The preparatory phase of the EU-GS project started with a tripartite consultation meeting attended by the project implementation team, representatives of the Ministry of Science and Education, as well as the public schools’ principals.

Due to the aggravated circumstances of coronavirus, the meeting was held online.

The project manager informed the stakeholders about the content, purpose and objectives of the project. The rest of the members of the project implementation team also shared their expectations regarding the project progress and results within their competence. On behalf of the Ministry of Science and Education of Georgia, the Head of the Department of Preschool and General Education Development spoke about the state-level importance of the project.

The second part of the meeting was dedicated to defining the function and duties of the Tripartite Consultation Group and those wishing to become permanent members within this format, presented their candidacies. Once the composition of the Tripartite Consultation Group was defined, arrangements for the future meetings were made. Parties agreed that the next meeting would be held after the completion of the field work, in order to review and analyze the research findings.

At the end, school principals made their first comments and gave some advice to the project implementation team. All stakeholders expressed their willingness and readiness to cooperate with each other. 

It must be noted that project envisages at least two more such meetings (three in total) of the Tripartite Consultation Group, during which the parties will make strategic decisions, evaluate the progress of the project and facilitate communication between the project team and the target schools.

In addition to face-to-face meetings, the group will have intensive correspondence during the project, in order to exchange information, update ministry representatives, and facilitate contact with target schools.

The main purpose of these meetings and consultations is to ensure greater coordination and joint work to advance European knowledge and standards in Georgian schools.