According to Sebastian Molineus, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus, due to the closure of schools during the coronavirus pandemic, the 12-year education may equal the 7.4-year education.

At the same time, according to him, the closure of schools may also decrease Georgia’s results by 8 score in PISA international assessments.

“According to the World Bank forecast, due to the closure of schools during the coronavirus pandemic, the 12-year education may equal the 7.4-year education. In particular, the closure of schools will affect students who are in an unfavorable economic environment. The closure of schools may also lead to an 8-point reduction in Georgia's score in PISA international assessments. As in many countries around the world, the closure of schools in Georgia has had a severe impact on the quality of education. As for what we need to do, first of all, it is important to assess what damage has been done to the education system in Covid conditions, and after that, it is important to adapt the curricula to modern challenges in a timely manner. Importantly, the curriculum must respond to the setbacks that the education system has had over the last 2 years. Of course, it is necessary to adapt programs to the needs as soon as possible, especially for the primary school students," Molineus said.

A conference on post-pandemic steps at the elementary level is currently being held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, with the participation of education experts.