The organization “Young Barristers” address to the Government of Georgia, to speak about the problems of the private kindergartens and within the framework of the social policy, create a one-time material program for the private kindergartens, so that the kindergartnes won’t be closed, the right to preschool education won’t be inaccessible and the working places won’t be reduced.

According to the statement of Ana Putkaradze, who is a barrister of the strategic litigation of the organization, during the pandemic, the difficulties created by the state as a result of suspending the working regime of the private kindergartens led  to the closure of a number of pirvate kindergartens. The working places have been reduces. The administration of the private kindergarten has to independently pay rent, also other taxes, as well as reimburse the salaries of its employes. In order to prevent the spread of the new coronaviurs, the education institutions, from March 21, 2020, have factually ceased operations. Despite the fact, that private kindergartens have expressed readiness to strictly follow the recommendations of the state and resume the educational process, there has been made no exceptional decision by the government.

According to Ana Putkaradze, in case of an absence of he timely solutions to the problems faced by private kindergartens and the lack of proper support from the state, it is possible that the access to preschool education in Georgia will become more expensive. Given that, the only source of funding the private kindergartens are their pupils, it is natual, that in parallel with suspending their activities, the existence of educational institutions will be significantly threatened, which till now, remains an insurmountable problem. Therefore, in depth and comprehensive investigation of the problem is needed to prevent the problems connected with the full development of the minor, of the economy, the loss of qualified human resources and the additional problems for parents. In this regard, the government must take a timely and effective step. It is needed to support the private kindergartens and do financial support for their existence, which can be manifested in the reduction of utility bilss, loan subsidies, solving existing problems and providing long-term loans. Clearly, on the one hand, there is challenge towards an access to the right to pre-school education, and on the other hand, the support to mainting small and medium-sized businesses and save working places.

The “Young Barristers” continue civil advocacy on the case. On top of that, will help private kindergartens in a way of consulting on their legal problems.