Our School
🏛️ "Jiji" (GG) was founded on September 20, 2011.
The institution was established on the site of the former Secondary School No. 7 in Zugdidi (Western Georgia, a city bordering Abkhazia).
Following reconstruction and expansion, the total building area tripled and now stands at 3,416.58 square meters.
"Jiji" is an investment project by Mr. Dmitry Gurtskoy, a Georgian citizen residing abroad and working in the field of education. All obligations outlined in the agreement with the Government of Georgia have been fully fulfilled.
The gymnasium launched its educational activities in the 2013–2014 academic year, preceded by:
✅ Completion of construction and rehabilitation works
✅ Official commissioning of the facility
✅ Receipt of accreditation
✨ The Story Behind the Name — How "Jiji" Came to Be
Our name embodies respect and family values. For the founder, it was essential that the school honor his father — Alexander Andreevich Gurtskii, Honored Educator of Georgia.
Several name options were considered: "Tsignieri" ("Bookish"), "Pirveli" ("First"), "Gelati", "Gurtskaya Gymnasium", and others…
The preferred choice was "Gurtskaya Gymnasium." It was precisely the initials of this name — GG — that inspired "Jiji."
This short, pleasant-sounding word was first adopted by the construction team, then warmly embraced by the children, who carried it throughout the city. After that, choosing another name no longer made sense — and today, there is no need to change it, as "Jiji" has become an inseparable part of the school's identity. Children say with joy and warmth: "I want to go to Jiji" — and this is exactly the feeling we strive to create. 💙
💭 Interesting Theories About the Name's Origin
"Jiji" is now a recognized brand, yet many charming stories surround its origin. One popular belief holds that the name comes from the Megrelian word jiji, meaning "elder uncle" — specifically, the brother of one's grandfather.
While this interpretation isn't linguistically accurate, we gladly welcome this association too: 🤍 After all, a school is a second family, and our teachers and founder serve as caring mentors to the next generation.
… And if "Jiji" evokes warmth, care, and the reliability of an "elder uncle" for someone — we celebrate that. Let this story live on! 😊
🎓✨ "Jiji" — Where Traditions Meet Innovation!