Georgia Today Education #22 March Issue

EDUCATION www.georgiatoday.ge

Issue no: 022

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• MARCH 2019

• PUBLISHED MONTHLY

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In this issue...

LA FRANCOPHONIE PAGE 2

Georgian-American Int’l School ’Progress:’ A School that Brings up Leaders that Create Society, that Create ‘Progress’ PAGE 3

The UK Bridge Education Fair PAGE 5

FOCUS ON NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Finnish School is soon to open and other Georgian schools and agencies are doing their best to provide many great chances for students to excel. Learn more inside!

Why You Should Study at The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi PAGE 6

Georgia Wins Rugby Europe Championship PAGE 15

Ivane Matchavariani on the Importance of Education Reforms TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

W

hile evaluating the new education initiative presented by the Prime Minister, ‘Education – A Road to Freedom’, the Minister of Finance of Georgia Ivane Matchavariani told TV Pirveli “right now there is no theme of more importance than the initiative regarding the education reform.”

The Minister said the government has made a major step which will contribute to the prosperity of the

Image source: chicagotribune.com

country and help stop poverty within its borders.

“In general, small countries like us with limited income try to avoid making any commitment on a legislative level in any sphere. How-

ever, I do strongly believe that this is a courageous step which will help our country to prosper and overcome the problem of poverty in future. Within the scope of the project, the education budget will increase to 6% of the total GDP by 2022, more than a quarter of the current tax income,” he said.

“These numbers come with a multilateral reform seeing the construction of new schools and rehabilitation of existing ones; equipping them with the latest technologies; improving the level of teachers’ qualifications and increasing their salaries in a way that the profession of a teacher becomes one of the most popular,” continued Match-

avariani.

He also claimed that improving the level of education is one of the major preconditions of the country’s economic development.

“We will increase the prestige of this profession, raise the level of education and boost the country’s economic situation. Today, countries with high human capital occupy leading positions. The given figure is measured according to a number of indexes, including the World Bank Human Capital Index. We are on the 61st line according in this index and, after launching the reforms, we aim to be included among the Top 10 countries in the next 10-12 years,” said Matchavariani.

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LA FRANCOPHONIE

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ujourd’hui, plus de 300 millions de personnes sont francophones et la langue française est présente sur les cinq continents.

Le mot «francophonie» a été utilisé pour la première fois dans les années 1880 par le géographe français Onésime Reclus. Aujourd’hui, on l’utilise pour parler de l’ensemble des pays ou des personnes qui utilisent la langue française: langue maternelle, langue de communication, langue administrative...

L’OIF Le 20 mars 1970, 21 pays et gouvernements ont signé une convention à Niamey et ont créé l’Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique. Elle est née de l’initiative de quatre pays: la Tunisie, le Niger, le Sénégal et le Cambodge. L’objectif commun de tous ces pays et gouvernements était le partage de la langue française pour la promotion et la diffusion de leur culture.

En 2005, elle est devenue l’Organisation Internationale de la Fra n co p h o n i e . E l l e co m p te aujourd’hui 88 pays et gouvernements: 54 membres, 7 membres associés et 27 observateurs. La

Géorgie fait partie des observateurs depuis 2004. À l’origine, l’OIF s’occupait de questions en relation avec la culture et l’éducation. Aujourd’hui, elle s’occupe aussi de questions politiques (paix, démocratie et droits de l’Homme), de développement durable, d’économie et de technologies numériques.

LE SOMMET DE LA FRANCOPHONIE Le premier Sommet de la Francophonie a eu lieu en 1986, en France.

Il se tient tous les deux ans et réunit les chefs d’État et de gouvernements de l’OIF. Le but est de définir les grandes lignes politiques de la francophonie. Le dernier Sommet s’est tenu à Erevan en 2018, le prochain se tiendra à Tunis en 2020.

Mots-clés francophone: ფრანკოფონი la langue maternelle: მშობლიური ენა l’initiative (f.): ინიციატივა le partage: გაზიარება la promotion: პოპულარიზაცია la diffusion: გავრცელება le développement durable: მდგრადი განვითარება les technologies (f.) numériques: ციფრული ტექნოლოგიები se tenir: გამართვა réunir: შეკრება un drapeau: დროშა imbriqué: გარდამავალი la gastronomie: გასტრონომია un atelier: სახელოსნო

LE DRAPEAU DE LA FRANCOPHONIE

tinent. Chaque couleur est imbri- conférences, des débats, des conquée dans une autre, ce qui cours, des concerts...

Lors du deuxième Sommet de la représente l’entraide, le regroupeFrancophonie, en 1987, à Québec, le ment et le dynamisme.

ET LA FRANCOPHONIE drapeau officiel de la Francophonie EN GÉORGIE ? a été créé. Il s’agit d’un cercle divisé LA JOURNÉE DE LA En Géorgie, chaque année, on célèen 5 parties égales, chaque partie bre la Francophonie pendant un FRANCOPHONIE étant d’une couleur différente: vert, Chaque année, le 20 mars, c’est la mois. Des événements sont organviolet, rouge, bleu et jaune. Tout journée internationale de la Fran- isés à Tbilissi, mais aussi dans les comme pour le drapeau olympique, cophonie. On a choisi cette date car régions. Cette année, il y en aura à chaque couleur représente un conc’est l’anniversaire de la signature Batoumi, à Koutaïssi, à Lantchkhouti de la convention à Niamey en 1970. et à Patardzéouli. Il y aura des conPartout dans le monde, les franco- cours, des spectacles, des films, du phones organisent des événements théâtre, de la gastronomie, des pour fêter la langue française: des ateliers...

La francophonie en chiffres  Il y a 300 millions de francophones dans le monde  Le français est la 5e langue la plus parlée dans le monde  Le français est la langue officielle de 32 États et gouvernements  88 États et gouvernements sont membres de l’OIF  2020 : Sommet de la Francophonie à Tunis

Sites utiles Programme de la Francophonie en Géorgie: ifg.ge Information sur la Francophonie: www.francophonie.org

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Georgian-American Int’l School ’Progress:’ A School that Brings up Leaders that Create Society, that Create ‘Progress’

Info Box

TRANSLATED BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

American and European colleges and universities.

students have been finalists in international contests and conferences such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Los Its standards and attitudes. The Angeles INTEL ISEF which saw school helps students to discover them traveling to the NASA Center. themselves, develop their interests and talents and gives them a chance DESCRIBE A GRADUATE to choose which subjects to major OF GEORGIAN-AMERICAN in in the final grades.

We collaborate with foreign edu- INTERNATIONAL cation institutions and their repre- SCHOOL ‘PROGRESS’. sentatives and we have a number We aim to bring up leaders who will of partner schools in Europe, Great create society, that create progress.

Britain, and the USA. This fact, plus We want our students to be happy, our exchange programs, means stu- self-determined and successful. We dents and teachers develop their get letters from Georgian and Interqualifications to their full potential. national universities every year thankThe California High-School is one ing us and expressing their gratitude example of a long and effective col- for such great school graduates. laboration, which, through the online platform and direct visits to ‘Pro- DESCRIBE THE gress’, sends a lot of materials for ‘PROGRESS’ TEAM. the development of the school, Our team aims to give our students including video classes and books a modern education and many for the library. We have also part- opportunities; to bring up generanered with the International School tions with a progressive global outof Brighton for 10 years. Annually, look and healthy and positive attithey host our students and hold tudes, independent views and integrated classes with them together with British middle and high school students. We are always looking for new, efficient partners.

Foreign languages play a very important role in our schools. We teach English, German, Spanish and Russian.

Students and teachers work together for success. Our students participate in international projects, and actually enjoy working on them even after school hours.

The recent achievements of all three ‘Progress’ schools in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi are that we are leaders in areas like STEM Education, Business Education, and our

WHAT ARE ‘PROGRESS’’ t the beginning of MAIN STRENGTHS?

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the 2000s, not much attention was paid to school education, as Georgia was still suffering from the results of civil war and was focused more on problems related to poverty.

Nina Chkvashvili, who started as a 21-year-old teacher of English at the public school of Kutaisi, tried hard to bring colors to the country and develop the education sector.

She focused on self-development, got a high global education, and 17 years ago used her knowledge and experience to start a network of schools called ‘Progress’ in three Georgian cities: Kutaisi, Tbilisi and Batumi.

WHY DID YOU START YOUR OWN SCHOOL? I opened the school in 2002, at the age of 25. My experience as a teacher helped in my success and ability to start and run the school for so long.

‘Progress’ started as a private school and follows high values. It got a US State Department grant in 2006, which meant we could offer American education programs, and the school received the status of Georgian-American School ‘Progress.’

In 2014, the school got College Board authorization for a doubledegree program Georgian and American School so that our High School students can take AP international exams in various subjects such as AP English, AP Physics, SAT, ACT, etc., and use the passed exam credits recognized by most

Georgian-American School ‘Progress’ got recognition as an international Georgian-American school-college in 2014. This means it can offer integrated education between the two countries and give students a two-degree system.

Students can choose the subjects they want to study in the final grades, taught in English. After passing the exams, the marks are counted as credits and students can apply to leading universities in Europe, the UK and USA. At the end of their studies at ‘Progress’, students get Georgian and American certificates. motivation. We also make sure our tuition fee is affordable for families on a budget.

I am proud of the strong team of teachers of ‘Progress’, the heart of our success for many years. We work together for our professional development and are always ready to learn, teach and share. Most teachers at ‘Progress’ schools are internationally qualified or certified and participate in state and international education forums, webinars and projects. ‘Progress’ employees share the same ideas about world integration in education and follow the same policies.

WHAT WILL THE ‘PROGRESS’ SCHOOLS BE LIKE 10 YEARS FROM NOW? In 10 years, there will be yet another successful generation, a generation with a globally progressive mind and understanding that will change the world for the better.

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Street Name Commemorates German Heritage in Georgia Info Box

BY AMY JONES

T

he Union for the Protection of German Cultural Heritage in the South Caucasus announced that Joseph Stalin Street in Asureti is now called Schwabenstrasse (Schwabian Street).

Around 1400 German families, many of them Swabians, settled in Kvemo Kartli in Georgia after the Russian Tsar Aleksandr I invited foreigners to live in Transcaucasia.

His 1804 law allowed foreigners to use land plots and cultivate them.

They were also free from paying tax and did not need to complete military service.

In 2017, Georgia and Germany cel-

ebrated the 200th year since the creation of German colonies in Georgia, and the 100th year since the restoration of Georgian statehood (Germany was the first country to recognize Georgian independence in 1992) and the 25th year since the restoration of bilateral relations between the two states.

Many German colonies created in Georgia worked in the agricultural field, where they shared their agricultural know-how and helped boost the local economy. One colony was Katharinenfeld, which was named after Queen Catherine of Württemberg, a sister of Tsar Alexandr I. It had five football teams, a German newspaper, an elementary school, a Lutheran church, a hunting club and a theater group. In 1941, Stalin deported all Germans who

The relations between Georgia and Germany are ongoing. Then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Janelidze, stated in 2017, “Following the restoration of independence, large-scale investments were made to help Georgia become a democratic state and bring it closer to the European family. German aid towards Georgia surpasses EUR 800 million. Our cooperation in the fields of security, economy, trade and business is ongoing and German investments are increasing. We already have 350 German companies on the Georgian market successfully fulfilling their business goals. These companies employ Georgians. Together with investments, they bring know-how and technologies that are vital for the development of our economy. Our relations are also deepening in the fields of culture and education: Goethe Institute, namely Daad, has given out 1100 scholarships for Georgian students and scholars, presenting a unique opportunity to strengthen our educational system.” were not married to Georgians to Siberia and Kazakhstan, a total of 6,000 people. The city was renamed Bolnisi in 1944, and only a few residents of German origin live there today.

There were also colonies near Tbilisi, in the current Marjanishvili/ Aghmashenebeli Avenue area and in the place which is now Rike Park.

Many tradesmen had successful businesses making beer, carriages and other products. German architects and engineers that contributed to Tbilisi were Otto Jakob Simonson

(the former Viceroy’s Palace, now the Youth Palace at 6 Shota Rustaveli Avenue), Albert Salzmann, Edward Sesemann, Paul Stern (Art Palace at 6 Kargareteli Street), and Victor Johann Gottlieb Schröter, who created the Tbilisi Opera House on Rustaveli Avenue.

What’s That?

Food for Thought  Why is it good (or bad) to have colonies of foreign people in your country?  How is Georgia similar to/different from Europe?

Settled – started to live Land plots – pieces of land Cultivate – grow plants on them Restoration – starting again, making it new Colonies – communities, places where people from other countries live together Know-how – knowledge Deported – sent out of the country Tradesmen – people who make and sell things

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The UK Bridge Education Fair Info Box The UK Bridge education agency was established in 2008

by Nutsa Kuridze and Anka Vetsko. The company has for 10 years been helping those who aspire to continue studies abroad to choose the most suitable language courses, summer schools, undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The founders of UK Bridge (see Info Box) established the first International Education Fair in Georgia in 2011. World-renowned educational institutions, including the University of St. Andrews, Kings College Lon-

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

O

n March 2, Rooms Hotel Tbilisi hosted the 9th annual education fair organized by the UK Bridge education agency.

Leading institutions, including summer schools, English language courses and universities, were there to present their programs.

GEORGIA TODAY attended the event and spoke with some of the participants.

The CEO of Central Film School, Rory Curley, shared his experience with us. “I joined the team of the Central Film School nearly two years ago, and since then have been travelling a lot to launch projects which help us promote our School on the world markets. We try to present ourselves to countries which have a developed cultural life and are interested in the creative arts. Tbilisi is a city with a growing reputation as the cultural center of the Caucasus. We have only one Geor-

gian student at our school right now, but we are looking forward to having more Georgians interested in our various programs.”

The representatives of the worldrenowned Instituto Marangoni also spoke about the importance of the Tbilisi education fair. “It is the 5th time we’re here. There is always a lot of interest among Georgian students in art, fashion and design studies abroad- and Marangoni offers top-level programs in these fields. I truly believe that Georgian students are very creative and passionate about fashion, and product and interior design,” the Regional Admissions Manager of Instituto Marangoni told us.

“Our summer school has been participating in the UK Bridge Education Fair for seven years, since 2013,” the representative of the Buckswood Overseas Summer School told us.

“The students we host from Georgia are unique. I find Georgians to be very creative and very expressive. I think it’s a great fair to attract the attention of a number of new students to our program.”

Food for Thought  If you could study abroad, what would you study and why?  What is good about Fairs (job, education, science and other themes)?  What are you passionate about in life?

don, Naba & Domus Academy, AngloAmerican University, Toulouse Business School and many others, travel to Georgia once a year to give information about their study programs to potential clientele.

What’s That?

Hosted – housed, provided space for Institutions – places where education happens Launch – start Promote – advertise, publicize Reputation – the ideas people have about it Looking forward to – excited about, anticipating Abroad – in other countries Passionate – motivated, loving Unique – special, like no other Established – started Aspire – want Suitable – best for their specifications

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Why You Should Study at The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi

Info Box GZAAT was founded by Georgian businessman Guivy Zaldastanishvili, American educator Donald Thomas and a group of Georgian businessman in 2001, with the goal to transform the old-fashioned and dull post-Soviet education system into an interactive, interesting and fun process which focused on the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. In its 18 years of existence, the school has been meeting international standards and has become an exemplary education establishment in Georgia, as well as the entire Caucasus region.

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

T

he Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi (GZAAT) is among those few distinguished schools in Georgia which give a high-quality academic education and the possibility to improve students’ physical and cognitive skills.

Concrete and glass dominate the contemporary city of Tbilisi, and

activities outside. The recent Ski Tournament held in Gudauri is perfect proof of it, seeing GZAAT students competing against each other in skiing and snowboarding.

At GZAAT, students can enjoy studies in modern and spacious classrooms. They can put their theoretical knowledge into practice and carry out experiments in the Science and IT laboratories which are equipped with the latest technologies. And, most importantly, they have freedom of self-expression.

Classes are based on communication and participation in the learning process, known as the Harkness method, within which there are no more than 15 students per class, seated around an oval table, so that each child can lead discussions.

This method develops many important skills and contributes to the growth of self-confidence.

Another great thing about GZAAT is that the students and teachers are of equal importance. To maintain high academic standards, the school administration employs gifted teachers and gives them lots of different opportunities. The founding

teachers hold Masters’ degrees in Education from Harvard University and Simons College; and had extensive internships at the Philips Exeter Academy, USA, to learn and understand the Harkness method of teaching. With students, the Academy works very hard to ensure an excellent education for them and to bring up lifelong learners with high moral values and a global outlook.

Various social, cultural and charity events are also frequently hosted at the American Academy (see previous issues of Georgia Today Education to find out more!), and the importance of Georgian culture was very much in the minds of the founders of GZAAT and that is why there are numerous programs offered at the Academy to promote Georgian arts, music and culture.

Following high beliefs and aspirations, the work of GZAAT is widely recognized and as a result, the Academy can be proud of its successful alumni, who continue studying at the best education institutions worldwide and obtain scholarships worth millions.

so the calm and natural environs surrounding and within the huge GZAAT campus, including pine woods and the nearby Lisi Lake, make an ideal area for students to enjoy their studies.

GZAAT is not only great outside, but is well-loved for its sports facilities, which help keep students mentally and physically healthy. The Academy is very much focused on the idea of freedom and as such does not keep the students within the ‘borders’ of the school building but organizes regular tours and

What’s That?

Distinguished – renowned, special, respected Cognitive – mental Proof – evidence, example Self-confidence – happy and sure about yourself and your ideas Gifted – talented Bring up – educate, care for Outlook – view, perspective Aspirations – ambitions, goals

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Diplomats Promote Healthy Lifestyle & The Great Batumi Night Race Food for Thought  How will the Great Batumi Night Race help popularize Batumi and Georgia?  What is a healthy lifestyle and why is it important to have one?  How is your life healthy or unhealthy? What can you do to be healthier?

Healthy things I do Unhealthy things I do

Image source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA & KATIE RUTH DAVIES

O

n March 9, a marathon was run in Tbilisi, called the #SilkRoadCup-2019, by representatives of the diplomatic corps. The competition took place near Lisi Lake, a popular sporting zone on the outskirts of Tbilisi.

The marathon was organized by Georgia’s Corporate Sports Federation as part of the campaign #BeActiveinGeorgia and it was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and different embassies.

“Health and a healthy lifestyle are very important for our citizens and the Foreign Ministry will always be involved in this initiative,” said David Zalkaliani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, who was among the guests at the event.

The winners of the marathon were given medals, cups and other prizes.

All participants were given certificates.

If you missed it, don’t worry: you can join the Great Batumi Night Race 2019! Organized by Colosseum Marina Hotel and supported by Batumi Municipality, the Tourism and Resorts Department of the Adjara Autonomous Republic and its sponsors, Batumi will this year host the Great Batumi Night Race on April 20. Last year they had 800 people running and this year they expect even more!

Participants will run a beautiful route through night-time Batumi, starting on Batumi Boulevard. There are four different runs: a half-marathon (21.1km), a 10km race, a 1000m children’s race and a 500m children’s race. Participation in the children’s race is free. Please register if you want to run too: https://event. batumi-marathon.com All runners who reach the finish line will be given a special medal and the winners of the half-marathon, as well as a number of other

participants, will get monetary prizes and special gifts.

Distances of the Batumi half-marathon are measured and confirmed by official representatives of the International Association of Marathons (AIMS). The Great Batumi Night Race already has a place on the list of AIMS members.

The goal of the Batumi race is to promote and popularize a healthy lifestyle, to increase awareness of the city and to involve it in international sports activities. Organizers also want to create a way for young Georgian runners to be able to get experience and prepare for international competitions.

What’s That?

Outskirts – suburbs, edge (of the city) Involved – part of Initiative – project, campaign, idea Participants – people who ran Expect – are waiting for Reach – arrive at, get to

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Georgian Authors at London & Leipzig Book Fairs

Image source: Branding News

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

G

eorgian authors and publishers have been very successful around the world recently, and they continue to do it! On March 12-14, the book fair in London, UK, hosted outstanding pieces of Georgian literature and introduced them to the wider audience.

At the Georgian stand of the London Book Fair, literature enthusiasts had a chance to discover authentic Georgian prose and poetry and learn about the history of the Georgian alphabet.

The project ‘Georgia Made by Characters’ was the theme of the stand. The same concept was used last year at the world’s largest book fair, Frankfurt, where Georgia was Guest of Honor in 2018.

The London Book Fair brought together over 1,500 publishers and

literary agencies from 60 countries, presenting their products in 25 different pavilions.

After the UK, Georgian authors will travel to Germany to attend the Leipzig Book Fair and introduce the country’s literature to German bookworms between 21-24 March.

DianaAnphimiadi,AkaMorchiladze, Ana Kordzaia-Samadashvili, Aleko Shughladze, Dato Robakidze, Irma Taverlidze, Gaga Nakhutsrishvili and Nato Ingorokva are among the authors who will promote Georgia’s works in Leipzig, while Director of the Museum of Literature, Lasha Bakradze, and literary critic Zaal Andornikashvili, will speak about the most outstanding works of Georgian hagiography and German editions of works by SulkhanSaba Orbeliani, an 18th century Georgian writer and diplomat. And for those who love Georgian poetry, there will be readings of works by Besik Kharanauli and Rati Amaglobeli.

What’s That?

Outstanding – special Enthusiasts – people who really like Authentic – real, genuine, original Prose – stories Attend – participate in, join Bookworms – people who love reading Promote – advertise, publicize

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Info Box The Top 10 Most Read Books in the World These are the most read/sold/published books of the last 50 years. If you want to understand the world around you and the people in it, reading these books cover to cover is a good start.

But, just like with every book you read, never stop being critical, always question, and always have an empathetic heart!

• The Bible • Quotations from Chairman Mao • Harry Potter Series • The Lord of the Rings • The Alchemist • The Da Vinci Code • The Twilight Saga (Stephenie Meyer) • Gone with the Wind • Think and Grow Rich • Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Food for Thought  Choose 3 Georgian books you think it is important for non-Georgians to read. Explain why you chose them.

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Controversial Road Would Improve Tourism but Not Agriculture Info Box Many people have left Khevsureti in recent years. The official 2014 census recorded only 354 people living in the area, down from 866 people in 2002.

BY RYAN MICHAEL SHERMAN

I

n May 2018, construction of the first parts of the “Sno-JutaRo s h ka - S h a t i l i - O m a l o Khadori Valley-BatsaraAkhmeta Road Construction Project” started. This project aims to connect Kazbegi through Khevsureti to Tusheti and would be the first interregional paved highway in the area.

“Road users and the local people will be able to travel on a new, comfortable and safer road,” says an official statement at build.gov.ge.

“Travel time and cost will be reduced. Regional connectivity and social-economic opportunities will be improved.”

But many people don’t like it. A

popular petition called “Save the High Caucasus Mountains from Destructive Road Construction” says the road will cause environmental damage, that it will violate the rights of traditional communities and that there will be conflict with local people. The petition, which has nearly 10,000 signatures, calls on the Government of Georgia to stop the project.

Yet Khevsureti residents do not oppose the project and have been asking for many years for improved infrastructure in Khevsureti, according to interviews conducted in Khevsureti in summer 2017. They disagree with other Georgians who oppose the road.

“We want people to live up there, but we don’t want to build a road,”

Food for Thought  Many people are leaving the mountain regions (see the Info Box). Why? What can be done to stop people leaving their villages?  Do you think the road in this story is a good idea? Make a list of pros and cons (positives and negatives) with your friends and talk about it.

said Otari Tsiklauri, a resident of Roshka. “But it is the 21st century.

People should not be struggling to live [and farm] with the help of horses and donkeys.”

Locals said they would prefer roads from the lowlands (valleys) to be improved rather than an interregional highway to be built. With parts as high as 3100 meters, the Kazbegi-Khevsureti part of the road will be closed much of the year and will need maintenance. They also said the new Kazbegi-Khevsureti road would be more for families involved in summer tourism in popular destinations like Roshka, Shatili, and Mutso. For most Khevsureti households, though, income comes from traditional agriculture

such as cows and dairy products (hacho, cheese, erbo and matsoni).

In February 2018, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said, “The roads that link mountainous regions to each other are very important to preserve these regions’ cultures for future generations.”

Some people say sections of the “Sno-Juta-Roshka-Shatili-OmaloKhadori Valley-Batsara-Akhmeta Road Construction Project” have already been canceled and much of the road will now not be paved, but no official updates have been given about the project (which was to end in February 2019) on the government project page at build.gov.ge.

A government spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

What’s That?

Paved – asphalted, concreted Reduced – cut, made less Improved – made better Petition – paper that people sign to protest Damage – hurt, destruction Violate – go against Calls on – asks Struggling – fighting, having difficulty Maintenance – care, repair, fixing regularly Income – money coming into the family Preserve – protect, keep safe

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Photo by Besik Mamasakhlisi

Georgian Poet Vazha Pshavela Celebrated in London

BY GABRIELLE COLCHEN

L

ast month, an event dedicated to the famous poet Vazha Pshavela was held in London, UK. The popular Georgian

Photo by Andrey Kurochkin

artist was known for his poems, novels and plays.

The exhibition and book presentation were co-organized by the Embassy of Georgia, Asia House and the British Georgian Society.

The event united different people who had been working to translate his poems into English and who have created works inspired by the poet.

Artist Andro Semeiko presented translations of Pshavela’s poems and lyrics; designer Manana Antelidze had an exhibition of fashion sketches; writer Ana KordzaiaSamadashvili showed her stories inspired by the poet; and there were drawings by Leonid Semeiko and Andro Semeiko on the same theme.

Tamar Beruchashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to the UK, and Pamela Kember, Head of Asia House’s Art and Learning, opened the event.

Professor Donald Rayfield presented his new book of translations with Andro Semeiko, author of the pro-

Food for Thought  Do you like Vazha Pshavela’s poems? Which is your favorite and why?  Why is it good for stories and poems to be translated into different languages?

Info Box Professor Donald Rayfield is a leading British academic, writer and translator specializing in Georgia, Russia and Transcaucasia. He has written one of the main Englishlanguage histories of Georgia, translated numerous works of literature and poetry (including by Vazha Pshavela), and headed the team that compiled the Georgian-English dictionary.

He is currently Emeritus Professor of Russian at the Queen Mary University of London and Chairman of the Marjory Wardrop Fund.

GEORGIA TODAY spoke to Prof. Rayfield about his life and work and about numerous topics from literature and the dictionary to history and current affairs. Read that exclusive interview here: http://georgiatoday.ge/news/7634/ Donald-Rayfield-on-Researching-Georgia%2C-Literature%26-Politics ject, and both talked about Vazha Pshavela’s life and works, as well as the process of translating. The famous Welsh actress Dame Seân Phillips and Professor Rayfield then recited English translations of Vazha’s poems.

At the end of the presentation, the

guests drank Georgian wine and listened to Georgian polyphonic songs performed by the British choir ‘Maspindzeli’. The event was a great commemoration of the Georgian poet who died in 1915 and a good way to celebrate Georgian culture internationally.

What’s That?

Dedicated – made for Translate – change from one language to another (Georgian to English) Sketches – drawings with pencil or ink Recited – read aloud Choir – singing group Commemoration – celebration in memory

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EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY

MARCH 2019

Gamarjoba! I’m the Editor-inChief of the Georgian edition of Entrepreneur magazine and I’m here to share the top Entrepreneurial news with you:

Tengiz Gogia is a Georgian entrepreneur based in the Netherlands who always wanted to start a business in his homeland.

Following a friend’s advice, Gogia launched an ice-cream café ‘Maestro Gelato’ for ice-cream and espresso lovers. The gelato and sorbet flavors are produced using natural fruit pastes. 18 core flavors are offered alongside seasonal flavors such as different fruits.

‘Maestro Gelato’ plans to offer more than 200 different gelatos and sorbets, including a vegan menu.

Gogia wants to open ice-cream cafes across Tbilisi.

Meet 19-year-old farmer Zuka Maisashvili who has used his knowledge, experience, resources and family support to start producing wine from endemic grape varieties in Racha, Georgia.

His brand ‘Gvinuka’ began making small quantities of wine. Foreign partners have already expressed interest; however, the wine is currently only available on the local market. With new equipment purchased with grants, Maisashvili will continue to expand the business for a wider audience.

Victoria Kasyanova and Irina Ignatenko have launched a new startup ‘I SOAP’ producing handmade and fragrant soaps and cosmetics. Utilizing natural products without artificial colors or pesticides is of paramount importance for the founders of ‘I SOAP’. Kasyanova’s spouse, a sailor who travels a lot, collects a wide range of new and rare products which enriches the brand’s ingredients. The designers of ‘I SOAP’ are inexperienced marketeers. However, with high quality products and original packaging, they attract customers easily.

David Mosiashvili is a 34-yearold single father who started his business along with his two children, offering hand-made brooches under the name of ‘Dema’. The primary factor for him in creating the start-up was that his children be involved, one of whom is five-year-old Demetre who suffers from cerebral palsy. The ever more popular brooches comprise wood-processing, painting and designing and are already being snapped up by shops wanting ‘Dema’ products. The entrepreneurs have their own studio with a wide range of equipment and, with the help of a grant, aim to expand the variety and quantity of their works.

‘-20%’ is the label found on wine bottles produced by 24-year-old Nikoloz Markozashvili in the village of Ditsi (Gori). The design is a loud protest towards the Russian occupation of the Georgian regions, and Ditsi itself is located next to the occupied territory of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia). Wine is produced from two local grape varieties. At first, Markozashvili aimed merely to protest the occupation with his product, but the taste of the wine has proved just as popular, and interest has already been heard from France. Markozashvili has decided to expand his business to produce up to 1,000 bottles this spring and increase that number again next year.

Georgian cannery company Kula is to build a new factory, which, according to founder Vano Goglidze, will primarily be focused on manufacturing bio products. The construction works are already complete and involved consultation with German experts in order for the company to receive certification for the production of bio products.

The cost for the launch of the new line amounts to approximately $2 million. Kula was founded in 2009 and has opened three factories to date, all of them located in the Karaleti village of the Gori region.

From April, ‘Made in Georgia’ bicycles are to be presented on the local and international market by the ‘Georgian Bicycle Group.’ Founder Beqa Kiknavelidze was inspired by the increasing demand on cargo and electric bicycles. Customers will be able to purchase bicycles through an online platform, choosing specifications, technical characteristics and color, with prices to vary between 800 and 2,500 GEL. Interest has already been heard from Denmark and Finland. Creation of the enterprise, laboratory and showroom, integrated in one space, is scheduled for the near future.

‘Barambo’ is a must-try for those interested in the taste of Georgian chocolate. Iago Chocheli started working in the sweets industry many years ago and launched a chocolate with a specific Georgian taste.

Along with an increase in the assortment of products, the success of the business has also been growing, and Barambo is to represent itself on the Chinese market in autumn this year. The company also plans to launch in Egypt, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Georgian chocolate, sweets and ice-cream are already well-known in Uzbekistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Russia and Singapore.

Follow the Entrepreneur Georgia Instagram page to get the latest updates from Georgian Entrepreneurs.

For doing business with Georgian Entrepreneurs, write us on business@entrepreneur.ge

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2019

EDUCATION

13

Finnish School Deadline Approaching: Register Now! áƒ¤áƒ˜áƒœáƒŁáƒ áƒĄáƒ?ერთáƒ?შáƒ?áƒ áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ? áƒĄáƒ™áƒ?ლáƒ?ში მáƒ?áƒĄáƒŹáƒ?ვლეთáƒ? áƒ áƒ”áƒ’áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ˘áƒ áƒ?áƒŞáƒ˜áƒ˜áƒĄ ბáƒ?ლáƒ? ვáƒ?დáƒ? áƒ?჎ლáƒ?ვდებáƒ?! â˜?კლáƒ?áƒĄáƒ”áƒ‘áƒ¨áƒ˜ áƒ?დგილები áƒ¨áƒ”áƒ–áƒŚáƒŁáƒ“áƒŁáƒšáƒ˜áƒ?. â˜? 2019-2020 áƒĄáƒ?áƒĄáƒŹáƒ?ვლáƒ? áƒŹáƒ”áƒšáƒĄ áƒĄáƒ™áƒ?ლáƒ?ში დáƒ?áƒ áƒ”áƒ’áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ˘áƒ áƒ˜áƒ áƒ”áƒ‘áƒ?áƒĄ áƒ¨áƒ”áƒŤáƒšáƒ”áƒ‘áƒĄ მ჎áƒ?ლáƒ?დ პირველი 45 მáƒ?áƒĄáƒŹáƒ?ვლე. (áƒŻáƒ?მში I, II, III კლáƒ?áƒĄáƒ”áƒ‘áƒ¨áƒ˜) áƒ áƒ”áƒ’áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ˘áƒ áƒ?áƒŞáƒ˜áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ—áƒ•áƒ˜áƒĄ áƒ”áƒŹáƒ•áƒ˜áƒ”áƒ— áƒĄáƒ?áƒ˜áƒ˘áƒĄ www.fis.ge áƒ áƒ”áƒ’áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ˘áƒ áƒ?áƒŞáƒ˜áƒ?áƒĄáƒ—áƒ?ნ áƒ?ნ áƒ¤áƒ˜áƒœáƒŁáƒ áƒĄáƒ?ერთáƒ?შáƒ?áƒ áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ? áƒĄáƒ™áƒ?ლáƒ?áƒĄáƒ—áƒ?ნ დáƒ?კáƒ?áƒ•áƒ¨áƒ˜áƒ áƒ”áƒ‘áƒŁáƒšáƒ˜ áƒœáƒ”áƒ‘áƒ˜áƒĄáƒ›áƒ˜áƒ”áƒ áƒ˜ კით჎ვით მáƒ?გვმáƒ?რთეთ: đ&#x;“Šadmission@fis.ge ☎ď¸?(+995 32) 2 42 20 00.

The Registration deadline for the Finnish International School is approaching! � Places are limited! � Only the first 45 students in total will be enrolled for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades for study in the 2019-2020 academic year.

For registration please visit: www.fis.ge For more details about the admission process, study program, tuition fees, or any additional information about the Finnish International School, please contact us at: đ&#x;“Šadmission@fis.ge ☎(+995 32) 2 42 20 00

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EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY

MARCH 2019

Meet the Female Car Inspector Info Box

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

F

rom January 1, 2019, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development introduced a mandatory technical inspection for all vehicles in Georgia. There are many inspection centers but ‘Greenway Georgia,’ with the highest European standards, is one of the most trustworthy and well-developed companies, guaranteeing all car owners get a fast and safe technical inspection for their vehicles.

Greenway Georgia not only gives a great service, it aims to be genderbalanced in the workplace. There is a stereotype that only men can work professionally in the vehicle industry, but 26-year-old Keti Vardziashvili, working at Greenway Georgia as a car inspector, is proving the stereotype wrong. GEORGIA TODAY went to meet her.

I started working in a call center. It was a very useful and interesting experience, but I always wanted to do something different that was not typical for women in Georgia. I chose the automobile industry and started as an amateur and built up my knowledge to a professional level.

HOW INTERESTING IS THIS WORK FOR YOU?

26 centers for the technical inspection of vehicles, equipped to the latest standards, mobile service centers for the mountainous regions, 350 new jobs and a fast and trustworthy tech-service. These are the main goals of Greenway Georgia, a European-standards Georgian company working to revolutionize and clean up Georgia’s transport.

Within the Association Agreement, Georgia agreed to introduce a Tech Inspection system reform for vehicles.

From October 1 2018, inspection became mandatory for cars with an engine of 3.0 or more, and from January 2019, all car owners need to get their vehicles inspected regularly. If they don’t, they will be fined.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A TECHNICAL INSPECTOR? ARE THERE ANY GENDER STEREOTYPES RELATED TO YOUR WORK? I don’t have many difficulties- mostly because the team I work with is so great. We always share our experiences, help and support each other.

But often customers are surprised to see a woman working with cars, and sometimes they doubt that I know what I’m doing. But when they see the results and actually talk to me, their ideas about professionalism based on gender change.

Female inclusion in different sectors is vital. We can break the stereotype and accept women as professional technical inspectors.

Working with cars might not seem interesting at first, but it is! The most exciting part of my work is communicating with so many people and giving them the most upto-date and useful information about the sector. Technical inspection of vehicles and well-functioning vehicles is quite a new concept in Georgia. Every working day we show how useful and important our work is for the country and all its people: for safety, to decrease the number of road accidents and to help ecology and the environment. Knowing the importance of my job gives me WILL YOU CONTINUE WHEN DID YOU DECIDE more motivation to learn more and WORKING WITH CARS? Right now, I love it. I want to learn TO WORK IN THIS FIELD? increase my expertise. more, and the fact that Greenway Georgia has international partners with multiple-year experience is a wonderful chance for our development and helps me very much.

Being part of a team which is Mandatory – obligatory, compulsory, you must do it

involved in important processes for the country’s development and which helps improve people’s living conditions, is another motivation for me.

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER WOMEN

BY DOING THIS JOB? I would love to be a motivator for other women, as I believe that a person’s level of professionalism is nothing connected with gender.

Everyone must be free to selfdevelop in any sector they like.

Every day at my job I learn something new. I would be very happy to share my knowledge and experience with other women in future.

What’s That?

Vehicles – motor transport Trustworthy – reliable, honest Typical – standard, normal Amateur – non-professional Decrease – reduce, make less Increase – make more, raise, add Expertise – knowledge, professionalism Doubt – don’t believe, are suspicious about Inclusion – involvement, participation

Food for Thought  Make a list of jobs that are ‘Typically done by women’ and ‘Typically done by men.’ Do you think men and women can do both? How can we change the stereotypes?  Why is it important for drivers to get their cars professionally checked and repaired?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY MARCH 2019

Gudauri Hosts FIS Snowboard Cross Europa Cup

15

Georgia Wins Rugby Europe Championship

BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA

O Photo source: The Culture Trip

BY AMY JONES

G

udauri hosted the FIS Snowboard Cross Europa Cup from March 8 - 10. Over 60 international snowboarders competed on Kudebi’s slopes. As Georgia will host the 2023 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships, the event was important preparation.

Many participants gave positive feedback about the quality of the competition. “The snow is good,

the weather is wonderful, the competition is very well organized,” said Klaus Waldner, federation delegate and one of the race prize-winners.

Ukrainian rider Roman Aleksandrovsky told reporters that Gudauri is a “wonderful place with beautiful mountains and perfect slopes.”

The competition is a step forward for Georgia’s aspirations to bid for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.

Words to Learn

n March 10, the National Rugby Team of Georgia ‘Borjhalosnebi’ held a match against Germany within the fourth tour of the Rugby Europe Championship and won with a score of 52:3. The game was hosted at the AIA Arena in the city of Kutaisi in western Georgia.

As a result of this victory, the Georgian team became winner of the Rugby Europe Championship one week before the final round.

Rugby Europe announced Georgia’s triumph on social media.

“Breaking News: Thanks to its success with a bonus (52-3) against Germany (Deutscher Rugby-Verband), Georgian Rugby is the win-

ner of the Rugby Europe Championship 2019!” reads their post.

Georgia was also victorious in previous games with Belgium (46:6), Spain (24:10) and Romania (18:9).

After the big win, the Georgian National Rugby Team has its final match against Russia in the Russian city of Krasnodar on March 17.

‘Borjhalosnebi’ was also winner of the Europe Championship in 2018.

Words to Learn victory, triumph, victorious

hosted, slopes, feedback, aspirations

Georgian Soldiers Win 38 Medals in California

Source: Ministry of defense

BY THEA MORRISON

T

welvewoundedsoldiers of the Georgian Armed Forces took part in the 2019 championship of the Marine Corps in California and won 38 medals.

The competition took place on March 2-9 and around 200 participants from seven countries took part.

Georgian soldiers won 38 medals,

including 20 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze medals. They participated in seven tournaments.

In the basketball final, Georgian soldiers defeated the American team and became Champions of the Year.

They also participated in archery, swimming, rowing, wheelchair race, cycling and target shooting.

Words to Learn wounded, participate, defeated

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