Jaba Samushia, the Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), and Kakha Abuladze, the Director of Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The memorandum aims to implement joint scientific and educational projects and support TSU students in gaining practical experience and career development.

“Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency and Tbilisi State University signed an important memorandum. TSU offers both bachelor’s programs and vocational education training in this field. These programs aim to develop the preschool education system and train new, qualified personnel. Thus, we will actively cooperate within the framework of the memorandum,” Rector Samushia said.

The memorandum proposes involving students and academics from the BA degree program in Early Education at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of TSU in developing joint projects between the agency and the university. It also suggests cooperation in the implementation of pedagogical and professional practice, as well as consulting and training of teachers in the professional-methodical field.

Kakha Abuladze, the Director of Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency, emphasized the significance of deepening cooperation within the framework of the memorandum. He stated that “this will provide Tbilisi State University’s undergraduate and vocational education students with opportunities to enhance their vocational qualifications, undergo internships and training courses in kindergartens, and secure future employment in various kindergarten positions. For our kindergartens, this presents an opportunity for personnel involved in the educational process, as well as those working in the technical field to receive retraining through various courses that we will gradually offer. This will enhance the educational process.”

Additionally, as part of the memorandum, Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency will assist students and graduates of TSU’s vocational education program in Preschool Education to enhance their professional skills, facilitate their employment, and establish a future staff reserve for the agency.

TSU Professor Tamar Gagoshidze emphasized the significance of appropriate child development before preschool age and the importance of cooperation: “We need to have places to practice, in this case, nurseries and kindergartens. I think it is very important for kindergartens to incorporate our experience in early education, child psychology, teacher training, and retraining. At this age, promoting a child’s development is crucial to ensure they are prepared for school. It is important to focus on a child’s emotional regulation, language and speech, behavioral self-management, and self-regulation. These areas are often a challenge for children when they start school. I hope that we will introduce many beneficial innovations as a result of our cooperation.”

The memorandum aims to support internships for vocational education students and disseminate employment-related information at the university. It also involves organizing joint events, meetings, and training courses, as well as cooperating in the selection of personnel for agency vacancies under the agency’s competition procedures.

“The activities implemented as part of the memorandum will allow students and teachers of the preschool vocational program to strengthen the practical component. What is most important, the agency will provide educational and business practices that will be crucial for their future employment,” said Levan Tsikaridze, head of the Vocational Education Center of TSU.

Tbilisi State University and Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency plan to collaborate on joint projects as outlined in the memorandum.