Inclusive Education Department in Georgia’s Ministry of Education to merge with Strategic Planning Department

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia has confirmed that the Inclusive Education Department will no longer exist independently, as it will be merged with the Strategic Planning Department. The Ministry’s press service verified this information after it was reported by local media.

However, the Ministry has clarified that the reports about the dissolution of the Inclusive Education Department are not accurate. In their statement, the Ministry explained that the merger is part of an optimization effort to enhance the structure’s effectiveness, which ultimately aims to give greater strategic weight to inclusive education initiatives.

The statement also noted that since 2024, the mandate of the Educational Institution Mandate Service has expanded to include inclusive education. A dedicated center supporting inclusive and special education now operates within the service, working intensively to provide both current and new services that increase access to education and improve its quality for students with special needs.

The Ministry emphasized that developing an inclusive education system remains one of its top priorities, as underscored by the 2022–2030 National Education and Science Strategy. It reiterated its commitment to strengthening and implementing key projects in support of inclusive education.

Despite these reassurances, Anna Sikhashvili, a disability rights activist, expressed concern that the restructuring sends a different message:
“When you dissolve and merge this department with other issues, it means it is no longer considered significant,” she told TV Pirveli.