Chair of the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee, Mariam Lashkhi, Committee members, and the Majoritarian MP for the municipalities of Khulo, Shuakhevi and Keda, Anzor Bolkvadze, visited public schools in the municipalities of Khulo and Shuakhevi in Zemo Ajara to assess the condition of school infrastructure and review the needs related to the operation of general education institutions.

During meetings with school administrators, it was noted that a number of schools require infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of classrooms, sports grounds and gyms.

Particular emphasis was placed on migration as one of the principal challenges facing schools in the mountainous region. Due to migration, student enrolment had declined in recent years. However, following the construction of the Khulo–Akhaltsikhe highway, migration has slowed, and the number of first-grade enrolments has gradually begun to increase.

"During our visits to schools in Zemo Ajara, we saw both well-equipped educational institutions and schools requiring rehabilitation. Migration has long been one of the region's key challenges, but I believe that Georgia's economic growth and the development of tourism in Zemo Ajara will help curb migration from mountainous areas and strengthen local schools. During our meetings with school administrators and teachers, we discussed the outcomes of the first phase of the general education reform. Within the scope of its mandate, the Committee stands ready to support schools in Upper Adjara in addressing the challenges affecting the effective delivery of the educational process”, - said Mariam Lashkhi.

Committee members and the MP representing the municipalities of Khulo, Shuakhevi and Keda visited the public schools in the villages of Begleti, Bodzauri and Satsikhuri in Khulo Municipality, as well as the public school in the town of Shuakhevi.

The visit to the public school in the village of Khichauri, Shuakhevi Municipality, was also attended by the Chairman of the Government of the Ajara AR, Zurab Pataradze, and the Minister of Education and Sports of the Ajara AR, Maia Khajishvili.

"We visited several schools across Zemo Ajara to assess the current situation on the ground and review the projects being implemented by the Ministry and local authorities. Considerable progress has been made in improving the infrastructure of both schools and kindergartens, although much work still remains. We are ready to play an active role and support the implementation of projects in the region”, - stated Giorgi Chakvetadze, First Deputy Chair of the Committee.