More than 4,300 students take part in Patriarchate's values education programme

More than 4,300 students across Georgia are currently participating in a values education programme run by the Georgian Patriarchate in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, church officials have said.

At an awards ceremony held at the Georgian Patriarchate, clergy and students involved in the programme were recognised for their participation. According to the Patriarchate's Public Relations Service, the initiative currently operates through 175 clubs in 141 schools and involves 4,375 students nationwide.

A message from the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, was read to attendees by Teodore Chuadze.

In the address, the Patriarch highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Church, schools, families and the state in promoting moral and spiritual values among young people. He said the programme aims to help students engage with ethical and Christian values, including responsibility, respect, compassion and patriotism.

According to the Patriarchate, the programme is also available to young Georgians living in the occupied territory of Abkhazia and abroad.

The ceremony was attended by senior church representatives and education officials, including Education Minister Givi Mikanadze.

Church officials said the programme would be expanded further next year through increased participation by dioceses across the country.