The Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee continues its working meetings in Zemo Ajara.

Deputy Education, Science and Youth Minister, Tamar Makharashvili, briefed committee members on the progress of the general education reform, the results achieved to date, the implementation of the relevant legislation, and the challenges that remain.

According to the Deputy Minister, the general education reform is being implemented under a short-, medium-, and long-term action plan aimed at improving the quality of teaching in schools, establishing an education system that meets contemporary standards, and strengthening student-centred learning.

She noted that the National Curriculum encompasses the primary, basic, and upper secondary levels of education and sets out in detail all activities envisaged under the reform.

"The core principles of the National Curriculum include strengthening national values, reinforcing fundamental subjects, optimizing instructional hours, promoting career guidance, and fostering a diverse school environment”, - the Deputy Minister stated.

Tamar Makharashvili also spoke about the principles guiding the development of school textbooks, noting that the textbooks are produced through the involvement of authors, practicing teachers, academic reviewers, psychologist-methodologists, editors, and cartographers. She emphasized that the new textbooks will place a strong focus on national values, provide opportunities for continuous updates, and integrate audio and video resources as well as artificial intelligence technologies.

During the working meeting, participants discussed the ongoing reforms in general and preschool education in a discussion format. Members of Parliament shared their views on the information presented by the Deputy Minister and deliberated on various aspects of the reform.

"At today's working meeting, together with the Deputy Minister, we reviewed the first stage of the general education reform. Our discussion focused both on the results already achieved and on the challenges associated with the process. Particular attention was given to school textbooks, school uniforms, and bilingual education. It is noteworthy that the National General Education Plan approved by Parliament serves as a kind of constitution for the education reform, placing particular emphasis on national values. The Deputy Minister's presentation included a number of insightful and comprehensive details, which prompted an active discussion among Members of Parliament”, - said the Chair of the Committee, Mariam Lashkhi.

As part of the working visit to Zemo Ajara, committee members will visit educational institutions in villages of Khulo Municipality and inspect their existing infrastructure.