“In 2012, the “Georgian Dream” inherited the budget where 600 ml GEL was allocated for the education and science, while now, in 2022, the assignments have increased to 623 ml GEL. Hence, we may conclude that education and science are the priorities for the Georgian Dream”, - the Chair of the Education and Science Committee, Shalva Papuashvili stated at the plenary session as a co-reporter during the hearing of the Education Minister, Mikheil Chkhenkeli within the Ministerial Hour.

According to him, the budget for education and science is increased year over year since the Georgian Dream has come to authority. 'The promises in the pre-electoral and Governmental programs of the Georgian Dream are as well important: what we see is that the Government shall implement the program approved by the Georgian people, it is the milestone of the Governmental activity”, - he added stating that all state schools will be rehabilitated according to the modern standards as of 2026.

“We have more than 2000 public schools. We build 174 new and rehabilitated 257 schools. As to our plans, all schools will be rehabilitated according to the modern standards as of 2026”, - the reporter stated reminding the attendees that the 10th Term Parliament has adopted the Law envisaging the establishment of a doctor’s room in schools.

One of the key tasks of the Education Ministry is to ensure a due operation of the systems to restore the academic losses due to the pandemic. “Today, we all agree that the pandemic entailed the academic losses in the children, along with the psycho-emotional losses due to the remote learning. Thus, the Ministry shall create the systems to restore these losses”, - he added.

According to him, there are various systems – after-school extension groups, summer groups or individual approaches.

“We shall diagnose and study the types and capacity of these losses and undertake respective measures. There even is a special term – remediation – the restoration of the losses. Our Committee will see to this process to ensure response”.

Sh. Papuashvili emphasized vocational education noting that it is as well a priority.

“If we compare the role of the vocational education during the preceding authority and now, we will see the drastic difference. Today, more people are interested in vocational education as they consider that higher education is not a must but they can have a certain profession. Today, the status of a vocational student is approximated to ordinary status, including in terms of the military service”, - he added.

Vocational education is important for introducing knowledge to rural areas.

“Vocational education is in close connection with a new initiative of the Prime Minister that the socially vulnerable citizens shall be engaged in the economy. Naturally, the vocational schools will acquire special roles and functions”, - he stated.