The Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Jaba Samushia, and the Director of the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency, Kakhaber Abuladze, have signed a memorandum of cooperation. The aim of this agreement is to implement joint scientific and educational projects, as well as to support TSU students in gaining practical experience and advancing their careers.

"A significant memorandum has been signed between the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency and Tbilisi State University. The university offers not only undergraduate programs in this field but also prepares professionals in vocational education. All of them contribute to the development of the preschool education system, as well as the training and retraining of new, qualified specialists. Accordingly, we will actively cooperate within the framework of this memorandum," stated Jaba Samushia.

The memorandum outlines the involvement of students and faculty members from TSU Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, particularly those enrolled in the undergraduate educational program "Early Education," in the development of joint projects between the agency and the university. It also includes collaboration on implementing pedagogical and professional practice, as well as providing professional-methodological consultations and training for caregiver-pedagogues. 

Kakhaber Abuladze, Director of the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation within the memorandum’s framework: "This will provide an opportunity for students of both bachelor's and vocational programs at Tbilisi State University to enhance their professional qualifications. They will be able to undergo internships and retraining courses in our kindergartens, as well as gain the opportunity for future employment in various positions within the kindergarten system. For our kindergartens, this is an opportunity to offer retraining programs for both educators involved in the learning process and technical staff through various training courses that we will provide progressively. This will contribute to improving the quality of the educational process."

Within the framework of the memorandum, the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency will support students and graduates of TSU vocational education program in "Preschool Education" in developing their professional skills. Additionally, the agency will facilitate their employment and contribute to the creation of a future workforce reserve. 

TSU Professor Tamar Gagoshidze highlighted the importance of early childhood development and collaboration: “It is crucial for us to have practical training opportunities, and kindergartens serve as an ideal setting for this. I believe that kindergartens can greatly benefit from our expertise in early education, child psychology, and teacher training and retraining. Supporting children's development at this stage is essential to ensure they are ready for school. Before entering school, children should develop emotional regulation, language and speech skills, as well as self-control and self-regulation - challenges that often arise in school settings. I hope that through this collaboration, we will introduce many positive innovations.”

The signed memorandum will also facilitate the dissemination of information regarding internships and employment opportunities for vocational students at the university. It will support the organization of joint events, meetings, and training sessions, as well as cooperation in the selection of candidates for vacancies within the agency in accordance with its competitive procedures.

"The activities carried out under the memorandum will enhance the practical training component for students and teachers in the preschool education vocational program. Most importantly, this collaboration will open doors for students to undergo work-based learning experiences with the support of the agency, which will be crucial for their future employment," stated Levan Tsikaridze, Head of the TSU Center of Vocational Education.

Tbilisi State University and the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency are planning significant and engaging joint projects as part of the memorandum.