2018-11-09
"We imagine success of Georgia through a fundamental reform of the education sector and vocational education within it having the most important share" stated Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia at the National Award Ceremony of Vocational Education 2018 today, when acknowledging individuals that excelled in it.
As the Head of Government of Georgia noted, education and facilitation of professional and healthy development of the youth is a key priority of the Government of Georgia (GOG). He strongly believes that vocational education is paid a special attention within this context.
"We do not spare efforts to develop this segment of education, to make it popular and accessible to any citizen of the country. We know well that modern and effective vocational education programs and graduates of such courses create the critical labor force and human capital, which attracts foreign direct investments (FDI) and incentivizes domestic production. Our goal is to create a competitive environment, required for economic development. It means that new jobs will be made available, start-ups will be incorporated and more opportunities will exist for small and medium enterprises (SME)" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
According to him, specific steps are being made to accelerate the development in the education sector.
"Clear example of it is this event as well - Vocational Education Week - within which the training programs have been presented to the society. They are jointly designed and developed by the Governments of Georgia and USA, with the engagement of the private sector and by incorporating the new programs to meet the requirements and demands of the labor market. Such vocational programs are becoming accessible and available to our citizens, who will ultimately be able to get decent employment" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
As noted by the Head of Government of Georgia, Law on Vocational Education has been enforced and it will facilitate the economic and social development of the country, approximation and compatibility of the vocational education system of Georgia with European education space.
"This law is already enabling us to establish a new system of vocational education and to introduce many novelties to the country. We are able to facilitate a hands-on education, develop joint and exchange programs, institutionalize the adult education and introduce a systemic approach to inclusive education and many other aspects. This new law entitles the state-owned vocational education institutions to carry out entrepreneurial activities and we expect that additional revenues will also be generated to be used for the development of vocational education itself" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
According to the Head of Government of Georgia, authorities are also carrying out a number of infrastructure projects in the sectors of transportation, energy, construction, agriculture and tourism. Government hopes to get support of a new generation of interested and motivated professionals in these areas.
"It is gratifying that Vocational Education Week has identified successful reforms and examples of best practices recently witnessed in our country. They facilitate the development of human capital and economic growth of the country. I want to congratulate every winner and wish them great success. I also want to express my gratitude to the US Government for their long-standing cooperation and unprecedentedly voluminous investments made in the education system of Georgia, which are administered by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Millennium Challenge Fund (MCF). I am convinced that our cooperation will be further more productive in future" concluded the Prime Minister of Georgia.
According to the Head of Government of Georgia, successful reform of the education sector will lead to the ultimate economic development of the country. In the opinion of the Prime Minister of Georgia, reform of the five tiers of education presented by the Government will focus on vocational education as a leading component of the endeavor.
"This event is yet another clear example of the common understanding existing in the society of the country towards high level of vocation education, without which we will not be able to achieve our goals. Several days ago Georgia has advanced to the 6th position in the Doing Business Index of the World Bank. It is a tremendous success, however this international financial institution (IFI) has another rating also. It is a Human Capital Development Index and my dream is to see Georgia in Top Six of it as a result of our reforms" concluded the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Prime Minister's Press Office