Polish Teachers in Kutaisi

Many Poles worked in Kutaisi and actively participated in the social life of the city. It is worth noting that few people know that Władysław Raczkiewicz, a Polish politician, public and military figure, and President of the Republic of Poland during World War II, was born in Kutaisi.On October 12, 1879, Ivan Narbut from Poland began teaching French at the Classical Gymnasium for Boys in Kutaisi. Three years later, he was elected secretary of the pedagogical council of the lower secondary school. In the same year, for his excellent work, he was awarded 200 manats from the special fund of the lower secondary school. In 1883, he was awarded the Order of Saint Stanislaus, 3rd class. Over the years, he held various titles: in 1879, Collegiate Assessor; in 1885, Court Counselor; in 1888, Collegiate Counselor; and in 1891, State Counselor.At different times, he taught various classes. When the inspectors of secondary and higher schools were abroad, his duties were performed by Eugene Narbut as deputy. In 1891, he received the Order of Saint Anna. Ivan Narbut died in April 1894 in a shipwreck on the Black Sea.