Georgia’s Minister of Education Givi Mikanadze says the government will introduce school uniforms gradually, starting from lower grades and adding one grade level each year.
Speaking at a plenary session of Parliament, Mikanadze said the aim is to implement the change “calmly” and avoid tension in schools.
“We have decided to first establish the culture of school uniforms in the lower grades and add one class each year,” Mikanadze said. “If sixth graders wear uniforms in the first semester this year, then seventh grade will be added next year, and the eighth grade the year after that.”
The minister said the policy does not amount to a return of school uniforms, arguing that they were not part of the public school system after Georgia regained independence.
“We are not returning uniforms to schools, we are introducing uniforms to schools,” he said. “Generations grew up without school uniforms, and they were only introduced in some private schools, not everywhere.”
Mikanadze said the phased approach is intended to avoid confrontation within schools.
“A gradual approach will help prevent possible conflicts between students, teachers, and school administrations,” he said.
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