Access and Barriers to Education: A Comparative Analysis of Attitudes and Perceptions of Ethnic
1Access and Barriers to Education: A Comparative Analysis of Attitudes and Perceptions of Ethnic Minorities in Georgia
Layman Abstract : This research examines how ethnic Azerbaijani and Armenian minorities in Georgia access general, vocational, and higher education, comparing data from 2018 and 2024. The study identifies challenges these communities face, particularly in higher education, and evaluates policies aimed at improving educational equity.
In 2018, surveys with 800 respondents from rural areas of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli showed that while general and vocational education was accessible, higher education remained a challenge. The 2024 data, gathered through expert interviews and secondary sources, confirm that language barriers continue to be the biggest hurdle, despite government initiatives like the "1+4" program and bilingual education policies. Other factors, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, and institutional challenges, further restrict access to higher education for ethnic minorities.
While some progress has been made, particularly in lower education levels, these communities still face significant disparities in higher education compared to ethnic Georgians. The study emphasizes the need for stronger language support programs, targeted interventions in rural areas, and more inclusive educational policies to ensure equal opportunities for all.
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Original Abstract : The purpose of this research is to study access to general, vocational, and higher education levels for ethnic Azerbaijani and Armenian minorities in Georgia, drawing on comparisons between 2018 and 2024. It aims to identify barriers to participation and evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions in addressing disparities promoting educational equity. In 2018, the research was conducted on a sample of 800 respondents from rural areas of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli. Data collection for 2024 was performed through secondary data, desk research and in-depth interviews with experts. In 2018, the survey showed that ethnic minorities had equal access to general and vocational education, but they perceived significant barriers in higher education. Key findings suggest that language proficiency remains the most significant barrier to educational attainment, especially higher education, despite government initiatives such as the "1+4" program and bilingual education efforts. Geographic isolation, restricted access to resources, and institutional barriers further lead to a lack of access for ethnic minorities and reinforce existing inequities. Although some progress has been observed, particularly in general and vocational education, ethnic minorities in Georgia continue to face pronounced disparities in higher education compared to their Georgian counterparts. This research points out the need to increase language support, develop targeted interventions in rural areas, and pursue inclusive educational policy to bridge the educational gap for ethnic minorities in Georgia.
View Book: https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aoller/v9/3620
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