EDUCATION www.georgiatoday.ge
Issue no: 027
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• NOVEMBER 2019
• PUBLISHED MONTHLY
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In this issue... Les Professeurs De Français Ont Celebre Leur Journee Internationale! PAGE 2
How to Be a Good Sales Assistant PAGE 4
History of the Georgian Currency PAGE 6
FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT
This issue is packed with good news about Georgia’s development- from new job and learning opportunities to cleaning up the environment. Find out more inside!
Georgia’s Say No To Plastic Campaign Grows by the Day! PAGE 8
Eastern Partnership Countries Work Together to Counter Climate Change PAGE 12
Young Georgians Stand Up for the Ozone Layer
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hirty-five schoolchildren from different regions of Georgia took part in the youth contest ‘Protect the Ozone Layer – Protect Life on the Earth,’ started by the Environmental Information and Education Centre (EIEC) of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The best essays and video messages made by young environmentalists were awarded in Tbilisi. “It is good to see such passion and determination among Georgia’s
youth to save our planet from the many threats it faces,” said UNDP Head Louisa Vinton. “The UNDP hopes this contest will inspire youngsters to serve as ambassadors for a greener lifestyle and more sustainable consumption in their communities.” “Young citizens of our country are expecting us to leave them a greener and safer world. Our responsibility is to live up to these expectations,” said EIEC Head Tamar Aladashvili. “Georgia has achieved impressive progress in phasing out most harmful substances that deplete the ozone layer. However, more needs to be done to promote a green life-style
and environmental education and introduce sustainable production and consumption.” The youth contest was part of an information campaign launched by the EIEC and UNDP on 16 September, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. More than 150 schoolchildren attended ozone-related seminars in September and October, which inspired 35 tenth-graders to join the contest. The three best essays written by the participants from Akhalgori, Kakheti and Tbilisi and the best video address made by a school student from Rustavi won prizes. The Montreal Protocol is a global
agreement to protect Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Many world countries, including Georgia, work to reduce harmful substances, such as CFCs. With funds from the Multi-Lateral Fund, the UNDP has been helping Georgia since 2007, setting up recycling facilities and service centers in refrigeration and air conditioning, offering training programs for technicians and customs officers, and helping businesses upgrade their equipment and start using to harmless refrigerants.
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LES PROFESSEURS DE FRANÇAIS ONT CELEBRE LEUR JOURNEE INTERNATIONALE! pour répondre aux défis et aux quesPAR CATHERINE GOUTHEROT tions que suscite leur métier face SECRÉTAIRE GÉNÉRALE DE aux élèves. L’INSTITUT FRANÇAIS DE GÉORGIE Comment «innovation et créativité» améliorent-elles l’enseignement du evenir enseignant, français? c’est exercer un En quoi transforment-elles le métier métier passionnant d’enseignant de français? et exigeant, permet- Autant de questions et de défis tant de transmettre passionnants à relever au quotidien. un savoir en valorisant les compé- Enseigner s’apprend tout au long tences des élèves: avoir la possi- de la vie, par l’approfondissement bilité de se renouveler chaque jour permanent de ses savoirs, l’évolution et d’être le principal acteur d’un constante de ses méthodes pédagogiques, l’appropriation des innosystème éducatif en évolution. À l’initiative de la Fédération Inter- vations et l’acquisition de nouvelles nationale des Professeurs de Fran- compétences. çais (FIPF), la première édition de Autant de questions qui pourront la Journée internationale des inspirer activités et débats lors de professeurs de français a été organ- la Journée internationale des proisée le 28 novembre 2019 sur le fesseurs de français. Le professeur de français utilise thème «Innovation et créativité». Organisée pour la première fois une pédagogie et un matériel spécidans le monde entier dans les écoles, fiques pour enseigner le français à établissements scolaires, universi- ses élèves, enfants ou adultes de taires liés à l’enseignement du niveaux d’études variés. français pour les professeurs de À chaque nouvelle session, il doit français, cette journée a été un s’adapter au profil et au niveau de moment privilégié d’échanges, de sa classe avec un seul objectif : faire partages d’expériences et de pra- acquérir la maîtrise de la langue française, orale et écrite. tiques pédagogiques. Cette faculté d’adaptation demandée aux professeurs de français est INNOVATION ET CRÉATIVITÉ – THÈME 2019. indispensable au sein de l’Institut De nos jours, l’innovation dans français de Géorgie, de l’Ecole Franl’enseignement ne se réduit pas çaise du Caucase et des écoles géorseulement au numérique. Elle peut giennes publiques et privées enseiêtre partout, dans les pratiques et gnant le français en Géorgie.
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les méthodes pédagogiques les plus simples comme dans les processus éducatifs complexes. Et la créativité est nécessaire à tous les enseignants de français
LA JOURNÉE DES PROFESSEURS DE FRANÇAIS EN GÉORGIE. Selon les données communiquées
Sites utiles : Institut français de Géorgie : ifg.ge Le jour du professeur de français : https://www.lejourduprof.com/
Francophonie 2019: - 300 millions de francophones dans le monde - 5 ème langue mondiale - 132 millions d’apprenants - 4 ème langue sur Internet par le Ministère de l’Education, de la Science, de la Culture et du Sport de Géorgie, le nombre d’apprenants de français s’élevait à 13850 à la rentrée de septembre 2018. 215 professeurs enseignent le français dans 130 écoles publiques et privées. Le français a le statut de LV2 (matière obligatoire) à partir de la 5ème classe (CM2 français) ou de LV3 (matière optionnelle) à partir de la 10ème classe (seconde française). L’Institut français de Géorgie et l’Ambassade de France en Géorgie en partenariat avec l’Association géorgienne des professeurs de français, le Ministère de l’Education, des Sciences, de la Culture et du Sport, le Centre National du dével-
oppement professionnel des professeurs de Géorgie, l’Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie et l’Université d’Etat Ilia a célèbré la Journée internationale des professeurs de français à l’Université d’Etat Ilia le jeudi 28 novembre 2019. Cet événement s’est déroulé en deux parties. La cérémonie d’ouverture a été suivie d’une remise des insignes de Chevalier des Palmes Académiques à trois professeurs géorgiens enseignant le français par l’Ambassadeur de France M. Diégo Colas. Une table ronde sur «Les méthodes innovantes et créatives au service des professeurs de FLE (français langue étrangère)» a été ensuite organisée.
Mots clés: Journée internationale - საერთაშორისო დღე Professeur de français - ფრანგულის მასწავლებელი Elève - მოსწავლე Enseignement - მასწავლებელი Ecole - სკოლა Université - უნივერსიტეტი Francophonie - ფრანკოფონია
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Mutso Rehabilitation Project Awarded at Cultural Heritage Summit in Paris What’s That?
Image source: 1tv.ge
BY ANA DUMBADZE
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t the European Heritage Awards in Paris, the village-fortress Mutso from the historic Khevsureti region of Georgia received the Public Choice Award. In the same ceremony, Mutso’s Rehabilitation Project received a Europa Nostra prize. President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili received the award with the Head of the Georgian Cultural Heritage Agency, Nikoloz Antidze. At the Awards, the Mutso fortress rehabilitation project was named among the 27 winners chosen by the jury from 149 applications from 34 countries. The project was presented by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia in 2018. The ceremony was hosted by the President of Europa Nostra, Placido Domingo, with the European Com-
missioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, Tibor Navracsics. The ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 guests from many different countries. One of the most complex and large-scale monuments in Georgian history, Mutso’s restoration and preservation project was implemented by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation in 2014 with the support of the Government of Georgia, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia and the Cartu Foundation. Mutso, one of the former strongholds of the historic Georgian province of Khevsureti (now part of Mtskheta-Mtianeti region), is located on a rocky mountain (1880 m) on the right bank of the Andakistskali River. The village, almost completely abandoned more than a century ago, has 30 medieval fortified dwellings built on vertical terraces above the Mutso-Ardoti Gorge, four tow-
fortress – castle rehabilitation – fix, make stronger, make like new attended – people who went there complex – complicated, difficult implemented – carried out, done, worked on stronghold – military castle for protecting the area from enemies bank – side of a river abandoned – no-one lived there, empty and uncared for dwellings – places where people live ruins – remains, broken buildings ers and the ruins of other buildings. Difficult to access, the village is a popular destination for tourists and mountain trekkers. The website of the European Heritage Awards on Mutso: “The village of Mutso is a remarkable fortified settlement which for centuries was the strongest outpost in northern Georgia, controlling the roads and protecting the state border. The village, strikingly integrated into the surrounding landscape thanks to the harmonious use of materials, was inhabited from the 10th century onwards. The harsh climate, the lack of arable land, the poor infrastructure together water
shortages led to the depopulation of the village by the middle of the 20th-century. Through slow deterioration and lack of maintenance, this unique village was set to be lost. In 2014, a project to rehabilitate the settlement was initiated by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia (NACHP) under the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, with the support of the Georgian Government and in collaboration with other State institutions. The project was also supported through private funding, in particular, the International Charity Foundation Cartu.”
Info Box The EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards (from 2019 the ‘European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards’) was launched in 2002 by the European Commission and has been organized by Europa Nostra, a European Federation for Cultural Heritage, ever since. The Awards promote best practices related to heritage conservation, management, research, education, and communication. In this way, the Awards scheme contributes to a stronger public recognition of cultural heritage as a strategic resource for Europe’s society and economy.
Food for Thought Read the paragraph written by the European Heritage Awards about Mutso. Find and list 12 adjectives. Look them up in a dictionary then write your own sentences using them.
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How to Be a Good Sales Assistant Info Box Get ready for the interview! Learn about the company you are applying for a job at and think of your answers to these questions: • What are your strengths and weaknesses when talking with customers? • Why you do think customers shop at this store? • How do you handle a difficult customer/? • What makes a good sales assistant? • How do you close a sale? • What’s more important – a good product or fast, friendly and efficient service? • You find out that a colleague is giving his/her friends free merchandise: What do you do? • What are your short, mid, and long-term career goals?
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f you like talking to different people and live for the satisfaction of closing a sale, then a sales assistant position might be the job you’re looking for. Shops of all kinds need sales assistants, from supermarkets to electronics to fashion to electronics. A good sales assistant must have strong customer service skills, as well as a basic knowledge of math, inventory, and handling cash. A good sales assistant needs to be energetic, friendly, polite, tactful, reliable and honest.
ating sales reports, maintaining the customer database, preparing sales presentations and displays, accepting and ordering product deliveries, and tracking sales information. Some sales assistants, like those working with electronics, will need to know about the goods they sell. Many companies will provide training in their products.
TYPICAL WORK HOURS IN SALES
A typical full-time sales assistant might work between 35 to 40 hours a week. Depending on the job, you might also work some weekends and evenings, with longer hours SALES ASSISTANT during holidays and other busy JOB ROLE The responsibilities of a sales assis- shopping seasons. Many companies tant vary by position. A junior sales offer part-time employment. assistant’s job will mostly be helping customers find the goods and SALES ASSISTANT services they need, stocking shelves ENTRY REQUIREMENTS and arranging displays, ordering AND SKILLS products, organizing promotions, The most important skill a sales and handling customer complaints. assistant needs is customer service. A senior sales assistant, with more A positive attitude, positive personexperience and time with a com- ality, and strong problem-solving pany might become a supervisor, skills are what companies like most. training and managing other assis- A sales assistant must also be able tants, as well as earning more money. to work with a team and have strong Other work of a sales assistant math and communications skills. includes managing inventory, cre- As you get more experience, you
Food for Thought With a friend, answer the questions in the Info Box.
Source: Telegraph jobs
What’s That? satisfaction – it makes you happy closing a sale – selling something inventory – recording what products the shop has handling – dealing/working with tactful – sensitive, thinks before speaking reliable – trustworthy (comes to work on time, does the job right, etc.) vary – are different goods – products stocking – putting products (goods) in the shop for customers to see arranging displays – organizing products so they look nice career – a job you stay and develop in for many years receive depends on the job. A sales assistant working with food may get food hygiene training, for example, while an assistant working in a clothing store might earn certificates and awards in fashion retail. A sales assistant wanting a career in sales could do a foundation degree in retail, which covers more advanced retail operations, management, and marketing. Many high-end sales assistant positions will prefer people with bachelor’s degrees in marTRAINING AND keting, management studies, or DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN SALES business administration. ApprenMost sales assistant training will ticeships may also be available. happen while you work there. Big companies might have training programs to help you develop your skills and earn promotions. You might one day become a manager or sales director, which will look great on your CV. What kind of training you will
might also need to win more customers for the company. Sales assistants, particularly in the fashion industry, are “brand ambassadors,” and should be passionate and knowledgeable about the products they’re selling. Being a sales assistant will also need you to be on your feet for hours, as well as lifting and moving stock.
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Initial Training Program for Teachers in ‘Learning Hubs: Improved Skills for Stronger Societies’ Info Box
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13 Learning Hubs will be operating in remote/isolated communities in Georgia. 26 teachers of these learning hubs will receive regular training on delivering high English language and dialogue and debating sessions through the Learning Hubs. Overall, more than 100 English teachers will benefit from the core skills trainings. Over 3 years, around 450 English teachers will be engaged through TAGs and different events organized for teachers and 60 English teachers attending TAGs will be able to get the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) Cambridge Certificate. On average, 2,800 children will annually join Learning Hubs activities (English and debating sessions). Over 3 years, around 12,480 children will indirectly benefit through the improved English and core skills incorporated through the formal teaching by the trained teachers.
Skills for Stronger Societies’ is a three-year program that will develop young people’s skills so they can build confidence and have better access to educational and career paths in the future. It will support the development of strong, stable and prosperous communities in Georgia by developing different skills. The British Council designed and developed the program with funding from the UK Government. It will implement the program with the support of its partners in isolated communities of Georgia for male and female young learners. “Five new learning hubs will expand the 8 English Clubs we have in five countries,” said Zaza Purtseladze, British Council Director South Caucasus and Georgia. The new learning hubs will be established in Community Cent- ers in Georgia and will have all the necessary high-quality teaching and learning resources, technology and self-study materials to help community learners and teachers. The program will focus on good impact – effect, change English teaching and increasing individually – each person exclusively tolerance and dialogue among stable – not changing, strong young people and their communities. It will also develop critical prosperous – wealthy, rich, successful thinking, problem solving, commufunding – financing, money nication and debating skills, conimplement – carry out, do necting learners with the wider established – opened, started world. The British Council will also work community – village, town, group of people living/workwith teachers in the communities, ing in one place together using the UK’s experience and tolerance – having an open-mind, not having a problem resources to help them develop their with other peoples’ differences confidence, skills and knowledge.
n 16-17 November, the ‘Initial Training Program’ was organized for teachers of English within the framework of the ‘Learning Hubs: Improved Skills for Stronger Societies’ program funded by the ‘Conflict, Stability and Security Fund’ of the UK Government. “This project has both a short term and long term impact on teaching and learning,” said Rusiko Tkemaladze, Head of the Foreign Language group in NAEC. “Its aim is to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the regions of Georgia. British Council, together with other organizations including ETAG, are working on the quality of the project, managing the project to make it as effective as possible and to help every teacher individually.” The ‘Learning Hubs: Improved
What’s That?
The program will identify their needs, provide them with development opportunities, and prepare them to be able to use the innovative teaching resources and practices in their classrooms. New Teacher Activity Groups (TAG) will be established so that teachers can come together to discuss new ideas, teaching practices and local needs and to positively impact and contribute to their communities. The British Council will help young learners, teachers, parents, and leaders come together to explore, discuss and celebrate learning and development in the Learning Hubs and beyond.
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History of the Georgian Currency What’s That?
BY IA VEKUA
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he flag, the Coat of Arms, the National Anthem- are all symbols that show a country’s sovereignty. And there is another symbol that is a kind of an ‘economic passport’ for Georgia: the national currency, its banknotes and coins Lari and Tetri. Let’s find out more about it. 100 years ago, a symbol of the country’s independence was the Georgian Bond. Bonds began to be issued on May 1918, one year after the declaration of independence by the Constituent Assembly of Georgia. It created a temporary symbolic currency that would soon be replaced with real national currency. It existed only until 1922, when it was replaced by Soviet money. Bonds were introduced at a difficult time not only for Georgia but for the whole of Europe. The First World War was ending, and the new state of Europe was beginning from scratch. One advancement at the time was the introduction of the national monetary system. A Bond is a credit document that is used worldwide, with different countries personalizing it with their own designs. Georgia is a good example of this. The authors of the sketches on Georgian Bonds are artist Dimitri Shevardnadze; one of the founders of the Tbilisi Academy of Fine Arts, Joseph Sharleman; and a descendant of Polish immigrants born in Kutaisi, Heinrich Hrinevski. Their work features emblems of the Democratic Republic of Georgia and ornaments typical of Georgian architecture. The 500-Ruble Bond shows a red-
Coat of Arms – shield, symbol. Georgia’s Coat of Arms has two lions, a crown and St George. National Anthem – national song (the Georgian anthem is called ‘Tavisupleba’) sovereignty – the power of a country to govern itself temporary – not permanent, for a short time only replaced – something used instead of beginning from scratch – starting from the beginning, anew emblems – symbols militant – rebellious, wanting to fight inscriptions – written messages traded – sold/bought/exchanged commodities – products people need/want ancestor – what came before influences – impacts, what was affecting it invaders – attackers, people from other countries trying to control your country
haired woman sitting on a sofa under a stone arch; next to her a Coat of Arms with the initials ‘SDR’ (Democratic Republic of Georgia). Historians say this militant woman is a symbol of Georgia - like Marianne is for France. Inscriptions in Georgian, Russian and French state that the Bond can be traded in the same way as a Russian state credit card, and that the Republic of Georgia is responsible for its value. Along with the standard information, it has the signatures of then Prime Minister Noe Jordania and Finance Minister The numismatic history of GeorKonstantin Kandelaki. gia is over 26 centuries old and has many different designs, inscriptions GEORGIAN CURRENCY and ornaments which show the Before money, like in other ancient political and cultural influences countries, trading in Georgia meant the country was experiencing. Someexchanging commodities, like times the inscriptions on coins were crops, precious metal bands, jew- bilingual (Georgian with Arabic, elry, household goods, and some- Persian or Russian), also showing times even people. The history of the political situation in the counmodern Georgian currency began try at the time. in 1995, when the coupons that The inscriptions of coins cut durreplaced the Soviet Ruble became ing the time of David IV the Builder part of the past and the Georgian and David VI are interesting. In the Lari was born. first case, we read that David the The ancestor of the present-day Builder was “the King of AbkhazGeorgian Tetri, the Colchian Tetri, ians, Georgians, Rans, Kakhetians, dates to the VI-III centuries AD Armenians, the Sharnavashah and Kingdom of Colchis. Many people the Shahanshah” but on David Narused the Tetri and archaeologists in’s coin we see only that he was have found it in the Crimean “slave king of Khan, King Peninsula, Sochi and David.” northern Turkey. Queen Tamar’s successor, George III, cut his coins
with the inscription “King Queen Tamar,” which further strengthened his place as king. The invaders also introduced their own designs in Georgian coins. Today, you can see examples of this in the Georgian museums. Interesting are two coins from the time of Erekle II. The first was cut in 1781 for Georgia’s political union with Russia, and shows a two-headed eagle. Then, when Aga Mohammad Khan took over and Russia was betrayed, King Erekle cut a new coin - this time showing a oneheaded eagle. Erekle’s successor and the last king of Kartli-Kakheti, George XII, cut the last Georgian coin, after which there were Georgian-Russian coins (from 1804). This line continued until the introduction of the threeyear Georgian Bond. By the end of the 20th century, Georgia had got back its independence and, with it, a vital interstate symbol – the national currency.
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Vocational Training Program Development Using the Estonian Model
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n November 1, a conference was held at the Hotel Rus: ‘Vocational Training Program Development Based on the Estonian Model.’ It was opened by Kai Kaarelson, Estonia’s Ambassador to Georgia. At the conference, they discussed how other countries, private businesses and civil society organizations can help develop vocational educa-
tion (VET) in Georgia. Training programs can be used to respond to changing needs of the labor market. A professional training program called “Social Media Management” was presented at the conference. It was developed in collaboration with the private sector, social media management experts and vocational training institutions. “Today, the vocational education system has difficulty responding to the needs of the labor market in
Info Box This year the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported on Estonia’s Vocational Education sector. Here are some of the things they wrote, which can also be useful for Georgia: Over the past years, the Estonian vocational education and training (VET) system has been reformed and developed to make a clearer and more effective qualifications system to improve employer involvement, to unite schools and improve school facilities, and to increase work-based learning and develop apprenticeships. But there are still challenges. In Estonia, only around one quarter of young people choose vocational education. Around 150 schools in Estonia offer 12 grades of general education, meaning young people can stay in the same school after 9th grade. By separating the upper secondary school system from basic schooling, all 9th-grade students would have a real choice between VET and general education. General academic and vocational upper secondary schools should work together for this. A good apprenticeship system has been launched in Estonia, but more adults than young people join it. Youth apprenticeship needs to be promoted, by focusing for example on a specific region and/or industry and considering specific employer incentives. In other vocational programs, work practice in companies can be introduced as a mandatory requirement. There are big differences in participation rates in upper secondary VET for young people coming from different socio-economic backgrounds. For example, in eastern Estonia, around 60% of Russian-speaking boys enroll in VET, while in the larger cities, only 10% of Estonian-speaking girls do. The Estonian authorities should explore with stakeholders how to make changes so that all Estonians can choose the right career and develop their learning potential.
What’s That? discussed – talked about respond to – answer, react to in collaboration with – working with, with the help of trust – believe in, understand the value of effective – it works well collaboration – working together foster – encourage, push for, protect sustainable – they will continue a long time involvement – participation, joining the program apprenticeships – learning from a master (for example, learning by working with an electrician) incentives – motivation, reasons to do it mandatory – compulsory, they must do it stakeholders – investors Georgia,” said Giorgi Khishtovani, Director of PMC Research Center. “Business have don’t trust VET colleges and there are not many examples of effective collaboration between them. Our project tries to create a vocational training program that is in high demand in the labor market and to foster sustainable partnerships between the private sector and vocational colleges.” The program was developed by
the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with PMC Research Center, Tallinn School of Economics, marketing agency GINGERS and Gldani Vocational Training Center.
Food for Thought What are the positives and negatives of 1) staying in school until 12th grade; 2) joining a VET program? Which would you choose? Why?
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Georgia’s Say No To Plastic Campaign Grows by the Day!
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lasticpollution,meaning plastic objects and particles in the environ ment, nega tively affects wildlife, habitat and humans, and is one of the biggest threats to the Earth’s environment. That’s why more and more countries are taking important steps to reduce the use of plastic and save the planet. Reducing how much plastic we throw away and properly managing our waste system is the only way to do this. Great news: Georgia has also joined the initiative and is working on projects and environmental campaigns to develop its waste management system. On October 25, with the support of USAID, CENN launched the large-scale environmental campaign #SayNoToPlastic, aimed at reducing environment pollution from plastic. To raise public awareness of this problem, 48 posters created by Georgian designers within the Cannes Lions Georgia competition were showcased in Galleria Tbilisi, Tbilisi Mall and Fabrika and on November 14, there was a public discussion titled ‘Creative Ways to Raise Environmental Awareness and Waste Management in Georgia’ at Fabrika, which included Cannes Lions Georgia representatives, the
poster designers, and USAID / CENN WMTR Program Representatives Nana Takvarelia and Anna Petriashvili. The #SayNoToPlastic campaign DID YOU KNOW? is growing every day, joined by active young people, CENN partner • 91% of plastic is not recycled and is dumped into landorganizations, international orgafills and the oceans. nizations operating in Georgia, • The average time a polyethylene bag is used is only 12 businesses, and well-known minutes. However, it can take up to 1000 years to dissolve celebrities like TV host Bakhva Bregadze, model and TV host Manika in nature. Asatiani, actress Vika Kalandia and As part of #SayNoToPlastic, CENN, through the USAID well-known gymnast and TV Waste Management Program, raises public awareness of presenter Ketevan Khatiashvili. environment plastic pollution. Check out their Facebook Calling on people to reduce the amount of plastic they use and to page for interesting facts about the global problems caused replace it with reusable items, the by daily plastic use. participants of the campaign upload photos showing how on social media and Ketevan Khatiashvili. cards, launching ecard.ardi.ge for and using hashtag #SayNoToPlastic. Who else joined in? all Ardi costumers. “Together, we By showing their own examples of Insurance company Ardi stopped will all contribute to the imporhow to reduce plastic use in daily using plastic health insurance cards tant environment campaign life, they try to encourage the rest and replaced them with electronic #SayNoToPlastic” said the CEO of of the society to follow and to take better care of nature. If you are interested in waste management challenges, follow the WMTR Program page and take the regular quiz to win a CENN / USAID Interested in protecting the environment? Take a photo gift of environmentally friendly of how you are replacing single-use plastic items with reusable items. The first winners reusable alternatives, upload it onto social media with the of the #SayNoToPlastic campaign competition were recently awarded #SayNoToPlastic title and tag the page @WMTRProgram. at Galleria Tbilisi by Manika Asatiani
Info Box
JOIN IN!
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GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 2019
the company Mikheil Japaridze. “We would like to thank Ardi Insurance Company for this exciting and modern initiative and for supporting our campaign,” said CENN Executive Director, Nana Janashia. “We hope that other companies will also follow its example and will bravely make moves for our future generations.” Along with Ardi, the eco-friendly cocktail and beer bar ‘Pulsar Bar’ also joined the campaign. “Did you know that 91% of plastic is not recycled and is dumped into landfills and the oceans?” they said. “That’s why we don’t to use oneuse plastic containers and straws in the bar! Now, all the containers we use are reusable and with your support we plan to use them for years to come,” writes Pulsar Bar. Their customers liked it and many also joined the #SayNoToPlastic campaign. The musical school of the Conservatory and “Our School”
visited the exhibition in Fabrika and dedicated their musical performances to the current plastic pollution. They, as well as students of #7 Khashuri Public School, #1 Experimental Public School and #169 Public school, have also joined the #SayNoToPlastic to reduce plastic use. Plant Shop and Ceramic Studio 1300, both based in Fabrika, have joined in by using non-plastic wrapping and packaging, the Georgian eco-friendly Ringo bag for dogs replaced its plastic bags with biodegradable ones, and local natural cosmetics brand Quartz now offers its customers multi-use packaging and a discount if you bring the tin back to buy more from them. With the #SatNotToPlastic campaign, everyone can contribute to protecting the environment. It is a part of the Waste Management Technology in Regions (WMTR) program implemented by CENN
with the support of USAID. The program helps the Government of Georgia to modernize the country’s waste management sector and supports sustainable development
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and inclusive economic growth, ensuring responsible management of resources, minimizing negative impacts from waste on human health and natural resources.
What’s That? particles – microscopic pieces of plastic reduce – lessen (stop using so much) waste system – how and where we put our trash (things we don’t use anymore) launched – started calling on – publicly asking people to do something replace – use one thing instead of another reusable – something you can use again and again (like a cloth bag instead of thin plastic) encourage – push someone to do something recycled – used again dumped – thrown away, disposed of, put in contribute – add to, help
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NOVEMBER 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:
Pulsar Al is the first start-up to have attracted Silicon Valley to invest $1,2 million, which will help the start-up establish itself in the American market. After completing the funding round successfully, the investors of the Georgian start-up are as famous as Ridge Ventures, Great Oaks VC, Mike Murphy and Ten Eighty Capital. Pulsar Al was founded by Dachi Coladze and Zaal Gachechiladze in 2016. In less than a year, they became the lead company on the Georgian Artificial Intelligence market, producing totally innovative technologies. In 2018, Pulsar Al got international recognition and was named among the winners of Payment Awards and in 2019, their audio technologies were named as the best mobile bank.
The Georgian Olive brand, with the help of collaboration with Kakhetian Traditional Winery, is to expand production. New plantations will be planted on 1000 hectares of land in the Sighnaghi area, Kakheti. The main goal of the initiative is to further develop olive culture in Georgia and gradually introduce Georgian products to foreign markets. "Georgian Olive" has been engaged in the cultivation of olive plantations in Georgia for several years. The brand's olive oil and marinade are already gaining popularity among consumers.
Gepherrini is now producing for the Kuwaiti market. An agreement has already been signed with Kuwaiti company A&M, one of the largest companies there, which sells imported leather products countrywide. With the support of the Enterprise Georgia Agency, Gepherrini established business ties with A&M at the annual Hong Kong Exhibition - APLF. This is already the second successful contract for the Georgian he School Fair 2019 will be held from 6-7 December at brand, the first coming last year in a partnership with InterBlock Hong the Tbilisi exhibition center ExpoGeorgia. Kong Limited, thanks to which Gepherrini opened an island-type store It is designed to create a single platform in the educa- in one of Hong Kong's most famous shopping centers. tion sector in one dedicated space where everyone in the education sector can come together to discover what is Nodar Nadaria, a geodesist by profession, is available on the market today. the first person in Georgia to create a snail Guests will have the farm. After collaborating with American colopportunity to meet leagues, he tried farming nuts, and then kiwi. representatives of difHe got interested in this unusual production ferent educational for Georgia a while ago. Thanks to the United institutions and find Agrocredit project, he brought 300,000 snails out what they can offer to Georgia from Italy, housing them on six future students in their hectares of land. Profitability is 90% and the product is in deficit in Italy. programs, teaching The Italians assured him before he started the business that they would methods, infrastrucexport as much of the production from Georgia as possible. This year, ture, curriculum and his first ‘harvest’ brought Nodar up to 20 tons of snails. There are 10 technical support. people employed on the snail farm and Nodar plans to build an indusThis year’s School Fair will have: trial enterprise and open an educational center. • Private schools How can wine simplify communication between • Summer schools people? The answer to that question was found • Governmental bodies / Resource Centers / Exchange and other proby two 20-year-olds, Davit Migineishvili and grams Ana Kurdadze. Wine Ness is a brand new bot• School book publishers tling of Saperavi from the village of Anagi, • School Suppliers / School Directors Kakheti. Pure wine has been stored in Qvevri • Foreign Language Learning Centers and aims to help people express their thoughts • Musical, Art and Dance, Sports Schools and emotions. How, you ask? Each wine label • other training centers is unique and sincere, as it is specially made • Entertainment centers for the customer who orders it. Soon, they plan to add production of Tvishi wine and then to Organizer: Exhibition Center ExpoGeorgia open up a wine bar. OPEN: 11:00-20:00 Contact Information: Follow the Entrepreneur Georgia Instagram page to get the expo@expogeorgia.ge latest updates from Georgian Entrepreneurs. www.expogeorgia.ge For doing business with Georgian Entrepreneurs, +995 32 234 11 00 write us on business@entrepreneur.ge +995 32 235 11 00
Don’t Miss out on the School Fair 2019- The Best Place for All Things Education, Sport and Fun!
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GEORGIA TODAY
NOVEMBER 2019
Eastern Partnership Countries Work Together to Counter Climate Change
Info Box The Paris Agreement aims to strengthen what the world is doing about climate change and its impacts. They want to keep the global temperature rise this century below 2 degrees Celsius and to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Countries should work together, be transparent about their activities and create ‘Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)- things each country plans to do (and is doing) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are produced by people burning fossil fuels like coal and oil in cars and factories. They also come from animal farms (methane- a gas cows produce!) and deforestation which damages the planet because we need trees to absorb the carbon dioxide in the air.
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he six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries (Armenia, Azerba i ja n , B e l a r u s , Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) met in Tbilisi in November to discuss their progress in mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects by introducing climate-sensitive policies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Organized by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), under the EU4Climate program, the two-day regional discussion had high-level officials from the EaP countries, and participants from the Western Balkans, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Netherlands’s Royal Meteorological Institute and the World Recourse Institute. The meeting aimed to support policy-makers from the six countries in implementing the Paris Agreement (see Info Box), which unites the world in fighting climate change. “Climate change threatens ecosystems, economies and people around the world,” said Maia Javakhishvili, Deputy Head of Environment and Climate Change Department
at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. “As Georgia is now updating our contribution to the Paris Agreement, we welcome the opportunity to work more with the EU and EaP in facing this global challenge together.” “The EU is at the frontline of international efforts to fight climate change,” said Alexandre Darras, Team Leader on Connectivity, Energy, Environment & Climate Change at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia. “We are happy to be working together with Georgia and the other countries of the EaP in adapting to climate change, moving towards green economies and building further public support for climate action.” The first day of the workshop focused on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that countries committed to make under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Participants agreed that these should become more ambitious. “Climate change is a challenge but also creates opportunities,” said UNDP Georgia Head Louisa Vinton. “We have a chance now to rethink
Food for Thought How does YOUR village or town add to greenhouse gas emissions (see the Info Box)? What can you do to reduce this?
What’s That? discuss – talk about mitigating – limiting the effects of adapting – changing greenhouse gas emissions – A mix of water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone in the earth’s atmosphere which lets the sun’s radiation damage Earth by making it hotter. threatens – is a danger to contribution – what they do, role, involvement opportunity – chance frontline – first line of soldiers in a war consumerist – buying a lot of things (that we don’t need to buy/damages the planet) preserve – protect, don’t damage deforestation – cutting down trees absorb – suck in what we know about economic growth, question the consumerist way we live and create green jobs that preserve rather than destroy our natural resources. By sharing solutions across the EaP countries,
we strengthen our defenses against climate change and build bases for regional cooperation.” The EU4Climate program has a total budget of EUR 8.8 million and will continue until the end of 2022.
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GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 2019
Former Education Minister: European Standard for Evaluation & Transparency Now Established in Georgia BY ANA DUMBADZE
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he European standard for evaluation and transparency has been established in Georgia thanks to the European Science Foundation and the Rustaveli Foundation, - Mikheil Batiashvili, former Georgian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, said. The Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia announced research grant competitions for young and experienced scientists. The experts of the European Science Foundation (ESF) are evaluating projects submitted by young scientists to raise the standards of transparency and evaluation. Importantly, the contests announced by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation are the highestbudget. “As part of the education reform, we are working with European research funds and institutions to develop flexible, transparent and effective science funding schemes,”
said former Minister Batiashvili. “A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in September between the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia and the ESF. Significant steps have been taken to reform the Georgian science management and evaluation system, for a European standard of transparency.” “Based on this Memorandum, we can also promote Georgian science in the EU,” he added. The mission of the European Science Foundation is to promote the highest quality science, research and innovation in Europe. Its work focuses on the quality and effectiveness of science and its related activities. It unites more than 42,000 European scientists working in all fields of science.
What’s That? evaluation – test, check, analysis transparency – clear, nothing hidden established – made, founded announced – told people about publicly, advertised research grant – money paid to support studies flexible – adaptable, can be changed promote – advertise, say good things about publicly
Food for Thought For a small country like Georgia, it is a really big problem when lots of scientists work abroad and not at home. However, it is also a good thing for Georgia, too, because the scholars and professors living abroad can share their experiences with their country. Think of some other pros and cons of Georgians going abroad to work.
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Info Box 15 GEORGIAN SCIENTISTS WORKING IN WORLD’S LEADING LABORATORIES AND UNIVERSITIES In the European Council for Nuclear Research, in the laboratory of CERN, where 100 scientists are trying to discover the secret of how the world came to be, are 35 Georgian scientists. In fact, Georgian scientists are actively involved in different projects in universities around the world. Georgian scientists play a considerable role in developing various scientific fields and their contribution to largescale studies and experiments is significant. Here are some Georgian scientists who live abroad and work in different scientific fields. Gia Dvali is a physicist and Professor in Theoretical Physics at the University of New York and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He mainly works on elementary particle physics and participates in Large Hadron Collider experiments. Irakli Minashvili is an Associate Member of the European Center for Nuclear Research “CERN” and head of the Atlas Experiment Calorimeter Service Group. Andro Kacharava is a speaker of ANKE Cooperation at the Institute of Nuclear Physics at Iulik Research Center. Merab Kokaya is a professor at the Neurological Department of Lund University. Tea Kekelidze is Head of Scientific Relations and Scientific Discussions at the Institute of Biomedical Vasil Jorjadze is a scientist and contractor at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Gabriel Jinjikhashvili is a Senior Expert Engineer of The Israel Electrics Corporation. Davit Kolbaia is the head of the Caucasian direction at Warsaw University. Irakli Garishvili is a physicist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Alexi Ghonghadze is an Engineer Physicist of the ATLAS experiment (CERN). Sophie Pataraia is a researcher of the ATLAS experiment. Aleksi Mestvirishvili is a Senior Scientist at the University of Iowa, USA. Teimuraz Pirashvili is a mathematician and professor at the University of Leicester. Laureate of the Humboldt Society Prize, he is also a member of the jury of Doctoral Theses of France. Alexander Sharmazanashvili is Head of the Engineers Group at ATLAS Installation (CERN). Zurab Guguchia is a Doctor of Physics at the Institute of Paul-Scherrer (Switzerland).
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Info Box WHAT IS FABRIKA? This multi-functional cultural center has urban-style cafes and bars, artist studios and shops, educational institutions and a co-working space. It has the biggest hostel in the region, a big open courtyard and organizes and hosts many different cultural events (music, art, fashion, etc.) Fabrika is an alternative space for meeting in Tbilisi with a unique vibe and prodigious space to create and share, co-work, learn, socialize or have a sleepover.
BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE
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abrika Tbilisi has become a full member of the cultural centers’ network Trans Europe Halles. Trans Europe Halles (TEH) is a European network of independent cultural centers started by citizens and artists. Founded in 1983, it brings together more than 110 multi-disciplinary cultural centers and other cultural organizations from across Europe. All of them have all taken
important action to change the cultural policy of their countries. TEH aims to strengthen the sustainable development of cultural centers and encourage new initiatives by connecting, supporting and promoting them. Now that Fabrika, the favorite meeting place for Tbilisians and visitors to the city, is a full member of TEH, the Georgian cultural center can learn from the experiences of cultural centers in other countriessome of them over 25-years-old and 40,000 square meters in size! “We believe that bringing these
Food for Thought Why are cultural centers important? Do you have a cultural or community center near your home? What happens there?
GEORGIA TODAY
NOVEMBER 2019
Fabrika on the Map of European Cultural Centers
What’s That? multi-disciplinary – multi-functional, combining many different shops and services sustainable – lasting a long time encourage – push for foster – encourage the development of something impact – effect courtyard – a cement area between buildings, sometimes with plants hosts – offers a place for other people/companies to organize events alternative – different, unusual, unconventional experiences to our hometown will foster the impact and importance of cultural centers in Georgia,” says the Fabrika Tbilisi team.
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GEORGIA TODAY NOVEMBER 2019
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17 Unique Georgian Film Rolls to Be Brought Home from Moscow Info Box The cinema of Georgia has long been recognized for its style in Europe. Famous Italian film director Federico Fellini liked Georgian film, and once said: “Georgian film is a completely unique phenomenon, vivid, philosophically inspiring, very wise, childlike. There is everything that can make me cry and I ought to say that it (my crying) is not an easy thing.” BY ANA DUMBADZE
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eventeen unique Georgian film rolls, kept in Russia’s Gosfilmofond - the State Film Fund, will be soon sent home to Georgia following negotiations between the two countries. Among the chosen films is ‘Their Kingdom,’ which is the debut work of Mikheil Kalatozishvili, a Soviet film director of Georgian origin. The film is also the debut work of the first Georgian female director Nutsa Ghogoberidze. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport says that for a long time they thought ‘Their
Kingdom’ was lost. Following the deal signed in 2014, the first batch of film rolls returned to their homeland last year. In total, 51 films have returned to Georgia so far. At this stage, the following 17 films will return to Georgia: Their Kingdom (1928) - directed by M. Kalatozishvili, N. Ghogoberidze; Khanuma (1926); Two Hunters (1927); The Rebellion in Guria (1928) directed by Alexander Tsutsunava; Gogi Ratiani (1927); The Wasp (1928); The Kommunar Fight - directed by Kote Marjanishvili; Bella (1927) - directed by Vladimir Barsky;
What’s That? negotiations – talks to make an agreement debut – first, introduction to the public deal – agreement signed – agreed by signing your name batch – group so far – before now heritage – something which is important to history or historical identity decade – 10 years PUBLISHER & GM
George Sharashidze COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
Commercial Director: Iva Merabishvili Marketing Manager: Sofo Bochoidze
GEORGIA TODAY
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:
Editor-In-Chief: Katie Ruth Davies
Journalists: Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Maka Bibilashvili, Dimitri Dolaberidze, Vazha Tavberidze, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Thea Morrison, Samantha Guthrie, Amy Jones, Ana Dumbadze Photographer: Irakli Dolidze
Giuli (1927) - directed by Nikoloz Shengelaia; Ibrahim and Goderdzi (The First and the Last - 1927); Shelter in the Clouds (Meeting with Life - 1928) - directed by Zakaria Berishvili; Young Flying (1928) - directed by Nikoloz Kakhidze; Woman from the Market (1928) directed by George Makarov; Youth Wins (1928) - directed by Mikhail Gelovani; My Grandmother (1928 - Old Version) - directed by Kote Mikaberidze; Saba (1929) - directed by Mikheil
Chiaureli; Repentance (1986) - directed by Tengiz Abuladze The Ministry says that the process of returning cinematographic heritage to Georgia will continue in 2020. Priority will be given to films made in the 1920s and later all the films in the unique collection will be returned to their homeland. The deal involves hundreds of Georgian films created over seven decades of Soviet rule in Georgia from 1921-1991, including 381 Georgian feature films, 200 animated and 100 documentary films.
Food for Thought What value do old Georgian films have? Choose an old Georgian film, watch it and talk about it with your class. Website Manager/Editor: Katie Ruth Davies Layout: Misha Mchedlishvili Webmaster: Sergey Gevenov Circulation Managers: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava
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