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Issue no: 013
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• FEBRUARY 2018
• PUBLISHED MONTHLY
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In this issue... GZAAT Admissions Policy Change PAGE 2
2017 Statistics: Road Accidents Kill 384 in Georgia PAGE 4
Gergeti Trinity Church Named among Most Beautiful Churches in the World PAGE 6
Fighting Fake News: Students Trained in Media Literacy in Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova PAGE 8
Prospect of NATO & EU Membership Positively Received by Most Georgians BY MÁTÉ FÖLDI
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ccording to a new survey conducted by the Caucasus Research Resource Ce n t e r ( C R RC ) Georgia, both NATO and EU membership are looked at favorably by Georgian citizens. Of the people interviewed, 41% support Georgia’s NATO integration, with 26% partially supporting it and 20% against it. 45% of respondents were in favor
of joining the EU, 28% partial in their support, with only 14% against. However, when it comes to joining the Eurasian Union, the numbers aren’t so high. Only 19% supported the idea, 24% partially supported it, and 38% were against. The survey was conducted between September 23 and October 10, 2017, with a total of 2,379 respondents interviewed. The average margin of error is put at 2%. The Caucasus Barometer survey is conducted by CRRC Georgia as part of the grant of New York Carnegie Corporation.
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GZAAT Admissions Policy Change
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n two weeks’ time, the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi will begin accepting incoming student applications for the 20182019 academic year. This is why we have decided to bring to your attention some changes in our admissions policy. Every year, the American Academy would accept 70-75 students into its freshman class using selection criteria based on each applicant’s aca-
demic potential and aspirations, as well as on available space (if applying to grades 10 or 11). This fall, the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi, which had served only high school students, expanded its programs by adding the 8th Grade (Junior High School) and accepting 40 students to this program last spring. This year, the American Academy can only accept 35 students to the freshman class, because the remain-
ing 40 seats will be most likely filled by Junior High Schools students (8th graders) moving up to the freshman class. This change will limit the number of available seats in freshman class to 1-5 seats in the 2019-2020 school year. Taking into account growing interest in the Academy, we would like to encourage our prospective families to consider applying to 8th Grade this spring (instead of 9th Grade next spring.)
In February 16, 2018, the Academy will host an Open House for 8th Grade incoming students and on March 2, 2018, an Open House for all other grades (9-11). Examination registration deadlines and the full admissions calendar will be published on the school website by the end of January.
For further details, please visit the Academy’s website: www.gzaat. ge.
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Join the Future Journalist Competition and Win Two Weeks Summer School in the UK
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he Future Journalist competition is your chance to showcase your writing skills and win a fantastic prize. Organized by newspaper Georgia Today Education and supported by UK Bridge, it aims to discover the best future journalists in Georgia.
WIN TWO WEEKS OF SUMMER SCHOOL IN THE UK + A YOUNG JOURNALISM COURSE Location: Wimbledon School of English at Lord Wandsworth College Dates: 29 July - 11 August 2018 Course structure: General English plus Young Journalist Course Imagine it - surrounded by the sights and wonders of Britain, you will not only be able to work on your English, have fun, and make new friends from around the world; you’ll also practice being a real journalist! During the course you will: • Learn how to construct an interview • Study newspaper language • Produce a news broadcast on tablet or smartphone • Find out how investigative journalists work • Produce a newsletter for everybody at school to read The prize includes full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner),
accommodation, excursions, sports interview First Lady Maka Chiactivities and travel to/from the chua in person. You must then write the interview which will be printed airport. in the May edition of the Georgia Today Education newspaper. SO, WHAT DO YOU The three winners will then interHAVE TO DO TO WIN view Georgia’s Prime Minister THIS GREAT PRIZE? First, you have to be between 14-17 Giorgi Kvirikashvili (to be confirmed). They must then write the years old. The competition will have three interview ready for printing in the newspaper. potential winners. 1) By February 15, email us 10 ques- An independent jury will then look at the three interviews and choose tions you would like to ask Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze the best. 2) By March 15, email us 10 questions you would like to ask UK Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith 3) By April 15, email us 10 questions you would like to ask First Lady Maka Chichua The winner of Competition 1 will have the chance to meet and interview Mayor Kaladze in person. You must then write the interview which will be printed in the March edition of the Georgia Today Education newspaper. The winner of Competition 2 (not the same person as Competition 1) will have the chance to meet and interview UK Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith in person. You must then write the interview which will be printed in the April edition of the Georgia Today Education newspaper. The winner of Competition 3 (not the same person as Competition 1 or 2) will have the chance to meet and
low citizens, and about the person you are interviewing. Your interview must have a strong introduction and be both interesting and informative for readers. The jury will choose one winner. That winning interview will be published in Georgia Today newspaper and Georgia Today Education newspaper. The winner will then fly off to the UK for a two-week summer education course of a lifetime! Good luck and we look forward to reading your questions! Think carefully: the winning questions should HOW CAN I BE THE BEST? be intelligent, researched and wellShow that you know how to form written. and ask questions in English. Show that you can listen to the interview- Check out the summer school’s ee’s answers and reproduce them website https://www.wimbledonwell for printing in a newspaper. school.ac.uk/juniors/ and brochure When making questions, show that https://www.wimbledon-school. you know about the latest news, ac.uk/resources/wse_2018_junproblems and concerns of your fel- ior_brochure.pdf
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2017 Statistics: Road Accidents Kill 384 in Georgia What’s That?
Info Box Don’t drink and drive- you can’t control your mind and body so well after drinking alcohol! Always wear a seatbelt- if you crash, the seatbelt will hold you in your seat and stop you hitting your head or flying through the window! Children should sit in special ‘booster’ seats with seatbelts on. In Western countries, it is law for children to sit in special seats. If they don’t, the driver of the car will be fined. Don’t drive too fast (or too slow!). Use the official speed limits. If you drive too fast, you might not be able to stop quickly if you need to, or you might lose control of your car. Learn simple First Aid (how to help people who have been injured). If you see an accident, you will be able to help. BY THEA MORRISON
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he statistics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia revealed that from JanuarySeptember 2017, 384 people died and 6,280 were injured in road accidents. In total, during the 9-month period, 4,436 road accidents were registered by the MIA. According to the MIA, a total of 117 traffic accidents occurred due to drink-driving, during which 9 people were killed, and 174 people were injured. Over 291 traffic accidents occurred due to speeding, which claimed the lives of 52 and injured 460 people. As a result of the registered road accidents in the given period, 16 children died, and 722 children were injured. Furthermore, 94 pedestrians died and 1,359 were injured last year, while 8 child pedestrians died and 245 were injured from January-September 2017. In 2016, 6,939 road accidents were recorded throughout the country, with 581 deaths and 9,951 injuries.
In late 2017, the MIA reported that for the first time in the last ten years, a reduction of traffic accidents was seen. The Ministry claimed that traffic accidents decreased by 14% compared to the same period in 2016. The number of road-related deaths decreased by 7% and the number of injured by 12% in the given period.
Revealed – showed Injured – hurt Registered – recorded, noted Occurred – happened Drink-driving – driving after drinking alcohol Speeding – driving too fast Claimed the lives of – killed Reduction – lower number (not so many) Decreased – lower number (not so many) Will be fined – will need to pay money as punishment
Food for Thought Why do some people drink-drive or speed? Why is it dangerous? Why do you think there were fewer accidents in 2017 compared to past years? Design a poster about driving safely. Use the ideas in the Info Box.
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Speaking English: The Annual ESU Competition
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t is almost time for the annual EnglishSpeaking Union’s P ublic Speaking Competition, which is run by the British Corner in Vake Park. On March 14, the first round of the competition will be held, and the second on March 29. Aiming to inform, persuade, entertain and inspire the audience, young speakers will convey their opinions in a variety of styles, from personal accounts to lectures and jokes. The aim of the 100-yearold English-Speaking Union (ESU) is to promote friendship and understanding through the English language. The Public Speaking Competition is one of its most successful projects, with 40,000 youth from over 60 countries taking part in the Final in London on May 14. Georgia has participated for 21 years, annually sending young people aged between 16 and 20 to speak at the Finals. GT met with the president and founder of the EnglishSpeaking Union of Georgia, Marina Tsitsishvili, to find out more. “All my life, I’ve worked to promote the English language and British culture,” Marina told us. “In 2016, I received an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to UK-Georgian cultural and educational relations. It’s an award from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. I’m the first Georgian national to receive this award.” The ESU was set up in London in 1918. The Patron is Queen Elizabeth II and the President is Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne. ESU-Georgia aims to introduce Georgian culture to the UK and show British culture in Georgia. “We took a dance company of Georgian children to perform at the Barbican and
to the UK to take part in the finals: the ESU International Competition in London, which brings together some of the best world speakers. This year’s topic is ‘The best way to predict the future is to invent it’. The finals in Tbilisi on March 29 will be judged by Justin McKenzie-Smith, the British Ambassador, and Irakli Gilauri (Bank of Georgia), who has been sponsoring this competition for years.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE YEAR OF THE PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION? the Central School of Ballet. It was a big success and the BBC made a special program about it,” Marina tells us. “We also invited male choir Tsinandali to sing Georgian polyphonic songs in Wales, where they won first prize.” ESU-Georgia has organized art exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances involving both British and Georgian players. “We celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday in Tbilisi. Students of British and American Schools read Shakespeare in English while students of the Drama School read the same in Georgian,” she said. In 2015, with the support of ESU-Georgia, Marina set up English Language Center ‘British Corner.’ “It’s a place not only for teaching English but for introducing British culture, British traditions and even British food!”
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE WAY ENGLISH IS TAUGHT IN GEORGIA? I think it is pretty good. The number of young people who speak fluent English has increased. This is also thanks to exchange pro-
grams: young people nowadays have more chances to study abroad and Georgian teachers can attend teacher training courses, plus there are more native speaker teachers in the country.
HOW MUCH MORE WIDELY-SPOKEN DO YOU THINK ENGLISH WILL BECOME IN THE NEXT DECADE IN GEORGIA?
sure it will become even more popular in the future. And British Corner will work to promote it, with our excellent team of teachers, Vake Park location and a building with light classrooms equipped with all the necessary appliances.
TELL US ABOUT THE PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
International versions of this contest are held in 60 We all know that English is countries around the world a global language and I am and all the winners are sent
2002, when our representative Sophia Gorgodze won the International Public Speaking Competition in London. Later, we were invited to Buckingham Palace where Sophia received her certificate from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since then, Sophia has studied at Harvard University and achieved a PHD. She now teaches Educational Strategy at Ilia University. Every year, we invite her to British Corner to meet young speakers and give them some tips about the competition in London.
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Gergeti Trinity Church Named among Most Beautiful Churches in the World BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI
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n an article published in December, Gergeti Trinity Church (Kazbegi region), was named among the most beautiful churches in the world by British newspaper The Telegraph. “It is possibly the green and white Caucasus mountains, below the summit of Kazbegi that makes Gergeti Trinity Church quite so magnificent,” the article says. “Built in the 14th century, it has a separate
bell tower, and is often visited by trekkers, who climb three-hours to reach it. While religious services were banned during the Soviet era, it is now again used as a place of worship,” the piece notes. Also on The Telegraph list are Las Lajas Sanctuary in Colombia, Borgund Stave Church in Norway, Bethlem Church in Iran, Notre Dame du Haut Chapel in France, Viscri Fortified Church in Romania, King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, Church of Saint George, Ethiopia, St Bartlomew’s Church in Germany, the Church of Hall-
What’s That? Article – news story Below – under Summit – top, peak Magnificent – beautiful, special Separate – not connected (to the main building of the church) Trekkers – people who walk in the mountains Banned – not allowed, not permitted Worship – celebrating/speaking to God
Info Box Gergeti Trinity Church and bell tower were built in the 14th century. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, valuable relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino’s Cross, were taken there for safekeeping. It takes three hours to climb up there! grimur in Iceland, Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem, Sagrada Familia in Spain, the Church of Transfiguration, Kizhi Island Russia, Palatine Chapel in Sicily, Italy, Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France, St Bartholomew the Great’s Church in London, Felsenkirche in
Germany, Church of Dmitry on Blood in Uglich, Russia, Church of Saint Stephanos, Iran, Church of Nativity, West Bank, Matthias Church in Hungary, Thorncrown Chapel, USA and Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood in St Petersburg, Russia.
Food for Thought Why is it good when places in Georgia are written about in the newspapers of other countries? Is tourism good or bad for a place? (Why?/How?)
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New Opportunities in Vocational Education
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hree vocational colleges are part of a new initiative to introduce general school education into vocational training so that students can also go to university after college if they want. 20 students of Kachreti Public College (Kakheti region), the Shota Meskhia Teaching University (Samegrelo region) and Ilia Tsinamdzghvrishvili Public College (MtskhetaMtianeti region) will receive vocational qualifications, plus the
chance to continue their studies in universities. The pilot project was started by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) as part of their larger program to assist the reform of professional education in Georgia. The project will continue until spring 2018. In the future, the same model will be started in all vocational colleges in Georgia.
What’s That? Initiative – project, idea Vocational – teaching about specific jobs (such as hospitality or mechanics) Pilot – new Assist – help Reform – change, make better
Info Box Vocational education is an alternative for people who don’t want to (or can’t) study at university, or for people who know what job they want to do. Vocational colleges teach you how to be a good professional. The new system in this news story wants to help students to become better professionals AND teach them the school curriculum so they can also get a university diploma later, if they want.
Food for Thought Do you know what job you want to do? What skills do you need for that job? Do you need to go to university to learn that job or can you go to vocational college?
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Fighting Fake News: Students Trained in Media Literacy in Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova What’s That? Reliable – you can trust it Fake – not real Recognize – see and understand Manipulative – tries to make you feel or do things in a certain way Misinforms – gives bad information Critical thinking – analyze, think carefully about Rational – without emotion, thinking clearly Allocated – available, ready to use
BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI
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eorgian, Moldovan and Ukrainian students participated in Media Literacy Camps, within the project ‘Strengthening Independent Media in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine’. The project aimed to increase people’s access to reliable local, regional, and international news and to support the independent media sector. Students were selected for the camps through a competition. In Georgia, the jury chose 15 girls and 15 boys, including 28 high-schoolers and two university students from the regions. Three were ethnic Azerbaijanis and four were ethnic Armenians. In Ukraine, 30 students from different regions were selected, while in Moldova 31 students and 9 teachers from 10 schools (including two Russian schools) attended. “All three of these countries are affected by propaganda and fake news, especially from the Russian government,” said Angela Sirbu, Project Director. “We wanted students to learn how to recognize
tion. I’ve met new people and learned Russia uses the information space; useful things like how to recognize and proved that they learned some good news and how to behave online.” practical specifics of internet secu“Thanks to the school, I not only rity,” said Sirbu. learned, but realized how much I At the moment, no funding is allowant to be a journalist. This knowl- cated for media literacy work in edge will help me, and I will be able Georgia in 2018, but Sirbu and her to share it with others,” said Veron- team are “still actively looking for ways to continue this type of work, ika Khorolskaya from Ukraine. “Students were better able to iden- because it’s needed, it makes an tify the functions of different web impact, and it’s hugely rewarding tools and how to use them; demon- for everyone who participates in quality media content and manipstrated a better knowledge of how it,” she said. ulative/fake news and how to react if the press misinforms them. They also learned how social media can be used for self-expression and discussion.” Programs included topics such as: the basics of media literacy, how to develop critical thinking, practical mobile journalism, investigation of media effects, social media and blogging, and verification and factchecking. Some participants want to continue to learn about media literacy and work in the media field, like 15-year old Nika Kalichava from Poti, who said: “I was lucky to hear about the summer camp while browsing TV Metskhre Talga’s Facebook page. I want to work with them as a civil journalist.” After the course, more students understand what it takes to be a responsible news consumer: how to analyze all the facts, how to consult multiple sources of information, and how to be rational. “I’ve learned to see media in a different way,” said one participant. “I liked the information presented by the experts. It’s a good camp because Look at the pictures. Present the information in small it teaches us important things about groups, or present it to other classes. media and how to avoid manipula-
Food for Thought
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Brazilian Model Adriana Lima Wears Georgian Designer Outfit BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI
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amous Brazilian model Adrina Lima was spotted wearing Georgian designer Djaba Diasamidze’s dress during the IWC Schaffhausen Gala at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie on January 16 in Geneva, Switzerland. With her was her friend, the model Karolina Kurkova. Georgian born Djaba Diassamidze is a graduate of the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He lives and works in Paris, France.
In an article in Vogue, writer Liana Satenstein said that, following Diassamidze’s Spring 2018 shows in Tbilisi, “all of Tbilisi’s coolest women congregate on Djaba Diassamidze’s stage: they love the Parisbased Georgian haute couturier for his dramatic, intimate shows,” she says. “He’s a serious designer, but he also knows how to make sure his fans have a good time in his clothes.” In September 2017, actress Angelina Jolie wore Djaba Diassamidze’s black hat for the September Vanity Fair issue cover. Source: Justjared.com
Food for Thought Some of the clothes at Fashion Shows are a little strange. Pretend you are a Fashion Designer in the year 2100. Draw some clothes for a Fashion Show.
Info Box Djaba Diassamidze held his first catwalk show at the age of 16 at the Georgian National Youth Palace. Now 29, his personal style is as elegant as that of a French gentleman from the 1920s. The UK media outlet ‘The Telegraph’ says, “He is inspired by classic Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Balenciaga and Charles James styles of the late 1940s and makes are clothes for sensual, theatrical women who are not shy to wear red lipstick and feathers!”
What’s That? Spotted – seen Following – after Congregate – come together Intimate – personal, special Have a good time – enjoy, have fun
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ADA University Offers International Scholarships for Students around the World BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI
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DA University, in Baku, Azerbaijan, is offering International Scholarships to bring first-class international education and leadership training to students from around the world. The application deadline is April 5, 2018. The Alimardan Topchubashov International Scholarship is for candidates who have a strong commitment to public causes and is open to all international undergraduate and graduate applicants who have been admitted to one of the ADA University’s degree-granting schools. ADA University is a “world-class institution dedicated to preparing innovative global leaders.” It offers executive education, undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, a School of Public and International Affairs, School
of Business, School of Information Technologies and Engineering and School of Education, where you can earn Bachelor and Master’s degrees in International Studies, Public Affairs, Business and Economics, Education or Information Technologies and Engineering. The ADA University vision and strategy is built on innovative learning, social responsibility and a “thriving location.” “We have programs in Public Diplomacy, Business and Economy, and ADA also has dual-degree programs, together with the Maastricht University in The Netherlands, which offers one of the top business management programs, so our program graduates receive both ADA and Maastricht University diplomas. ADA has numerous international exchange programs, and is partner to over 50 universities globally,” Samira Aghayeva, the 3rd Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Georgia, 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
who was involved with ADA from the beginning, told GEORGIA TODAY. Today, ADA University has faculty alumni covering 46 nations. All university programs are taught in English, and the university offers the preparatory year in English. “ADA is different from other universities, as it has the first, ecosmart green campus in Azerbaijan, and in the Caucasus,” Aghayeva said. “The admission system is based on the Amercian model, with students having to submit their applications, followed by interviews, and then going through a final evaluation,” she said. “Due to the demand in the country, an IT program was launched in partnership with the Korean University, and ADA is always trying answer the ever-growing demands,” she said. The ADA University “Topchubashov Scholarship” aims to prepare innovative leaders in both vision and global perspective, encouraging commitment to public service and contributing to its development. The Fellowship covers tuition fees during the study period but does not cover expenses related to student fees, books and utilities. “ADA offers an international environment: living and studying in an international setting opens doors to lots of new experiences. Students come to a different country, and get to experience a mix of cultures,”
Aghayeva told us. “Our students do many international projects while studying at the university and they travel a lot. In one of our programs, students visit the NATO Head Office in Brussels. ADA has a different approach towards learning and towards experience and practice.” To be eligible for the Scholarship, applicants should have work experience in the public sphere, and their language proficiency should meet international language scores required for university education. “By applying for the Alimardan Topchubashov International Scholarship program, students get the chance to receive an education corresponding to the highest international standards. Education at ADA is not just theory-based: it also has a strong emphasis on practice. ADA graduates are totally ready for work when they finish their studies, and the University has a Career Management Center to advise and help students. ADA regularly organizes career weeks and fairs, where students meet their potential future employers,” she said. “The University also runs cultural festivals, food festivals, chess clubs, language clubs, singing classes, literature nights, and much more. There is also the Global Perspective Series, when high-profile guests visit the University and give lectures. Whatever’s happening in the world around us is also there at ADA,” Aghayeva concluded.
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How to Be a Good Public Relations Manager Info Box
BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES
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ako Rodonaia has been a PR Expert (also known as a Corporate Communications Expert) at telecommunications company Geocell for the past 10 years. She studied International Relations and PR at Tbilisi State University. GEORGIA TODAY asked her what it takes to be the best in her field. “For a start, we don’t like to use the term ‘Public Relations’ (PR) because dealing with the public is only one part of the many things we do,” she says.
CHECK OUT HER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW
•Good communication skills are essential- you have to be sensitive to people and know how to form good messages and how to pass those messages to the people who need to hear them. •You need to know your project inside out before you start telling people about it. That means you need to get involved right from the start of the project- talk to the lawyers, designers and other colleagues working on its development. That way, you can start to plan what messages you can give people about it (and be ready to answer any questions they have). •Internal communication is just as important as external (public)- if you don’t communicate well with your colleagues, you won’t be able to send out a successful message to the public. Your colleagues need to
What’s That? Field – sector, area of work Public – citizens, people who live in a society Dealing with – working with Essential – very important Know [something] inside out – know every detail Get involved – participate, join in Internal – inside (the company) Vice-versa – the other way, the opposite Reacts – feel or say Transparent – not hiding or keeping secrets Respect –positive feelings for a person or company
Public Relations Managers create and maintain a positive public image for their employer or client by communicating programs, accomplishments and/or points of view. PR Managers deal with media questions and give stories to the media, prepare media kits and organize press conferences. In addition to writing press releases, they write speeches for organizational leaders, develop advertising and marketing communications material and prepare articles for corporate newsletters. PR Managers also release information to counter negative publicity and handle crisis and emergency communications. In addition to overseeing full-time employees, PR Managers might hire and manage freelance copywriters, graphic designers and others. They will also manage the Public Relations Department budget. know what you are doing and why, and vice-versa. •Crisis management. It’s taught as a theory at university, but you can’t really understand it until you’re on the job! If something goes wrong, for example, the public reacts badly to one of your projects or services, you need to be quick to give them the right messages. That’s why it is important to know the project, and your team well. You have to prioritize who and what you need to end the “crisis” as quickly as possible without losing customers. When reacting, work with your colleagues and choose your language and message carefully- stay calm, positive and unemotional!
•You, and your company, need to be open, transparent, and ready to communicate with your customers. If you hide information from customers, you lose their respect. Customer trust in you and your company is very important! •Keep up-to-date with the latest communication methods, so you know how to best reach your customers. This might be through social media, SMS or on television. •You should be a positive and sociable person, able to see what your society needs and wants. Understanding that will help your company to create more useful products, and the country to receive what it needs from you.
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Adventure, Culture & Good Food: What Foreign Tourists Expect from Georgia What’s That?
BY MARTA MILLS, A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SPECIALIST FOR THE CAUCASUS
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ver the last few months, many articles have been published in worldwide media, including by Lonely Planet, National Geographic, the BBC, the Guardian, the New York Times, the Financial Times and Bloomberg, praising Georgia as a tourism destination and encouraging tourists to come and visit. But sometimes, it is difficult for local people (working in hotels, restaurants, etc.) to understand what tourists expect when they come to Georgia. The recent news stories in foreign press can give us an idea. • Nature: the beautiful, snowcapped Caucasus mountains, glaciers, green valleys, rivers, small remote villages. • Culture: old churches and monasteries, towers, museums, galleries,
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, folk songs, dances and local festivals. • Food and wine: unique, authentic, and tasty. • Remoteness and the opportunity to forget the rest of the world (but with good working Wi-Fi available!). • Adventure: dangerous roads to Tusheti, trekking, off-piste or heliskiing (skiing or snowboarding routes you can reach only by helicopter). • Hospitality of the local people and the chance to communicate with them. • Easy travel: no visas for most countries and more cheap flights from Europe. • Safe travel in and around Georgia. • Great nightlife and many things to see and do in Tbilisi (modern, cosmopolitan, but also with a beautiful Old Town, traditional balconies, old churches, etc).
Praising – saying nice things about Encouraging – pushing Expect – plan, have an idea in their head how they want it to be Snow-capped – with snow on top Remote – not close to any towns or cities Trekking – walking in remote nature Communicate – talk to, share ideas Nightlife – clubs, bars, theaters, etc. Interact – (see communicate) Benefits – is good for Unspoiled – not damaged by people Satisfied – happy of the Netherlands) published an interesting analysis that said European travelers “are looking for authentic experiences in non-traditional destinations where travelers can interact with local people (…) and “destinations in developing countries with their unique cultural and natural resources” (…). A growing number of travelers are willing to pay for unique and authentic experiences, especially if it benefits local communities.” They want hiking, trekking, unspoiled nature, wildlife, and an “authentic experience” of seeing, smelling, tasting and really feeling the local nature, culture and cuisine.
MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS While experiencing the authentic, however, tourists also expect good quality and clean accommodation; more public transport options; a bigger choice of products (for example, more “things to do when it rains”); better customer service; more food options for vegetarians; safer driving from minibus and taxi drivers; no smoking in public; and good Wi-Fi. The number of tourists coming to Georgia is growing – but only by giving them what they expect will they leave satisfied.
MOTIVATION OF WESTERN TRAVELLERS In October 2017, the CBI (Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Info Box 7,554,936 international travelers visited Georgia in 2017, which is nearly 2 million more than in 2016. Most visitors arrived from Armenia 1,718,016 (up 14.8% compared to 2016), 1,694,998 (+11.2%) from Azerbaijan, 1,392,610 (+34.1%) from Russia, 1,246,745 (-0.8%) from Turkey, and 322,938 (+ 118.3%) from Iran. The number of visitors increased in 2017 from the United Kingdom (+39.9%), the Netherlands (+31.1%), Spain (+29.9%), France (+29.6%) and Germany (+25.7%).
Food for Thought What are the positives and negatives of a lot of tourists visiting your country? How could you improve the place where you live, to bring more tourists? What projects could you start? What could the government do to help?
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Cancer: Raising Awareness Info Box in Georgia
Photo source: huffpost.com
BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE
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n Georgia, about 10,000 new cases of cancer are seen every year. In the last three years, cancer cases have increased by 36-37%. The National Statistics Office of Georgia reports that last year, 6,819 people died from cancer. The National Center for Disease Control and Public Health says that the higher number of cancer cases is not because there is more cancer in Georgia, but because now more people who have cancer are registering with doctors. “The Cancer Register was only introduced in Georgia in 2015 to show how many people here have cancer,” says Amiran Gamkrelidze, Head of the Disease Control Center. Specialists link the increase in the
number of cancer cases to medical insurance, the greater availability of healthcare, and more people visiting doctors. But there are many cases where the disease is detected late. People need to have more information about detecting cancer in a person early, so they can get the right treatment and prevent it worsening. Georgians can use the free, Statesponsored cancer diagnosis program: breast tests for 40 to 70 year-olds, cervical tests for 25 to 60 year-olds, large intestine tests for 50 to 70 year-olds, and prostate tests for 50 to 70 year-olds. People need to visit their local doctors and nurses. Such doctors and nurses need more training and people, especially those of the ages above, need to visit screening centers, even if there are no symptoms.
What’s That? Increased – gone up (more) Disease – serious illness Insurance – a company which helps you to pay medical costs Availability – there for people to use Prevent – stop Detecting – finding State-sponsored – the government pay for it Symptoms – signs that show you your body is ill Ongoing – continuing, non-stop Stigma – negative ideas Contagious – traveling from one person to another (like the flu)
Cancer is a scary word. Almost everyone knows someone who got very sick or died from cancer. Most of the time, cancer affects older people. Not many kids get cancer, but when they do, very often it can be treated and cured. WHAT IS CANCER? Cells are the very small units that make up all living things, including the human body. There are billions of cells in each person’s body. Cancer happens when cells that are not normal grow and spread very fast. Normal cells grow and divide and know to stop growing. But cancer cells grow and grow and don’t stop when they should. Cancer cells usually join together to make tumors. A growing tumor becomes a lump of cancer cells that can destroy the normal cells around the tumor and damage the body’s healthy parts. This can make someone very sick. Sometimes, cancer cells leave the first tumor and travel to other areas of the body, where they keep growing and make new tumors. This is how cancer spreads. Doctors aren’t sure why some people get cancer and others don’t. They do know that cancer is not contagious. You can’t catch it from someone else who has it — cancer isn’t caused by bacteria, like colds or the flu are. Kids can’t get cancer from anything they do either. But some unhealthy habits, especially cigarette smoking or drinking too much alcohol every day, can make you a lot more likely to get cancer when you become an adult. Live healthy, visit your doctor often!
The Czech Development Agency and the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia are working to increase the knowledge of family doctors about oncology issues. In Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Guria and Tbilisi, Georgian and Czech trainers gave trainings for rural /
family doctors and nurses on oncology issues to help them be ready for better cancer control, and educational activities are ongoing to change the social stigma about cancer. A screening center will soon be opened in Zugdidi, equipped with the most advanced technologies.
EDUCATION
GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 2018
15
Georgian Sumo-Wrestler Wins Grand Tournament in Tokyo BY TAMZIN WHITEWOOD
G
eorgian Sumo Wrestler Tochinoshin Ts uyo s h i ( b o r n Levan Gorgadze) has won his first competition in a Sumo Grand Tournament. Tochinoshin won on January 14, in Tokyo, Japan. The tournament,
which lasted 15 days, saw the Georgian-born wrestler win on 14 out of the 15 days. He is the first Georgian sumo wrestler to win the title. Tochinoshin, from Mtskheta, is a member of the Kasugano stable group, and made his professional debut in March 2006. He reached the top five division just two years later, in May 2008. The 30-year-old wrestler started
Info Box THE GAME In sumo, two people who are wearing nothing but a mawashi (loincloth), face each other in a dohyo (circular ring) and push, wrestle, and try to throw each other. The one who forces his opponent to the ground or pushes him out of the ring is the winner. THE HISTORY Sumo began many centuries ago and developed into its present form in the Edo period (1603-1868). Rikishi (wrestlers) wear their hair in a topknot, which was a normal hairstyle in the Edo period. The referee wears the same kind of clothes as a samurai of 600 years ago. THE MEN There are 60 foreign sumo wrestlers in Japan now, including 34 from Mongolia, 6 from China, 5 from Russia, and 3
What’s That? Debut – first time in public, start Started out - began Previously – before out competing ‘sambo’, a Russian Previous world champions in the martial art form, before coming to specialist sport were from Estonia, Bulgaria and the US. Japan.
from Georgia. A Sumo wrestler starts training with his group (‘stable’) at around 5 am. At 8 am, the wrestlers go to the kitchen to help prepare chanko, the food for the day. Sumo wrestlers eat stews, Chinese food, sashimi, and deep-fried food, as well as rice with curry and hamburgers. Sumo wrestlers eat two meals a day. Breakfast is at 11 am and dinner at 6 pm. Training ends at 10:30 when the wrestlers take a bath. PUBLISHER & GM
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