On May 24, 2025, the ESFTUG XII Mid-term Congress convened at the International Black Sea University. The Congress, as the highest body of the ESFTUG, was held in accordance with the delegate representation norm determined by a resolution of the ESFTUG Executive Board. Based on this resolution, 219 delegates were elected through the reporting-election conferences held by ESFTUG regional/city counties and the Adjara Republican Council.
In line with the initiative of the ESFTUG President and with the support of the Executive Board—and in order to foster broader member engagement in decision-making—active non-delegate members were invited to participate in the Congress with deliberative voting rights (i.e., without the right to vote). As a result, in addition to the delegates, 77 members took part in the Congress with the right to a deliberative voice.
The event was also attended by invited guests, including social partners such as heads of district educational resource centers and representatives of local municipalities.
The Chairman of the Credential Commission of the XII Congress presented a report confirming the credentials of 216 delegates.
One of the highlights of the Congress was a speech by future teacher, Mariam Chachanidze, a student of the Georgian Philology Department at Ilia State University and the Preschool Education Department at the Georgian Academy of Business, and a recipient of a state scholarship. She shared her perspectives on enhancing the image of the teaching profession and improving the quality of teaching and learning. Despite her young age, Mariam has been actively involved in the professional development of hundreds of teachers and students since her school years. She is a laureate of multiple literary competitions, author of over 700 publications, and a regular contributor and translator for the educational platform “New Education.”
Another noteworthy presentation was delivered by Ana Anushidze, a mentor teacher at Batumi Public School No. 1. Her presentation, titled “Teaching Financial and Economic Literacy through Games for Preschoolers”, reflected her deep expertise. Dr. Anushidze holds a Ph.D. in International Relations, is a laureate of the National Teacher Award, and serves as an expert in subject and quality development in general education. Her textbook and methodology collection are grounded in both national research and international best practices, offering valuable support to colleagues in their daily work.
The Congress also featured speeches on various important issues by Natalia Jikurashvili –Khashuri Municipality, Khtsisi Public School; Maia Japiashvili – Employee at Breti Kindergarten, Kareli Municipality; Marekh Vibliani – Primary School Teacher at Irganchai Village Public School, Dmanisi Municipality; Edita Kodua – Majoritarian Member of the Sakrebulo from Village No. 8, Zugdidi Municipality, and Director of Abastumani Village Public School (LEPL); Dali Nebiereidze – Leading Teacher of Georgian Language and Literature at Tkibuli Public School No. 6; Lika Sanaia – Teacher at Tbilisi Public School No. 200
Active and lively discussions took place throughout the Congress, with many participants contributing from the floor.
The XII Mid-Term Congress was held under the unifying messages:
“Professionalism, Unity, and Solidarity Strengthen the Trade Union!”
“We Defend Democracy – The Professionalism and Public Engagement of Every Member Elevates the Role of the Trade Union!”
These messages will serve as the guiding themes for the ESFTUG over the next two years.
The comprehensive report on ESFTUG activities, presented during the Congress, will be published in sections by thematic areas.