The President of Georgia met with students at the Ozurgeti Public Service Hall and gave them student discount cards. Mikheil Saakashvili introduced the conception of the card to students, and spoke to them about the life-easing opportunities it gives. According to the President, students will benefit from various discounts at state structures and private companies as well as travelling by public transport (railway, metro, bus), using the internet or mobile phones, while purchasing computer technologies, visiting cultural and entertainment centers (movies, theaters, museum, book stores and etc), cafes and restaurants, recreation centers, various trade centers, and companies. According to Mikheil Saakashvili, considering the fact that the card has many features, its owners will have a lot of privileges. The Head of State also noted that providing many more incentives for students is being planned. He stated that next year, there will be a scholarship system for excelling students in the regions in order to protect the social fairness principle.
The Head of State also spoke about the student employment program. Mikheil Saakashvili noted that next year this program will be expanded. This year the main employer was the government, next year businesses will be more actively involved.
The President also spoke about the ongoing reforms in the education sphere, especially the new system of examination. He also touched on the teacher certification process and noted that starting now; teachers will be able to receive certificates at Public Service Halls.
The new program “Make Your Life Easier” is being implemented by the initiative of the President, and students of every authorized higher education school are eligible to receive the card beginning in 2012. The cards will be free for students of every authorized higher education school and can be obtained at Public Service Halls or Civil Registry offices.