Georgian PM opens new Batumi school, claims education infrastructure remains government priority

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has opened Batumi Public School No. 21, saying the development of the education system and continued investment in school infrastructure remain government priorities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kobakhidze congratulated students on the start of the new academic year, with particular emphasis on first-graders.

He said the newly built school had been designed according to modern standards and would accommodate 1,400 students. The school’s capacity and its opening for the new academic year had also been confirmed by local authorities earlier this year.

“Today is particularly joyful for the students of School No. 21 in Batumi, because they are beginning this academic year in a completely new school, where modern standards are ensured in every respect,” Kobakhidze said.

He argued that a modern learning environment would contribute to higher-quality education and described the new school as an example of the government’s approach to educational infrastructure.

“Our priority is the development of the education system and the constant renewal and development of infrastructure, and today is another example of this,” the prime minister said.

Kobakhidze also referred to the history of the site, saying that a former school building had previously stood there before being demolished.

“Where the school was demolished, a completely new school was built for children,” he said, adding that government policy should focus primarily on children and education.

Kobakhidze also said he had visited Batumi Public Schools No. 4 and No. 5, which have undergone full rehabilitation. He said the renovated schools would provide students with a new and modern learning environment. The completion of rehabilitation works at the two schools was also reported by Georgia’s Infrastructure Ministry earlier this month.

Kobakhidze added that four new schools had been completed in Adjara this year, while 27 schools had undergone full or partial rehabilitation.

He said work on another 20 schools in the region would be completed by the end of the year.

“Here too, we do not intend to stop. Construction of seven schools has already begun in the Adjara region and will be completed next year,” Kobakhidze said.

He added that the government planned to build 10 more new schools and rehabilitate 50 schools in 2027.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every child across the country has access to such a modern space and environment,” Kobakhidze said.

Recent information from the Adjara government similarly indicates a major expansion of school infrastructure in the region. It said that 25 public schools across Adjara had undergone full or partial rehabilitation for the 2026-27 academic year, while Batumi entered the school year with four newly built and two fully rehabilitated schools.

Kobakhidze also thanked teachers for their work, saying their professionalism and dedication were essential to the country’s future.

“Your work and professionalism underpin our country’s success. You are raising a worthy generation for our country,” he said.