On the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day, an exhibition entitled “The History of Education in the Democratic Republic of Georgia” was held at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. The event was attended by the University Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia, Vice-Rector Kakhaber Cheishvili, Deputy Head of the Vocational Education Centre Ineza Vatsadze, as well as students and professors.

The exhibition “The History of Education in the Democratic Republic of Georgia” was prepared by the TSU Vocational Education Centre in cooperation with the National Archives of Georgia. The exhibition featured materials on the reforms implemented in the Democratic Republic of Georgia, including those related to the history of the University and the development of vocational education.

“The exhibition once again confirms and highlights the successful reforms that were implemented during the First Democratic Republic. It was a very interesting period - government representatives were fully committed to the most important task; therefore, European values were introduced into all areas of the education system throughout the country,” stated TSU Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia.

The photographs and documentary materials presented at the exhibition illustrate the significant changes and innovations introduced in the field of education during the period of the First Democratic Republic, as well as the steps taken to develop vocational education.

One hundred and eight years ago, on 26 May 1918, Georgia declared its independence, and the Democratic Republic of Georgia was officially established. The declaration of Georgia’s independence was preceded by the opening of the first national university in the South Caucasus, and the establishment of this educational institution became a prerequisite for the country’s freedom.

The Democratic Republic of Georgia was formed in an extremely difficult political environment. Despite severe domestic and foreign challenges, the young state managed to implement a number of significant reforms, including reforms in the field of education.

Educational policy in the Democratic Republic of Georgia was administered by the Ministry of Public Education, which consisted of three structural units: 1) the Administration of Higher and Secondary Schools; 2) the Administration of Public Schools; and 3) the Administration of Vocational and Technical Schools.

The Ministry’s primary objectives were the establishment of new schools, the nationalisation of the school system, the training and retraining of teachers, the sending of young people abroad to improve their qualifications, and the preparation of qualified personnel. The Ministry paid particular attention to vocational education. Within a few months of the declaration of independence, a special commission was established under the leadership of the Minister of Public Education to discuss reforms to be implemented in the field of vocational education.

Aleqsandre Mdivani presented a report to the Council, in which he emphasized the difficult situation regarding vocational education and the shortage of qualified personnel. He considered it essential to take immediate measures, particularly through government funding to enable students to pursue education abroad. He also expressed hope that the newly established local councils and self-governing bodies would contribute to strengthening vocational education.