Deda Ena to Be Returned to Educational Program from September
“’Deda Ena’ is to be returned to the Georgian educational program from September,” stated Mamuka Bakhtadze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, while delivering a speech at the house-museum of Iakob Gogebashvili, one of the most significant and distinguished public figures in Georgian history.
The Head of the Georgian Government spoke about the importance of ‘Deda Ena’ (Mother Tongue), noting that Iakob Gogebashvili much contributed to the historic mission of spreading the Georgian language. Bakhtadze also strongly accentuated the role of public figures of the 19th century in terms of preserving the language, which was facing the challenge of extinction at the time.
“Unfortunately, as a result of actions of irresponsible individuals, ‘Deda Ena’ was removed from the Georgian educational system, resulting in the fair and objective anger of the public,” said the Prime Minister, noting that developing the sphere of education is a major priority for the current government.
Bakhtadze completed his speech by expressing his gratitude to all engaged in the process of returning ‘Deda Ena’ to the Georgian educational program and said that all first graders will receive the book for free in September.
Radio Liberty notes that 'Deda Ena' was removed from educational program in 2011 with the claims that it represented the part of the old-fashioned methodology.
The book was inscribed on the registry of Georgia's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, and represents an introduction and children's primer to the Georgian language.
By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya