Mikheil Chkhenkeli: "Our goal is to provide an education system tailored to the different needs of the individual"

The Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli addressing on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day:

"Today, on March 21, in Georgia, together with many countries around the world, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This day was established under the auspices of the United Nations on November 10, 2011. Our country joined the union for the tenth time since 2012.

I think the establishment and celebration of World Down Syndrome Day is of great importance for overcoming the existing stigmas and stereotypes towards people with Down Syndrome.

Access to flexible and quality education is the right of every human being without facing any discrimination. Our goal is to provide an education system tailored to the different needs of the individual, giving everyone equal access to education.

Therefore, the development of inclusive education, including the establishment of a quality education system accessible to adolescents and young people with Down Syndrome, overcoming stereotypes about people with special educational needs and disabilities in society and further integrating them with their peers is one of the top priorities of the Ministry of Education and Science. To this end, the Ministry implements an "inclusive education program" throughout the country.

We will continue to work towards the development of inclusive education to ensure the right of students with all types of special educational needs and promote their integration into society.”