"We have made a very big and important step – we created new, completely unique, post-secondary education centers in Tbilisi and Zugdidi for the better future of young people living in the occupied territories. These centers will be free of charge. Moreover, they will receive 150 GEL scholarships and will facilitate their access to higher educational institutions". Such statement the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili made during the briefing after the end of Governments meeting.

According to her, this initiative echoes the main priority of the Government of Georgia, a great educational reform, which is an ambitious and extremely important plan.

"We know how difficult it is to educate people on the occupied territories and deliver education from teachers and directors to pupils. Especially in Gali and Akhalgori, where ethnic discrimination is underway, full restrictions on the possibility of education in native language, threats and oppression. In such conditions many of them do not have social and economic opportunity to turn the national exams, to enter into various higher education institutions and use existing quotas. Today they will have the opportunity not only get into this center and receive free education, but also receive a scholarship and be provided with housing. I know that this is a great relief for them.

"Already 142 young people already uses this program and I think this is one of the most prominent steps that we have implemented in the framework of the new peace initiative. As you know, we have also started a grant program for "Produce for a Better Future", which offers financial resources to the residents of the occupied territories to carry out economic activity along the dividing lines. We already have more than 60 applicants from Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region and I think that it will be a great and important benefit for people", - said Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.

The post-secondary program for the young people living in the occupied territories has been launched yesterday.