Mikheil Khenkeli: "It is precisely under the conditions of our government that education has become the main priority"

Mikheil Chkhenkeli, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, delivered a speech in Parliament within the “Minister's Hour” format. The Minister spoke extensively about the important projects implemented in 2019 within the framework of the comprehensive reform.

“I must note that it is precisely under our government that education has become one of the main priorities as a crucial factor for the country's development, and a comprehensive reform of the education system has been launched. In 2019, our government made an unprecedented decision, according to which the current or any future government will be obliged, starting from 2022, to always direct 6% of our GDP, i.e., 1/4 of the budget, towards education and human capital. Until then, the budget allocated for education is increasing annually and steadily.

When implementing the reform, it is of utmost importance to appreciate the teaching profession and to highlight their contribution and role. That is why, in 2019, retiring practical teachers who decided to leave the profession on a voluntary basis received a one-time financial reward from the state amounting to two years' total salary. The reform was carried out in two stages. Nearly 6,450 teachers have already received the reward, and an additional 1,600 will receive it. This figure may increase by the end of the year.

Also, in 2019, as a result of the reform, the doors of public schools opened for new teachers. Starting from this academic year, up to 1,900 young qualified personnel have entered the system.

Within the framework of the education reform, starting from October 1, 2019, teachers holding a status had their remuneration increased by an average of 150 GEL. This process will continue in the coming years. The remuneration of vocational education teachers increased by 30%. This part of the reform serves to establish a high-level pedagogical corps, which is the most essential component of the education system,” stated the Minister during his speech in Parliament.