October 19, 2023
Under the I2Q Project, led by the San Diego State University (SDSU) with support from the World Bank, SDSU and the International Education Center are collaborating to elevate early childhood education (ECE) across Georgia through the I2Q Project. This initiative is focusing on key areas including the creation of a quality assurance framework, the establishment of a comprehensive ECE data reporting system, restructuring the ECE salary framework, and advancing teacher training along with the School Readiness Program (SRP). As part of a pilot, these ECE reforms will be introduced in six Georgian municipalities, including Akhalkalaki.
On October 18, 2023, I2Q Project’s ECE component lead, Tamar Chkonia, accompanied by experts from the International Education Center, visited Akhalkalaki Municipality to engage with local officials and educators. They met with the Mayor, Mr. Melkon Makarian, as well as key figures including Ms. Anaida Asaturian, Head of the Kindergarten Unity, and Ms. Oliko Melikidze, who leads the Culture, Education, Sports, Heritage Preservation, Youth, and Tourism Development Department. This visit provided an opportunity to discuss current project milestones and future steps for enhancing ECE quality and management in Georgia.
The experts also visited Kindergarten #1 in Akhalkalaki to observe the facility and meet with teachers. This interaction allowed them to better understand the needs and challenges faced by local ECE professionals, as well as assess the infrastructure and educational practices in place.
Mayor Makarian noted that the goals of the I2Q Project align closely with Akhalkalaki's own educational objectives, which include strengthening teacher development programs, adapting curricula to the specific needs of children, and implementing play-based educational approaches.
Representatives from the local government affirmed their dedication to supporting the ongoing ECE reforms under the I2Q Project, expressing enthusiasm for the positive changes these efforts aim to bring to early childhood education in Akhalkalaki.