UNICEF spokesperson praises instant steps taken by Georgian government to fight COVID-19
The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli held a video conference with the representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Georgia - Ghasan Khalil. The main purpose of the video conference was to discuss the already implemented measures in conjunction with discussing the forthcoming plans to overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of education.
Ghasan Khalil praised the instant steps taken by the Georgian government in the fight against COVID-19 and the measures taken by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia to ensure uninterrupted education throughout the country. Moreover, he spoke about the ongoing projects planned in cooperation with the Ministry and stressed the readiness and overall enthusiasm of UNICEF to support distance learning in Georgia.
In turn, Mikheil Chkhenkeli emphasized that the main task of the Ministry in the current situation is to ensure the continuous flow of education, and subsequently familiarized Mr. Khalil the measures implemented to accommodate the above. As noted by the Mr. Chkhenkeli, remote education is being conducted continuously via using more than 15 Microsoft Office products, as well as the Georgian communication platform – “Fidcc” across the country.
Moreover, Mikheil Chkhenkeli spoke about the new project Teleskola, launched on March 30, implemented in close cooperation with the Public Broadcaster. Notably, the project garnered a very positive response from the public. According to the Minister, the problem of accessibility to distance learning has been solved, and now all students have the liberty to listen to TV lessons, regardless of their internet availability. Gradually, in recent days, lessons in other subjects will be added in Azerbaijani and Armenian languages. The Minister emphasized the enthusiasm and creative approach of the teachers both in the process of distance learning and in the implementation of the project.
Furthermore, Mikheil Chkhenkeli informed the UNICEF official, regarding a document published by the International Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), where Georgia was named one of the best examples of managing national distance learning.
Mikheil Chkhenkeli offered Mr. Khalil to organize an international online conference of education and science ministers, under the auspices of UNICEF, so that countries around the world could share their experiences in overcoming the difficulties caused by the pandemic. In addition, the conference results, will expose to what extent is one of the fundamental rights to education protected in various parts of the world under the current circumstances.
