In the near future, hundreds of schools across Georgia will be identified for rehabilitation next year. It is also noteworthy that new school buildings in villages also serve the functions of cultural centers, thereby playing an important role in rural community life.
