Georgia Today Education issue 14 by Georgia Today Group

EDUCATION Issue no: 014

www.georgiatoday.ge

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• MARCH 2018

• PUBLISHED MONTHLY

PRICE: GEL 2

In this issue...

FOCUS

‘Young European Ambassadors’ Reach out to Georgian Youth

ON YOUR MIND

In this issue, check out the Young European Ambassadors, a university for kids and how to solve the dog problem in Georgia

PAGE 2

Save the World at Brain Drain! PAGE 3

Personal Budgeting & Why You Need It!

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The UK Bridge Education Fair & The Future Journalist Competition PAGE 6

French School of Caucasus Starts Waste Separation

n February 23, a waste separation corner was opened at the French School of the Caucasus. From this point forward, schoolchildren, parents, and school staff will have the opportunity to bring and separate their waste (paper, glass, PET plastic, and aluminium). Waste collection and transportation will be provided by Clean World Ltd., who will deliver the waste to recycling companies. Veronica Lee, USAID’s Economic Growth Office Director; Mathieu Gorau, the Director of the primary school at the French School of the Caucasus; Nana Janashia, CENN’s Executive Director; and Rute Vicente, Head of the Association of Students’

Parents, attended and gave speeches at the opening of the separation corner. Jean-Yves Lavoir, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs of the Embassy of France, also participated in the event. Both the hosts and the guests at the event stressed the importance of waste separation and involving youth in the process. Areas in Vake Park were cleaned up by the school’s students and staff, followed by a waste separation tutorial where students had the opportunity to separate waste on their own. The event concluded with fun educational games focused on waste separation. The waste separation corner was opened under the auspices of the ongoing USAID-funded project, Waste Management Technology in

Regions, Phase II (WMTR II), implemented by CENN. The program assists the Government of Georgia in modernizing the waste management sector in the country and by supporting sustainable and inclusive economic development. This initiative has made it possible to

separate and dispose of waste at eight locations in Tbilisi to date. The responsibility to separate waste is determined by the EU Association Agreement and, based on the Waste Management Code of Georgia, is to be implemented in all municipalities from 2019.

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

‘Young European Ambassadors’ Reach out to Georgian Youth

etween 26 February and 2 March, 27 ‘Young European Ambassadors’ (YEAs) from Georgia and the European Union (EU) participated in a series of activities aimed at engaging with the country’s youth on the EU’s partnership with Georgia. Organized in cooperation with the Delegation of the EU to Georgia, the activities included a visit to a school in the Tserovani Internally Displaced People (IDP) settlement and to Tbilisi State University. The YEAs shared personal experiences with high school pupils and university students to help them better

understand the EU, its history, shared values and structures, and the opportunities it offers to young people in Georgia. As many of the YEAs are beneficiaries of EUEngaging – connecting funded programs, including ErasSettlement – place to live mus+ and EVS, students had the Values – ideas, what is important to a person/organization chance to ask them questions and exchange views in English and GeorStructures – way of working gian. Each presentation was followed Opportunities – chances by a short EU quiz during which Beneficiaries – people helped by pupils and students got to test their Best practices – the best ways to do things knowledge. “Being a Young European AmbasConduct – lead, control, organize sador from Georgia is a huge opporInteractive – all people can speak and join in tunity,” said YEA Geno Kutashvili. “Sharing information about the EU tant and valuable, especially in Tse- 2017, Armenia in May 2017 and Azerand its amazing programs is impor- rovani IDP settlement, because the baijan in September 2017, where EU is the key to freedom and a they had the chance to conduct chance for development.” interactive learning sessions with The YEAs also met local youth high school pupils, university stupartners including the Erasmus+ dents and youth organizations. National Office, the Erasmus StuYoung European Ambassadors (YEA) connect with young dent Network, the Young Diplomats’ Club of Georgia, the Europe-Georpeople from the European Union and the Eastern Partner gia Institute and the Caucasus Youth countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Mol- Nexus to exchange ideas and best dova and Ukraine). They exchange experiences, discuss practices on youth activities in the concerns of young people, share best practices and Georgia. The ‘Young European Ambassawork together for a better future. dors’ engaged in similar activities 200 young people from the EU Member States and the in Moldova in November 2016 and

What’s That?

Info Box

Eastern Partner countries have been appointed as ‘Young European Ambassadors’, based on applications received by ‘EU Neighbors East’ in August 2016 and 2017. New calls for applications are re-opened on an annual basis. Find out more here: http://www.euneighbours.eu/en/ east/eu-in-action/youth/learn-more-get-involved

Food for Thought  Find out more about the European Union. Make a project about it and present it to your class.

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GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

Save the World at Brain Drain!

BY NIA PATARAIA

ave you ever tried to break out of prison or find hidden treasure after a hard day of studying? I had no idea it was possible until I visited Brain Drain with my friends. It’s hard to find a place to escape routine in the city. My friends and I always went to the movies or cafes in our free time, but we wanted adventure! We wanted to try something different and fun! Then, one day, while scrolling Facebook, I discovered Brain Drain. Even though I’d heard of reality quests, this was the first I’d heard of one in Georgia. We decided to check it out! A “reality quest” is a game brought to life, and the ending is in your hands alone. Imagine you’re one door from the real world, becoming a part of history through costume and deduction. Locked in a thematic room, you have one hour to escape. Each space differs from the others: it might be a prison cell, jungle, ancient graveyard or science lab. There are hidden clues that can help you get out of the room, and players have to solve problems

or even quests to get a hidden code. My friends and I started our new adventure by trying to escape a prison cell. Instructors gave us costumes and told us: “With a secret identity, you traveled a lot to collect secret information about a unique computer program. After you’d completed this mission, you were arrested for a small crime. Your secret mission was never discovered but being locked in prison is dangerous for your mission. There’s only one way out: escape! In 1 hour a prison bus will take every prisoner to a new place. You have to use all your knowledge and experience to escape this cell before they come to collect you. You have one hour.” That’s how our journey to the quest world began. Next, we were “thrown” into the tomb of Genghis Khan, 700 years after the death of the cruel, coldblooded conqueror. We were told: “According to legend, treasure was hidden in his tomb, but anyone who goes in to look for it never comes back out! Beat the other treasure hunters and find the treasure. Oxygen in the tomb will run out in 60 minutes and its doors will shut! You have one hour!” The other rooms and experiences are just as incredible- fighting Arti-

What’s That? Escape – leave, come out of Routine – the same every day Deduction – investigation, thinking to find the answer Clues – pieces of an answer Arrested – taken by police Look for – try to find Beat – be faster/better than Riddles – word puzzles

ficial Intelligence robots to save the world; solving ancient Mayan riddles in the dangerous depths of the jungle, surrounded by hungry animals and mysterious people; a trip to 2060 where teleportation is possible, but your friend is stuck in another universe awaiting rescue from evil aliens. Even the slightest change in the story can change history and save the lives of millions of people. The way Brain Drain is organized, you feel as if the future of the world is really in your hands! Brain Drain also has a brilliant area

for Virtual Reality lovers and a huge selection of games. I also liked the chill-out area, and my friends and I decided to stay longer to chat and play table games. I recommend Brain Drain to everyone. You can do whatever you want there: play games individually, have fun with a group of friends, celebrate birthdays or just chill. My friends and I will definitely go back again! WHERE: 2 Mary Brose Str., Tbilisi TEL (+995) 32 224 4343 WEB www.braindrain.ge

ADA University offers International Fellowship named after Alimardan Topchubashov to bring first-class international education and leadership training to students across the globe. With the application deadline of April 5, 2018 Topchubashov Fellowship is looking for candidates who have a strong commitment to serve a public cause. The Fellowship is open to all international undergraduate and graduate applicants who have been admitted to one of ADA University’s degreegranting schools. For more information please visit: http://www.ada.edu.az/en-US/ Pages/admission_fellowships.aspx

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GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

KinderUni, Goethe Institute Launches New Educational Platform for Children Info Box

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

oethe Institute Georgia has launched an online educational platform: a university for children aged 8 to 12, as part of Georgian-German Year (2017). KinderUni is free for children, parents and teachers, who can register online, and it offers lectures in 3 faculties: humans, nature and technology. Each faculty has different videolectures with fun tasks to do. There are 45 video lectures and more than 360 interactive assignments. The lectures at KinderUni are available in Georgian and German, and while the format and concept of the university for children is said to be extremely popular in Germany, it is new for Georgia. “The idea for a children’s university comes from Germany, where children are able to attend seminars and lectures in universities,”

Keti Tibua, Education Project Coordinator at Goethe Institute Georgia, told us. “As there aren’t enough university cities in Georgia where we could invite children for lectures or seminars, we decided to make an online university for our children, adapting and translating the content into Georgian for them. Most people have access to Internet and computers and we wanted to reach children not only in the big cities in Georgia, but also in the regions. Since KinderUni is designed for children aged 8 to 12, it would be difficult for them to come to Tbilisi for lectures, and the KinderUni online concept makes it accessible from everywhere, no matter where you live,” she said. “The goal of KinderUni is to give children a chance to learn subjects in a fun way, subjects which might be boring for them at school,” said Ana Mshvildadze, Educational Projects Coordinator. “All the lectures are based on questions, for example, why do we hear the sound of the

The video for the lectures is taken from an award-winning children’s TV program in Germany called “Sendung mit der Maus” (a program with a mouse) where Christoph Biemann, the program host, together with the fictional character, online university professor Einstein, and his assistant Sophie Schlau, discuss various topics that are interesting for children. sea in a sea-shell? Questions that interest children and are often difficult for parents to explain. Plus, there are many ideas at KinderUni that can be an inspiration for school projects.” So far, a school from Batumi and another in Zugdidi are actively participating, and Goethe are hoping to get more schools involved in future. “KinderUni is a great resource for new projects and new ideas for

teachers which they can incorporate into their teaching,” Ana said. “In Georgia, most children don’t know how to learn independently online. We are more accustomed to the traditional environment where a teacher explains things to us. KinderUni also aims to teach children to get that skill of learning independently. In a way, it is a challenge for the education system not only in Georgia, but globally,” Ana said.

What’s That? Launched – started Assignments – tasks, activities the student must do Award-winning – it won prizes Is said to be – (passive tense) people say that Attend – go to, take part in Adapting – changing for a new audience Access – can find and use Reach – touch, affect Independently – without help, on your own

Food for Thought  What are the pros and cons of young pupils going to university?  Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why is it important to learn to work independently?  How do you use computers?

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GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

FINANCIAL LITERACY Presented by

Personal Budgeting & Why You Need It! BY THEA MORRISON

reating a personal budget is an important step for making the right financial decisions, for saving, and to help you stop spending your money unnecessarily. Creating a personal budget is easy. It helps you to think of ways to save money and control expenses, and also changes how we think about the money we have. A budget is a plan you make to help you manage your money. A

budget can be made by anybody, and businesses, governments and even schools have them! It is important to remember that money should be spent within the limits we have. If we spend more than we earn, we say the budget is deficit. This means that we will not be able to buy, save or pay for unexpected financial expenditures (for example, repairing your computer or phone if it stops working). In contrast, if you earn more than you spend, then your budget is profitable or surplus. So, you have enough money to save more, buy what you want and cover any unex-

PERSONAL BUDGET SAMPLE Name, surname: Budget period: Budget items • Income: Work Pocket money Gift / scholarship / other Total income: • Expenses- Necessary expenses: Food School/stationary items Clothes Transport Health (medicine or swimming lesson fee) Other • Expenses- Extra expenses: Movie / Theater / Concert / Museum, etc. Gift (for a friend, or family) New items Other Total expenses: • Savings made: Savings: Total expenses Total balance (positive or negative?):

Amount (sum)

Info Box Expenses are split into two parts: - Necessary expenses (e.g. a new pen, new shoes) - Extra Costs (e.g. concert or museum tickets, a new phone [if the old one still works], eating in a pizzeria instead of at home, etc.)

What’s That? Budget – a plan you make to help control how you spend your money Saving – Money you put into a bank account or keep (and don’t spend) Expenses – what we spend (also: expenditure) Deficit – when you spend more money than you have Unexpected – surprise, you didn’t know about it before Profitable – you make extra money Surplus – extra Distribute – spread out, use Income – the money you get for working or are given as a gift, scholarship, etc. (total income = all the money you have) pected expenses. If you make a personal budget every month, you will be better able to control where your money goes, and how you distribute your income. You should try to save some money each month, even if it is a very small amount. In the budget, savings are an “expenditure,” as this money is no longer available for you to spend.

The total balance is the money you have left after savings and expenses. A positive total balance is a good result and shows that you have managed your finances well. If the total balance is negative, then you spent more than you earned, the budget is in deficit, and it shows you couldn’t manage your money in the right way. Make your own budget and see how well YOU do!

Food for Thought  How can a budget help us?  Why do schools, businesses and governments have budgets?  Try making a personal budget for yourself for the next week or month: fill in the form.

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The UK Bridge Education Fair & The Future Journalist Competition school, the morning General English class can still challenge them. Then, in the afternoon, they can take the Junior Journalism course. The idea is that students interested in journalism as a career or who want to develop their language in that field, will be taught specific terminology and the different skills they might need, such as how to handle face-to-face interviews, note taking, writing articles, etc. They also create their own podcasts, and at the beginning of the week they are given a project with a theme of their choice: it all builds up to the final day of the week when they present the podcast to the entire school.

BY SOPIO JAVAKHISHVILI

n February 24, the annual International Education Fair was held at Rooms Hotel in Tbilisi. The fair brought together schools and universities from 12 different countries and gave attendees the opportunity to meet with education institution representatives and find out more about the various courses and programs available for those planning to learn abroad. This year is the 10th anniversary of UK Bridge, the fair organizer and a company which has helped many of Georgia’s youth study in numerous world-leading schools in Europe and the USA. GEORGIA TODAY spoke to the founders of UK bridge, Anka Vetsko and Nutsa Kuridze, about the fair and the Future Journalist competition it launched with Georgia Today Education in February.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROGRAMS YOU OFFER Any person who decides to use the services we offer, who is interested in learning abroad, will find the course they want. Most popular with Georgian students are the summer schools designed for children aged 9 to 16 years. But there are also

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY AT THE SUMMER winter and Easter courses for chil- Summer schools help motivate stuSCHOOL LIKE? dren, and language and professional courses for adults. Course last from two weeks to six months, and there are intensive options, too, to learn faster and get a certificate. We also offer undergraduate and master’s programs, as well as offering children the chance to attend boarding school and preparatory courses. One of the most popular trends right now is for teachers to create small groups of students based on their interests. We also advise and send students to the United States, but it is harder than getting into European countries and the UK.

dents to study harder and better and to look for new ways to learn. I wish success to everyone who enters the competition and look forward to handing the Future Journalist’s prize to the winner. During last weekend’s UK Bridge Education Fair, we also spoke to Kieran Hayde, the Marketing Manager of the Wimbledon School of English, one of UK Bridge’s oldest partners.

WHAT MAKES WIMBLEDON STAND OUT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS OF ITS KIND?

Wimbledon School of English is one of the oldest English schools TELL US ABOUT THE in the UK. It was founded in 1964 FUTURE JOURNALISTS and is one of the top performing COMPETITION English language schools according YOU’RE RUNNING IN to British Council inspection results. COLLABORATION WITH That’s one of the reasons UK Bridge GEORGIA TODAY Every year we send one child, cho- decided to partner with us, and sen through a competition, to sum- because we have a journalism course. mer school for free. Right now, we’re working with GEORGIA TODAY TELL US MORE ABOUT Education on a young journalists’ THE COURSE THAT competition. The winner will have THE WINNER OF THE the chance to attend a UK summer FUTURE JOURNALIST school specialized in Journalism. COMPETITION Most summer courses cost a lot of WILL ATTEND money, and this contest gives the Primarily, students come to improve unique chance for a student to attend their English. We teach right up to a free two-week course at Wimble- C2 level, so, even if students are don Summer School in the UK. from a bilingual or international

There are many options and most days at the school are full of activities and workshops. Whether you’re interested in sports, art, or crafts, there is always something to interest you aside from general courses during your stay. In the evenings, students are free to spend time with their friends or chill out. Three times a week, students leave the campus on excursions into Oxford or London, for example, which is just an hour away. It can be a walking tour or a museum visit, and they always have lunch and time to shop. Excursions are a fun way for them to learn more about the culture.

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Georgia Today Education: Competition of a Lifetime for Young Writers

et ready future journalists! Win a 2-week Summer School course in the UK! The 2nd phase of the competition is on! Send 10 questions to ask UK Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith to info@georgiatoday.ge. Think carefully about the questions for your chance to study to become a journalist at one of the UK’s top English Schools! Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaTodayEDU/ The Future Journalist competition is your chance to showcase your writing skills and win a fantastic prize. Organized by Georgia Today Education and supported by UK Bridge, it aims to discover the best future journalists in Georgia. Within the scope of the competition, young participants will have the opportunity to work as real journalists and have their interviews published in Georgia Today newspapers. This is a unique opportunity to meet figureheads and officials in person and ask them about their thoughts and interests.

SO, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO WIN THIS GREAT PRIZE? Firstly, you have to be between 13-16 years old. The competition will have three potential winners. In Phase 1, three potential young journalists were chosen to interview Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. They then wrote his answers in English and one winner was chosen by a jury of media and English language experts. The winner went through to the final phase to meet and interview Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, and for a chance to win the two-week course in the UK. Phase 2: By March 23, email us 10 questions you would like to ask UK

Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith. Email us at info@ georgiatoday@gmail.com. Please include your age and telephone number. Phase 3: By April 20, email us 10 questions you would like to ask First Lady Maka Chichua. Email us at info@georgiatoday@gmail. com. Please include your age and telephone number. Three winners of Phase 2 (not the same people as Phase 1) will have the chance to meet and interview UK Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith, in person. They must then write the interview. The jury will choose one winner whose interview will be printed in an April edition of the Georgia Today newspaper. The winner will pass to the final phase. Three winners of Phase 3 (not the same people as Phases 1 or 2) will have the chance to meet and interview First Lady Maka Chichua, in person. The jury will choose one winner whose interview will be printed in a May edition of the Georgia Today newspaper. The winner will pass to the final phase. Final Phase: The three winners

of each phase will then together interview Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, in person. They must then write the interview ready for print in the newspaper. An independent jury will look at the three interviews and choose the best. The jury will choose one final winner. That winning interview will be published in both Georgia Today and Georgia Today Education newspapers. The winner will then fly off to the UK for a two-week summer education course of a lifetime! Georgia Today’s International Partners are: Peace Corps Georgia, an American

Charity Educational Organization. Peace Corps Georgia has volunteer teachers who teach English in Georgian schools throughout the country, and who actively use Georgia Today Education as an educational resource. The British Council - through a program developed by the British Council ‘Learn English’, which is used by many countries around the world to teach the English language. You can find electronic versions of the Georgia Today Education’s first three editions here: https://issuu.com /georgiatodaynewspaper/docs/gted001 https://issuu.com /georgiatodaynewspaper/docs/gted002 https://issuu.com /georgiatodaynewspaper/docs/gted003

WHAT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SAYS ABOUT GEORGIA TODAY EDUCATION: “Georgia Today Education should be of interest to pupils and teachers. Reading of this newspaper will definitely contribute to the development of critical thinking and media literacy among students. We note that it is possible to use this edition as a study resource. The materials covered in the newspaper can be actively used in English language lessons as an additional authentic learning resource.”

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Author Promotes Tbilisi in the UK Info Box Find out more about Katie and her books and presentations at www.fb.com/KatieRuthDaviesAuthor/ And katieruthdavies.blogspot.com Find out more about the Bristol-Tbilisi Twinning Agreement here: http://bristoltbilisi.com/

BY TAMZIN WHITEWOOD

atie Ruth Davies is a British author and journalist living in Tbilisi (Republic of Georgia). She is the leading Young Adult (YA) fiction author in the country and the author of 6 books so far. Angels is the first in a new series set in Georgia. It is fun, easy to read, and teaches readers about Georgian culture and history. Katie spent two weeks in her home city of London meeting Georgian diaspora and British teens and showing them what life is like in Georgia. She used photos, fun descriptions, stories and Georgian food. Also, because 2018 is the 30th anniversary of the Bristol-Tbilisi Twinning Agreement, Katie made a special visit to the city of Bristol to talk about life in Bristol’s Twin City, Tbilisi.

Born in the UK, author Katie Ruth Davies moved to Georgia in 2007. Her vampire saga was one of the first of its genre to be translated from English into Georgian (even before The Vampire Diaries and Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles). Following her success with her Blood Omen saga, Angel is the first in a new series of novels, Dark Wings, which already has fans eagerly waiting for the next book. Angel is the first of Katie’s novels to be set in her adopted home-town of Tbilisi and tells the story of Georgian-native and hardworking Eliso, 16, who never has to worry about getting into trouble, thanks to her Guardian Angel. That is, until a family of demons comes to town... When not writing fiction, Katie is the Editor-in-Chief of Georgia Today, the leading English-language newspaper in Georgia, published twice a week and covering business, cul-

What’s That? Set in – the story happens in Georgian diaspora – Georgians living and working in another country Twinning – when one city agrees to promote the culture and education of a city in a different country Eagerly – with excitement Adopted – taken, to be kept forever Potential – what it can do (positive)

ture, politics and society. She is also Editor-in-Chief of Where.ge, an award-winning tourism magazine and website promoting Georgia’s potential as a tourist destination.

While in London, Katie spoke at the Georgian Embassy, the First Georgian School in the UK, Primrose Hill Community Library, and Deptford Green School.

Food for Thought  Are fiction books a good way to tell young people about Georgia? What about films?  Watch some Georgian-made award-winning films (such as Dede, The Trader and My Happy Family). What image do they give of Georgia and Georgians? Do you think it is the right image?  How would YOU promote your country to people from other countries? “An intriguing take on the urban fantasy genre, not least for its being set in a littleknown country in the South Caucasus. A teenage girl with a guardian angel finds herself caught in the spotlight of a demonic drama. The author is good at drawing the reader in and keeping them balanced on a knife’s edge until the end.” -Dacre Stoker, Author, great grandnephew of Bram Stoker.

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REVIEW BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

magine you’re visiting Georgia but you don’t have time to leave Tbilisi to see the regions. Imagine you’re visiting Georgia but the latest concert of Georgian dancers or polyphonic singers has passed or is happening just after you go home. Maybe you live here and want to impress your guests and you’ve already eaten at the restaurants and walked around the Old Tbilisi streets. Go and see this new show! Don’t like musicals? Wait! The creators were inspired by the theater shows in the West End and Broadway, but this is something very different. While it’s as bold, heartwarming and energetic as any show you’ll see in London or New York, the musical part comes from unique Georgian polyphony and folk songs mixed with dialogue and fun traditional dances. ‘Welcome to Georgia- The Musical’ is a theatrical show in English which tells the story of Georgia and its people through song, dance, and dialogue. By going to see the show, visitors to the country will learn about Georgia’s culture, history, national costumes, food, and worldrenowned wine. The First Act shows Grandma Maro’s house in Kakheti, with the

lady and her neighbors enjoying an evening of table games and singing. Then Maro’s grandson Giorgi phones. They’re expecting him to visit on Saturday, bringing with him his new French girlfriend whom he met while studying winemaking in Paris; the whole village is ready for their visit… But Giorgi is not coming on Saturday; they’re on the way now! The villagers quickly organize the table, the kids arrive, and then the magic begins. Julie (played by Eka Demetradze) is an educated and enthusiastic guest who wants to learn, with the audience, about the history of Georgian winemaking, toasting, song and dance. And teaching them all is Dimitri the Toastmaster, played by singer and actor Lasha Ramishvili. With a strong voice and an even stronger stage personality, he brings the audience into the story; giving facts about Georgia and its traditions with such warmth that each member of the audience could easily be sitting at the supra table with the characters, wine in hand and “food on food” in front of them. The colors, the costumes, the cozy ‘village yard’ scenery; all make for a unique and positive ambiance that reflects the brighter side of Georgia and its people. ‘Welcome to Georgia – The Musical’ is the new must-see for both visitors and locals!

Food for Thought  What is the best way for tourists to find out about your country?  Make a ‘Day Tour’ and ‘Week Tour’ plan for a tourist. What will you show them? Don’t forget they need breakfast, lunch and dinner!

What’s That? Impress – show them special sights Inspired – given ideas Bold – strong, with lots of energy Renowned – famous Expecting – waiting for Enthusiastic – interested in learning Audience – people (guests) watching the show Toasting – raising your glass and drinking to celebrate a special idea Warmth – positivity, friendliness Ambiance – atmosphere, feeling around you Reflects – shows, demonstrates

Info Box Find out more about the show at: www.musical.ge www.facebook.com/musical.ge

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Could You Live without Your Phone? I Did & Here’s What I Learned What’s That?

OP-ED BY TOM DAY

was walking in Tbilisi one evening when I noticed that many of the people around me were not actually there; they were on their phones, communicating with people whom were also not there. Some were so engulfed by their screen that they almost bumped into me. That small, metal box (which is probably on the table in front of you as you read this, or, much more likely, in your hands now) is something we seem to be dependent on, almost as a tool for our basic survival. Are you addicted to your smartphone? What did we do before we had mobile phones? Can we, in 2018, live without one? My smartphone breaking just over a month ago helped me to find out. As I began the day with a phone, which had a newly-cracked screen, I was actually scared; it was almost as if I had lost the use of my hands. I made the decision to buy a new

one, but before I could do that, I had to meet a friend. I still had my laptop, so I agreed the meeting time and place and told him I would be off-grid until we met. As I left my apartment, I felt worried: what if he cancelled last minute? What if he needed to meet at another time? What if he wanted to meet somewhere else? What if I got lost? Could I really do it? I chose to walk to my friend’s apartment that afternoon. The 30-minute stroll was unlike any other I’d had in recent years. Without that need to take my phone out of my pocket every few minutes, I was able to truly see what was around me. I noticed smells, sounds and sights that I would not usually have seen. I smiled at the feeling of freedom, and realized I was happy. Really happy. Completely present, with nothing but the world around me. I met my friend with no problems, and we found a table in our favorite restaurant. While there I realized something worrying: for more than half of the time in the restaurant,

Food for Thought  Imagine one day, one week and one month without your phone. How would your life be: a) easier? b) more difficult?  Divide into two groups. One group thinks mobile phones are good and necessary, the other group thinks mobile phones should be banned (made illegal). Prepare your arguments and start the discussion.

Noticed – saw Engulfed – stuck in, focused on Bumped into – walked into, hit by accident Dependent – can’t live without Cracked – broken Off-grid – uncontactable (no-one could phone or message him) Stroll – slow, gentle walk Present – here, now Gaps – spaces Reply – answer Brave – courageous, strong we were sitting in silence. It was not just because he was on his phone, talking to those not with us, but also because our conversations kept stopping and starting, with large gaps of time as we tried to remember what it was we were talking about. I watched him and asked, “is this what life is like now?” As he opened his mouth to reply, his

phone rang, and he was gone again. I looked around the restaurant and saw the same story with everyone else; they were having the same meaningless, start-and-stop conversations, too. I decided then to try and live without my phone for one week. There were some problems at first, getting lost (no Google Maps!) and annoying a few friends (off-grid!). But why w do we have to be on-grid every hour of on the day? We don’t! and the feeling I have t when I leave cyberw space behind me, knowing I’m now k experiencing the real e world, is something w that th no smartphone can ca ever give me. If my phone hadn’t broken, I don’t think I bro would wou have been brave enough to try to live enou without it. Some of us with have jobs which require us to have a phone, but why not n try to leave it at home one evening? Next time you find yourself y scrolling scrollin through Facebook for two hours without having made the conscious decision to do d so, or you realize you are sitting in silence with si a group of o friends, just ask yourself: am a I controlling my phone, or is i it controlling me?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

Going to the Dogs: Svaneti Info Box Dog attacks don’t happen often but if you meet an aggressive dog, do the following to stay safe:  Move slowly- don’t make quick movements because it will make the dog want to attack.  Put your hands in your pockets so the dog can’t bite your arms easily.  Avoid eye contact – if you look them in the eye, they might think you want to attack them. Stand sideways to them.  Walk away slowly but don’t turn your back. Don’t runthey will run faster than you!  If you see dogs fighting, don’t try to stop the fight- you will get hurt!  If a dog bites you, don’t pull away: it can make the injury worse. If another person is with you, they can push a strong stick into its mouth to open it. BLOG BY TONY HANMER

t happened again. Someone got badly bitten. Not me this time, but still. Last week it was a schoolteacher in her late twenties, walking her young daughter home after school. She was able to shield the child but the dog, which

had escaped from its garden, bit her arm and would not let go. The girl was in shock for two days after this. The dog’s owners took the mother to Mestia, 30 km away, for stitches. No further action was taken against the dog or its owners. I wonder what needs to happen next before people want to change the “dog situation” in this province.

What’s That? In her late twenties – aged from 26-29 Shield – protect Let go – open its mouth Stitches – when doctors sew an injury to close it Owners – people who feed and keep the dog Chained up – kept in one place with a chain around its neck Mauled – badly attacked by an animal Revenge – to do something bad to someone because they did something bad to you

Food for Thought  Do you have dogs in the streets where you live? How do you feel about them?  Should people keep dogs on chains? Why (not)? I sometimes visit my neighbors who have a dog. I always take a big stick with me and the dog always attacks the stick. I imagine him thinking: “Hi, Tony, this is your throat I’m imagining in my jaws! I’m waiting for the day when you don’t have such protection!” I’ve already told them that, though we are friends, if the animal bites me, I will kill it. It’s never chained up. They say they can’t chain it. Does a child have to be mauled, or someone killed? We did have one

case, before I moved here, of a dog being killed after it bit someone. Then the person who was bitten was killed and someone else in the family of the dog’s owner was murdered in revenge. Does that sound a bit like going too far? I’ll just tell all tourists coming to Svaneti: never go walking without a strong stick, and complain to the owners if you are bitten, or badly threatened. Georgia’s reputation for warm hospitality can be all changed in an instant.

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

World Spay Day – What it Means for Georgia & its Street Animals The actual number of stray dogs in Georgia is not known, but you can see many dogs on the streets. All the animals in our program are vaccinated against rabies and other canine diseases.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED IN GEORGIA? I think there should be more campaigns educating people on the importance of neutering, vaccination and general animal health. Animals should also be protected against human violence.

BY TOM DAY

orld Spay Day is when organizations around the world help to spay street animals as an alternative to putting them down. It was started in 1995 in the USA. Dog Organization Georgia (DOG), The Mayhew, New Vet and Tbilisi’s Agricultural University Veterinary Clinic spent the day working on Tbilisi’s street animals. We met Veterinary Surgeon from The Mayhew charity and New Clinic, Ana Metskhvarishvili.

new homes are found for them. They also educate the local community on the importance of dog neutering and vaccinations. We are working on the TVNR program (Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Release), run by the DOG organization and funded by The Mayhew (a UK registered animal welfare charity). They co-sponsor the Day, train vets in Georgia for free, and advise Tbilisi City Council on dog population management. Georgian vets can go for training at their London veterinary clinic. We want to do as much neutering as possible to reduce the number of stray dogs.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK AND DOG

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO NEUTER DOGS IN GEORGIA?

DOG is a Georgian charity with a small shelter near Lisi Lake which helps to find new homes for spayed street dogs. Volunteers come to feed and walk the dogs every day until

Population control is a great way to prevent high numbers of animals on the street, living in bad conditions, catching diseases, or suffering from human violence.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THE SITUATION TO BE DIFFERENT IN 5 YEARS’ TIME? I really hope that in 5 years’ time, neutering will be normal, not just in Tbilisi, but across the whole country. I hope that more and more people will start to see the importance of it, and that we will have more young people wanting to study it. The attitude of Georgian people to veterinary medicine is not exactly at its best today, and we hope to change that in the future.

Info Box There are two main problems: how animals are viewed in the country, and a lack of veteranary training and knowledge. Mayhew is a charity based out of London. The team travels to countries around the world to work with the local street animal population, as well as with local vets and nurses to teach the latest knowledge and skills to help care for street cats and dogs.

What’s That? Spay – stop animals producing babies (also ‘neuter’) Put down – kill by injection Charity – an organization working to help others without pay Shelter – a place to live for a short time Trap – catch Reduce – make less Stray – animal living on the street Prevent – stop from happening Campaigns – social activities

Food for Thought  What are the best and worst things about being a vet?  Are there many stray dogs where you live? Do they cause problems? Do you think TVNR is the solution?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

Georgian Asks HBO to Make TV Series Based on Knight in the Panther’s Skin Info Box Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama TV series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. It is an adaptation of the novels ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ by George R. R. Martin. Game of Thrones is filmed in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Croatia, Iceland, Malta, Morocco, Spain, and the United States. The series premiered on HBO in the USA on April 17, 2011, and its 7th season ended on August 27, 2017. The series will conclude with its 8th season premiering in 2019.

BY THEA MORRISON

Georgian citizen has started a petition on the ‘Care 2 Petitions’ web page, asking American satellite television network HBO to make a TV series about the legendary medieval Georgian poem ‘Knight in the

Panther’s Skin.’ The petition reads that Knight in the Panther’s Skin was written in the 12th century by Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli. “It is considered the biggest work of Georgian literature, and it is also a work which could be considered one of the most important examples of the history of poetry,” the author says.

What’s That? Medieval – from the Middle Ages Considered – people think it is Morals – lessons about human behavior Ruler – leader Based on – written about, originating from Plot – story Screening – filming (also ‘shooting’)

She also says that the text is important for its style and the morals developed in it. “The 12th-13th centuries were considered the Georgian Golden Age, before the Renaissance era started in Europe. During this time, Georgia had a woman ruler - King Tamar (not queen), and many believe the poem is based on her,” the petition reads. According to the author of the petition, the poem introduces different beliefs which were difficult to adapt to during that time, such as equality between men and women. “The plot itself is very interesting, which takes place in imaginary countries. the idea of screening the poem has always scared Georgians because they worry the importance will be lost,” she said. She was inspired to contact HBO after watching one of the most

popular TV series, ‘Game of Thrones’, a medieval fantasy epic of seven kingdoms. “It became more than just imagination that someone could shoot a TV series based on the Georgian poem.” “It would be much appreciated if HBO would at least consider the idea,” she wrote in her petition.

Food for Thought  Do you think Knight in the Panther’s Skin would make a good movie or TV series? Which actors would you cast?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2018

Pachulia: Aiming for More Georgian Players in the NBA Info Box Zaza Pachulia, born on February 10, 1984, is a Georgian professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born as Zaur Pachulia, but his first name was legally changed to Zaza. In 2017, Pachulia won his first NBA Championship as a member of the Warriors. While he holds Turkish citizenship, Pachulia plays internationally for Georgia, captaining his national team in multiple tournaments. Pachulia started playing basketball at an early age in Georgia. He was approximately 2.03 meters at the age of 13. He was scouted and recruited by the Turkish professional team Ülkerspor when he was a teenager and moved to the USA to join the Orlando Magic team in 2003. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FOR GEORGIA TODAY BY ALFONSO ARAMENDIA (IN WASHINGTON DC)

he National Basketball Association (NBA) champion is aiming for another ring with the Golden State Warriors and is confident that Georgia will produce more NBA-caliber players soon.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE

ACCOMPLISHMENT OF WINNING THE NBA LAST SEASON? Imagine, you are 13 or 14 years old, you are playing basketball and you dream about this moment regardless of where you’re coming from. Then, during the NBA season, you work hard, you put in a lot of time, and at the end of the season all that effort pays off. Winning the NBA title is a great feeling and an amazing experience. But then you move on and want another one. So, I’m enjoying the moment but at the same time I’m working hard for another ring.

Food for Thought  Pachulia said it is a responsibility to be a role model. Why do you think that is?  Do you have any role models? Who and why? PUBLISHER & GM

George Sharashidze COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT

Commercial Director: Iva Merabishvili Marketing Manager: Salome Vashalomidze

GEORGIA TODAY

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:

Editor-In-Chief: Katie Ruth Davies

Journalists: Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Maka Bibilashvili, Dimitri Dolaberidze, Maka Lomadze, Joseph Larsen, Vazha Tavberidze, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Nino Gugunishvili, Thea Morrison Photographer: Irakli Dolidze

YOU ARE HELPING TO DEVELOP BASKETBALL IN GEORGIA THROUGH YOUR ACADEMY. HOW IS THE PROJECT DOING?

the team is fighting and playing hard.

rything they need to succeed. We have around 700 players and they spend a lot of time on the court. They are really enjoying it. Hopefully, in a couple of years, we’ll have more players from Georgia in the NBA.

It’s a big honor to carry the Order. It means that there is appreciation for something that you have done for the country. I’m thankful to President Margvelashvili for nominating me. But the Order comes with responsibility. You have to be a role model, especially for kids and youth. The Order also motivates you to keep doing your best representing the country.

YOU RECEIVED THE ORDER OF HONOR FROM GEORGIA. It’s progressing. We are giving the kids IT HIGHLIGHTS THE the right atmosphere, great coaching IMPORTANCE OF ROLE and good facilities, so they have eve- MODELS IN SOCIETY…

IN THE EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS FOR THE 2019 FIBA WORLD CUP, GEORGIA IS 3RD IN ITS GROUP AND WILL PROBABLY PASS TO THE NEXT ROUND…

AFTER 15 YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES, WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST Having qualifying games during the FROM GEORGIA? season is part of the new format. The national team has a lot of new faces. It’s good to see these young players having opportunities. I think it’s good for the country. Unfortunately, we had some injuries. But

Friends and family. After so many years, you get used to living apart from them, but I try to keep the relationships as close as possible. I spend my summers in Georgia and they visit me in the US.

What’s That? Confident – sure about, positive Caliber – level, standard Regardless – it doesn’t matter Pays off – gets positive results Coaching – training, teaching Facilities – place to train Injuries – people were hurt (and couldn’t play) Role models – people who set an example/show the best way to be Appreciation – when people see and like what you do Website Manager/Editor: Tamzin Whitewood Layout: Misha Mchedlishvili Webmaster: Sergey Gevenov Circulation Managers: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava

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