CCIIR began implementing the research component of PITA program (“Promoting Integration, Tolerance and Awareness Program in Georgia" [PITA], implemented by the UN Association of Georgia with financial support of USAID). The research aims to study the effectiveness of the "Quota System in Georgia" introduced at higher education institutions by Ministry of Education of Georgia in the framework of “an affirmative action Policy” towards ethnic minority entrants. Through this quota system non-Georgian university entrants have a chance to take exam on their native language only in General Skills. After succeeding they become students of one-year Georgian language program which enables them to learn Georgian language well enough to continue studying for a BA degree after completing the program.
CCIIR is going to do research in several directions. The survey of currently enrolled students' attitudes and perceptions towards the quality of one year Georgian language program is being conducted. Totally 300 randomly selected students from TSU, Medical University, Technical University, Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe Universities are participating in research. For the second phase of the research it is planned to identify/study/assess the needs of BA students. Research of employment opportunities and career growth of graduates enrolled through quota system will also be conducted.
After analyzing the research results CCIIR will develop the recommendation package for improving the policy and one year Georgian language program.
Center for Civil Integration and Inter-ethnic Relations as partner organization is implementing research within “Promoting Integration, Tolerance and Awareness Program in Georgia" [PITA], run by the UN Association of Georgia with financial support of USAID. It is a five-year program, started in June, 2015 and will last till the end of May, 2020.