School Readiness Program (SRP) will also be Launched in Akhmeta Municipality

Within the scope of the Innovation, Inclusion and Quality Project, the School Readiness Program will be launched in eight selected schools within Akhmeta municipality. With the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, the infrastructure of the appropriate space for the school readiness program was updated in six schools and within the framework of the I2Q project, with the support of the World Bank, the spaces were equipped with modern educational resources, furniture, and equipment. The preparatory works in the space will be completed soon and rehabilitation works in two additional schools will begin soon.

The Early Childhood Education Component Lead of the I2Q project and the Coordinator of Infrastructural Projects visited Akhmeta to assess the preparations and rehabilitation efforts for the opening of the school readiness program groups.

The I2Q Project representatives visited Akhmeta Public Schools N1 and N2, as well as schools in Kistauri, Kvemo Alvani, Sakobiano, Jokolo, and Matani, checking the allocated spaces for the SRP and reviewing ongoing work.

During their visit, I2Q project representatives spoke with the head of the Kindergarten Center of Akhmeta Municipality and a lawyer from the Educational Resource Center to discuss early childhood education challenges in the area. They also identified necessary activities for staffing the pilot groups of the SRP. The Early Childhood Education Component Lead of the I2Q project presented a methodological guide titled P.L.A.Y, enhanced by experts from San Diego State University. This guide will assist caregivers in fostering school readiness skills among children. In the SRP pilot groups, instruction will follow an updated curriculum delivered by educational staff trained by San Diego State University.

School readiness groups are designed for children aged 5-6 and aim to support their overall development, including social, emotional, motor, and cognitive skills, as well as fostering curiosity and creativity. The School Readiness Program emphasizes learning by doing and gives equal importance to all aspects of child development. Each group will accommodate 15 children.

The launching of school readiness groups aims to increase access to preschool education. The Priority was given to areas lacking kindergartens, areas with overcrowded existing kindergartens, or areas with kindergartens located far from residential areas, including highland and borderline villages, as well as villages inhabited by ethnic minorities and schools expecting an increase in the number of children.

The SRP will be piloted in 150 schools across Georgia.

The work is conducted with the expert support of San Diego State University under the I2Q project.