Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
Georgia has a strong education tradition with high primary and secondary enrolment ratios and high literacy rates. However, the quality of education remains a major challenge. The quality of education in primary schools, measured through learning achievements by the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) found that Georgian 4th and 8th graders were among the bottom third of 36 participating countries in mathematics and science. Georgian 4th graders were among the bottom fourth of 40 participating countries in reading achievements. Georgia scored lower than the other 11 participating CEE/CIS countries. Moreover, the fact that the education system does not adequately prepare young people adequately for the labour market contributes to high unemployment rates among this group. The pre-school attendance rate is only 49 per cent. Children who do not attend pre-school have a higher risk of not reaching their full potential and are at greater risk of experiencing learning difficulties, violence and social problems.
UNICEF Action to ensure quality “Education for All”
Upstream UNICEF support:
• Development of National Pre-School Policy.
• Development of Early Learning Development Standards.
• National curriculum development: Pre-school/Physical education.
• Coordination of Government partners (donors/NGOs) in education sector.
• Influence policy with strategic information: National School Readiness Study.
• Developing participatory interactive teaching skills (post-soviet approach).
Downstream UNICEF support:
• Inclusive pre-school education in 11 schools.
• Nearly 500,000 text books to children and schools affected by 2008 armed conflict.
• Mine Risk Awareness education in schools in conflict areas (50,000 children).
• 30 per cent of children in conflict areas in Abkhazia have access to child friendly spaces in Social Community Centers.
• 5,000 teacher training manuals for pre-schools printed & distributed.
• 1,500 early learning and development standards printed & distributed.
• Training of staff of 97 pre-schools to improve quality and access.
• All 73,000 children affected by the 2008 armed conflict in Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia were able to start the new school year in October 2008 through a back-to-school programme.
• 40 per cent of school pupils in returnee areas in Abkhazia receive inclusive and interactive teaching (See humanitarian section below).
UNICEF Current focus/New initiatives:
• Improve quality of primary and secondary education.
• Scale up pre-school education.
• Healthy life styles for children of school going age (incl. Sports for Development).