If this is a deliberate step that “I do not want to and will not dress my child in the uniform,” of course, in this case, first of all, an educational component will be carried out and there will be repeated conversations with the parent regarding this issue, - this was stated by the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze.

According to him, within the next two weeks a change will be introduced into the internal regulations of schools that will establish the forms of relations between the pupil, the parent and the school in connection with the wearing of uniforms.

“Within the next two weeks the corresponding changes will be introduced into the internal regulations of all schools. The wearing of the uniform from the first to the sixth grade inclusive will, stage by stage, when we supply these uniforms, be mandatory. This is conditioned by this internal regulation. In the event that a parent refuses to bring the child in the uniform, everything must be considered individually. First of all, we must establish what the reason for this is.

We have a certain exceptional component that concerns healthcare issues. In the event that a parent presents a certificate to the effect that it is impossible for his child to wear this uniform and this is confirmed by a health certificate, in such a case the school will apply to us and if it is confirmed, we will take it into account and a certain so-called dress code will be established for him that will also be acceptable for the general format of the school and at the same time will not create a problem for his health.

But if this is a deliberate step that ‘I do not want to and will not dress my child in the uniform,’ of course, in this case, first of all, an educational component will be carried out and there will be repeated conversations with the parent regarding this issue. Our aim is that the school environment be as healthy as possible, that we proceed first of all from the best interests of the child, and our aim is that unity, social equality and the continuity of the school process be ensured.

This is a process which, I think, as a result of bilateral negotiations, directly with the parent, is regulable individually. The maximum number of children in a class is 29. Imagine that 28 children are wearing the uniform and one child is not wearing the uniform because one parent decided that his child should not be dressed in the uniform. There is neither an explanation for this nor any reason. This is exactly when I say that a parent may manipulate the child.

In this case we do not have a claim against the child; we have a claim first of all against the parent. Because the parent’s decision contradicts the internal regulation, contradicts the general standards, the general approach that is acceptable to the majority of society.

I want to assure you that we will go through every case individually; the school will cooperate maximally, will work with the parent in an educational direction, so that this issue is regulated proceeding from the best interests of the child,” Mikanadze stated.