“Italian among the languages studied in Georgian schools. Strengthen collaboration on education, training and science”
Minister Valditara: “Encourage mobility of students and teachers, with partnerships between technical and professional schools. Sharing experiences is essential for the development of the skills required by the labor market”
A cordial meeting was held this morning, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education and Merit, between Minister Giuseppe Valditara and Mikheil Chkhenkeli, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia. During the meeting, the two ministers promised to strengthen cooperation between their respective countries in the fields of education, training and science. “I think it is important – said Minister Valditara – to encourage the mobility actions of students and teachers of the schools of our two countries, setting up partnerships which involve technical and vocational schools in particular. Sharing experiences is a fundamental action to promote the development of new skills required by the labor market”.
In particular, Minister Chkhenkeli illustrated the progress of the program for the introduction of Italian as a second and third foreign language in Georgian schools. Furthermore, following a regulatory provision, Italian language teachers in Georgia are now part of the permanent school staff and an award has been established for the best teachers. In this regard, Minister Chkhenkeli wanted to thank Italy for the support offered to this strategic action by sending teaching materials, textbooks and teaching staff.
Finally, the two Ministers discussed initiatives to support the educational continuity of Ukrainian refugee students in Italy and in Georgia: while around 43.000 Ukrainian students are currently enrolled in the Italian education system, in Georgia a large number of them have been accepted into dedicated schools in the capital Tbilisi and in other areas with greater attendance, to allow them to study in a serene and open environment, also through educational tools in the Ukrainian language.
In conclusion, Minister Chkhenkeli invited Minister Valditara to Tbilisi to visit the schools where the Italian language is taught.