The Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Academician Jaba Samushia, and the Director of the Valgamaa (Estonia) Vocational Education Center, Margus Ojauts, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between TSU and the Valgamaa Vocational Education Center.

The memorandum envisions cooperation in the field of vocational education, the implementation of joint international educational projects, conferences, and seminars; the organization of joint cultural, sports, and educational activities; as well as mobility and exchange programs for administrative staff, teachers, and vocational students.

According to TSU Rector Jaba Samushia, Tbilisi State University actively collaborates with European educational centers, and the memorandum signed with the Estonian side will pave the way for an entirely new direction.

“A completely new path and new perspectives are opening up for our students. Through this memorandum with the Estonian educational center, students of TSU’s Vocational Education Center will have the opportunity to continue their studies in Estonia. The parties will also have the chance to share information and experiences in the field of vocational education,” said the Rector.

The Director of the Valgamaa Vocational Education Center, Margus Ojauts, noted that cooperation between Tbilisi State University and Estonia’s Valgamaa Vocational Education Center is important for the development of the European vocational education system.

“Cooperation between Estonia and Georgia in the field of education spans many years. This memorandum marks a new stage in deepening collaboration in the area of vocational education and creates new opportunities for our students.”

According to Levan Tsikaridze, Head of TSU’s Vocational Education Center, the Memorandum of Cooperation is another successful step toward the internationalization of vocational programs, with both program implementers and students actively involved in the process.

“This is already the second memorandum we have signed with the Estonian side. The signed agreement will allow our students in the future to study in a bilingual vocational program and complete the practical component in Estonia,” added Levan Tsikaridze.

The signing ceremony took place as part of the visit of the Estonian delegation from the Valgamaa Vocational Education Center, scheduled for May 22–25. The Estonian delegation is represented by Margus Ojauts, Director of the Valgamaa Vocational Education Center; Endru Muruma, Director of Valga Gymnasium; and Siim Villemson, Head Teacher in the Automotive Field.

The delegation will visit TSU’s Vocational Education Center in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, where they will meet with the Center’s Head, Levan Tsikaridze, as well as heads and teachers of vocational education programs. During the visit, future cooperation plans will be discussed.