International Teachers' Day event was opened by ESFTUG president Maia Kobakidze with the words of Ilia Chavchavadze.

Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia (ESFTUG) traditionally celebrates the International Teachers Day in the capital of Georgia and in all regions already 20 years.

On October 5, 189 teachers from 136 Tbilisi public schools attended the opening ceremony, organised by ESFTUG.

The Vice–Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Aleksandre Jejelava has participated in the event dedicated to teachers’ day, which was conducted by the USFTUG, the second time. The Minister congratulated teachers on professional day and thanked them for their hard work. He summerised the news of the current year and talked about the future plans. He focused on teacher’s appreciation, on the activities planned in the purpose of rising the prestige of profession, and on the teachers' involvement in the ongoing reform process.

Education and Science Minister informed the teachers, that increasing of the teachers' base salary in parallel with the economic growth is already planned. According of this, the teachers’ average salary will be not only equal, but also the salary of successful teachers will be exceed to the average salary of the budget sector employees. Also, the teachers' maternity leave payment issue will be improved by the legal norms. The Minister emphasized the importance of the sectoral agreement, signed with USFTUG and the trade union’s principal role in the reforms’ process.

USFTUG President Maia Kobakhidze spoke about the role of teachers before the country and future generations. She noted that the teachers do not avoid their strength and energy for the adults’ education, therefore, they have full right to met the professional day proudly, share the joy and achievements, which they have in the students ' results direction.

Maia Kobakhidze, announced the Teachers' International Day one-year campaign slogan: “Teachers' freedom, for the protection of their rights and strengthening of their capacities”.

USFTUG President spoke about the positive changes implemented in the last academic year, for the improvement of the educators’ labor and legal conditions and about the new initiatives of ESFTUG.

Maia Kobakhidze thanked the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, for his resolutions taken for teachers’ benefit.

"The teachers’ profession is particular important. Of course, I respect all professions, but you are people, who has daily touch with our future generation, with our children, that is why your role is special in their upbringing. I would like to thank each of you, for this“ - told Kakha Kaladze.

At the end of the event, Minister and teachers jointly cut the festive cake. After the meeting, the businesslike and warm conversation between teachers and Minister continued more than an hour.