Strengthening psycho-educational services for children under the Inclusive Education Support System in Georgia

Tbilisi, Georgia, 2-3 September 2024 – Around 70 specialists from the Inclusive and Special Education Support Center of the Office of Resource Officers of Educational Institutions (Mandaturi Office) were equipped with knowledge and skills to better support children with special educational needs. The training was supported by UNICEF as part of an initiative to strengthen the Inclusive Education Support System and its psycho-educational services for children. The training covered issues related to psycho-educational assessment and counseling as well as quality of services.

“UNICEF continues its close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth and Mandaturi Office to improve quality learning and inclusive education for every child”, said Jesper Moller, Representative of UNICEF in Georgia. 

“Inequalities in learning and other child development outcomes emerge early, even before primary schooling. It’s most effective for inclusion in education to start in the early years when the foundation for lifelong learning is built and fundamental values and attitudes are formed. Young children learn best and develop their full potential when their holistic needs are met, and they are supported by caring adults, who understand child development and provide quality services.” 

The training was attended by the chief of the Office of Resource Officers of Educational Institutions Sofio Abulashvili. Ms. Abulashvili thanked UNICEF for the close and fruitful cooperation and noted: "Mandaturi Office is committed to continuous development of its services. High-quality service requires not only selfless work, but also constant updating of knowledge and skills. It is extremely important for us that all the services that we provide for the education system are of the appropriate quality and tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries of the services. I am confident that this training will be a valuable opportunity for our employees for further professional growth, connecting with each other and increasing motivation."

Over the course of this year, UNICEF will continue to support the Mandaturi Office in strengthening of the Inclusive Education Support System by:

• Supporting the developing of tools, protocols and other resources necessary for the system to provide quality and customized services for each child; and
• Training specialists and management of the Mandaturi Office on effective coordination and child-friendly approaches to the provision of quality services on child assessment and educational support.

As of June 1, 2024, amendments to the Law on General Education came into force, which aim to strengthen inclusive education system services for children in Georgia. The Inclusive Education Support reform was part of a partnership initiative between the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, UNICEF and the Government of Norway. The programme has supported children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as teachers, professionals and parents, in creating an inclusive and equitable environment in preschool and general education institutions throughout Georgia.