"Believe me, we are all strong chain - if you will not be a weak link in this chain, then we will be able to maintain and strengthen our unity, and we will soon be proud of our profession and status, we will have a decent living conditions" - Teimuraz Shervashidze, head of ESFTUG’s Adjara Autonomous Republic’s Keda branch organization, addressed the delegates of the reporting-election conference, which was held on May 27. The 9th annual reporting-conference was opened by the ESFTUG’s vice president, head of ESFTUG’s Adjara Autonomous Republic organization Alexander Beridze. He thanked ESFTUG’s president Maia Kobakhidze and invited guest Durmishkhan Shavishvili, head of Keda Regional Educational Resource Center of Adjara Autonomous Republic, for attending the conference. The ESFTUG’s Keda branch organization units 39 primary organizations and 722 members. According to the requirements of the ESFTUG’s regulations and the executive council resolution, 42 delegates, elected by members of the Keda Branch Organization attended the conference. Teimuraz Shervashidze, the head of the ESFTUG’s Keda branch organization, discussed the details of the events dedicated to the celebration of Mothers’, Women’s and Teachers’ International Days, which were held in the region in the four-year period, he also discussed the statistical data of trainings and seminars which were conducted for the teachers, excursions and financial support for union members of public schools and kindergartens. Teimuraz Shervashidze noted that the winners of the school competition, held in Keda municipality and financed by ESFTUG’s Keda branch organization, were traveling to Turkey and were distributed with the materials specially prepared by ESFTUG - "Teacher's Diary" and "Teacher's Guide". Teimuraz Shervashidze made special emphasis on the activities carried out by the ESFTUG at both the state and international levels. He emphasized the importance of the "sectoral agreement" between ESFTUG and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, under which the obligations of cooperation between social partners were defined. Head of ESFTUG’s Keda branch organization thanked Maya Kobakhidze for the achievements of union in the last decade and expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education for such democratic and modern historical document – “Sectoral Agreement” – which was called “historical agreement” by the representatives of the international organizations. "I'm proud, because I am a representative of the organization that plays a special role in the development of civil society, social justice, the establishment of democratic principles and the quality of education. It is important for us to advocate the interests of the employed people in educational field and support their professional development. You agree that the process of protecting our rights is organized and constructive, free from populism. We will continue to work consistently and in accordance with the law and we will be in the protection of the rights of the employed people "- the head of Keda branch organization has completed his report and thanked Aleksandre Beridze, head of ESFTUG’s Adjara branch organization for support and help.

The delegates of the conference listened to the report of the Chairman of the Regulatory Commission of the ESFTUG’s Keda branch organization Daniel Dumbadze, which was positively assessed. ESFTUG's president Maia Kobakhidze clarified organization's achievements at state, and international levels and cited specific examples of improvement of labor / legal conditions: ,,For us it is an important and effective that we discuss reforms in the educational system with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia in constructive cooperation way, as well as at the European Commission and EU level. Since we are a member of an international organization, we have a wide range of opportunities for international action." She spoke about the importance of involvement of teachers in reforms and in decision making process, which is organized by the trade union. "However, if the prestige of the teacher's profession and teacher's authority in the society will not be raised, the reform will not bring positive results," - the ESFTUG’s president said. Durmishkhan Shavishvili, head of educational resource center of Keda addressed conference delegates. He expressed gratitude for the activities carried out by ESFTUG.

"...the laws are made by people and naturally, there are flaws in the course of its enactment in practice. Many of the shortcomings have been corrected by the involvement of ESFTUG, which is useful not only for members but for the general education system ...". The speaker named the activities of ESFTUG’s Keda branch organization effective and highlighted the results of current cooperation. "Teimuraz Shervashidze always is next to teachers and appreciates their contribution. He says his principal word at the district level. In order to establish democratic governance mechanisms, we have laid the foundation for teachers' subject conferences, thus giving teachers the opportunity to speak openly about professional needs," - said the Head of Keda Regional Educational Resource Center. The Chairman of the Conference, Alexander Beridze, called on the delegates of the conference to express critical comments to the activities of ESFTUG in order to provide the best possible opportunity for the "Dialogue with the central leadership". The speakers openly and boldly expressed their satisfaction over the activities carried out at ESFTUG, both at local and national level. Delegates discussed the reasons for the lack of young staff; working needs; problems; on the staff schedule of kindergartens, the qualification framework and other normative acts; assisting in the promotion of professional growth of the teachers, taking into consideration the current and actual circumstances; appreciating deserved pedagogues and determining a decent pension for them; school administration / technical personnel need to add mountain supplements. The conference delegates received qualified answers on the challenges at the regional level and expressed their hope that the trade union will receive more assistance.

Delegates of the conference positively evaluated Teimuraz Shervashidze's activities and expressed their confidence in the next four years, they also elected members of Regional Council and the delegates of the Adjara Autonomous Republican Organization’s conference. "I would like to express my conviction that the newly elected Regional Council and leaders of ESFTUG will take into consideration the fair criticisms and remarks of the delegates and speakers, and we will implement fundamental changes together and every member actively will be involved in Union’s activities." - said the newly elected leader Teimuraz Shervashidze.