Georgia Today Education - Issue 006

EDUCATION www.georgiatoday.ge

Issue no: 006

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• DECEMBER 2016

FOCUS ON LEARNING FOR ALL In this issue we hear about adult education, children’s rights and programs for the disabled- all in Georgia!

• PUBLISHED MONTHLY

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In this issue...

Facta Non Verba PAGE 2

Never Too Late to Learn: DVV International Brings Lifelong Learning to Georgia PAGE 3

The Personal Touch: American Academy in Tbilisi PAGE 4 Source: edujesuit.org

Calling All Young Journalists to Interview the Minister!

W

ant to ask the All you have to do is write FIVE Minister of questions and send them to us on Education and our facebook page (www.fb.com/ Science, Aleksandre Jejelava, what his job is like? Or ask about the reforms he has implemented or the Ministry’s plans for the future?

Georgia Today is offering one young “journalist” the chance to meet the Minister for a faceto-face interview. The interview will be printed in a future issue of Georgia Today Education, a newspaper which is seen by numerous schools and will be read by the government, too!

Laghidze: From Pharmaceuticals to Lemonade

PAGE 7

Education Key to Raising ASD Awareness in Georgia

GeorgiaToday) or email us at marketing@georgiatoday.ge.

Think carefully: the winning questions should be intelligent, researched PAGE 9 and well-written.

Entrants must be aged 13-15. DeadRegional University line for entrees: December 25, 2016.

Don’t miss your chance to make a Students Learn Climate Smart Agriculture difference!

Among other educational initia- PAGE 11 tives, Georgia Today plans to organize a number of competitions to Books on Wheels encourage our young readers to write and speak their minds. Winners will be given the chance to interview selected VIPs in the political and entertainment fields.

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GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 2016

Facta Non Verba G reat news! European School was just awarded First Gold Rating by the National Business Ratings Union which chose them from 20 schools according to quantitative indices. The National Statistics Office of Georgia collected the financial accounts of enterprises and from these and other public data, chose the winner.

Both businesspersons and politicians know how important Business Ratings are for helping to promote business in Georgia. It is also widely understood that the quality of schools should be assessed not only according to their quantitative but also according to their qualitative achievements.

So, how does European School invest in the academic excellence of its students to make it a leader in education?

Tega Cheishvili, ES student, tells GEORGIA TODAY his perspective:

“ES students are enrolled in the top Georgian universities and in leading universities throughout the world. Universities in the US and Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa have admitted graduates of all three sectors of ES – American High School, International Baccalaureate, and the Georgian Section. Some outstanding students of ES study simultaneously in two different countries and get two diplomas; other students benefit from double degrees from different study programs. To meet admission requirements, ES students take challenging courses of IB and AP, show outstanding results in local and international subject competitions, and participate in various extracurricular activities,” Tega says, adding that he is a waterpoloist wanting to devote the next years to professional sport. “I plan to get an excellent education in the US,” he says.

“I hope to be admitted to a university which sponsors a waterpolo

What’s That?

Quantitative – counting the number of (successful students, for example) Promote – advertise, tell others about Qualitative – the quality of Enrolled – joined, a student of Admitted – allowed to join Outstanding – excellent, special Admission requirements – what you need to join Extracurricular – outside normal school hours Devote – dedicate, give all your time or energy to

Food for Thought Tega says: “I will do my best to break a stereotype which exists in Georgia about sportsmen.” What stereotype does he mean? (HINT: read the rest of his comment to help you).  What, in your opinion, makes a school or university “top” standard? Think of the teachers, programs, facilities, extracurricular activities and more.  The headline means “Deeds not Words.” Why did we choose this title for this story?

Info Box The Business Ratings are awarded every year. Potential winning companies are evaluated on the following criteria: protecting the interests of entrepreneurs; public image; effective management; charity / philanthropy; the effectiveness of advertising campaigns; new technologies; new jobs; stability of activities; company growth and success; recognition abroad; public relations (PR); effective marketing; financial transparency; level of professionalism; and potential investment attractiveness. The first Business Ratings was held in 1995 and since then it has named many of Georgia’s leading businesses as winners. team and is a leading institution focusing on academic prestige and intellectual performance. I will do my best to break a stereotype which exists in Georgia about sportsmen and join the family of legendary athletes who have proved that being a champion in sports does not contradict reaching the peaks of intellectual life.”

Mariam Baghdavadze says: “I already decided to study Business and Management in the UK. The IB diploma, as it has CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), core components gives me the opportunity to enroll in leading universities.”

Salome Jokhadze: “I plan to become a lawyer. In the beginning I’ll study in Georgia, learning the basic laws of the country, as I’m a potential employee here, and later I will continue studying as a graduate student abroad. I have participated in many projects and acquired new skills.

The most remarkable one was my

participation in TEDX which was held at our school.”

Anna Phanjakidze: “I want to continue my studies in AIETI as I believe I was born to save people’s lives.

After school I usually work at “Innova” – the medical clinic which was founded by my father.”

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GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2016

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Never Too Late to Learn: DVV International Brings Lifelong Learning to Georgia

BY INSEA KIDERLEN

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n November 10, in the mountain heights of Ambrolauri, Racha, DVV International and its partner organization GAEN (Georgian Adult Education Network) celebrated the opening of the 10th Adult Education Center in Georgia.

As in the other nine locations in seven regions of Georgia, local people of all ages are now able to attend one or more courses, choosing from a wide selection ranging from computer, language, accountancy, driving and handicraft courses to vocational and personal development training. Civic education trainings, public discussions and outdoor activities are especially designed for young people.

Since 2006, when the first two Adult Education Centers were established in Akhaltsikhe and Akhalkalaki, more than 60,000 beneficiaries have enrolled at one of the centers to get back into learning – many of them for the first time in years.

When DVV International’s Project Office Georgia was founded in Tbilisi in 2002, Adult Education was not recognized as an independent education sector in Georgia and received no governmental support. The situation hasn’t changed enough since, so DVV International Georgia is geared particularly towards educating the general public and policymakers about the role and importance of adult learning.

Food for Thought  Why is it so important to pave the way for non-formal Adult Education in Georgia?  Why is Lifelong Learning so essential and indispensable?  Isn’t it enough to learn as a youngster at school and maybe as a grown-up at university or during an apprenticeship – and then quit learning and start living?

Gaining new perspectives and abilities, dealing with a painful past, strengthening self-esteem and self-realization, enjoying a sense of community with new friends, having fun, feeling young again, escaping from everyday life and learning new ways to communicate, these are just some of the reasons that brought adults, especially elderly people, to the Adult Education Centers and motivated them to start learning again.

For young adults without educational achievement, or for middle-aged people who have lost their job (or never had one), attending the vocational training courses, which are often adjusted to the demands of the local labor market, is very often the only chance to acquire income-

Info Box DVV International DVV International is the Institute for International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association. As a leading professional organization in Youth and Adult Education, the Institute has supported Lifelong Learning in developing and transition countries for more than 45 years.

GAEN (=Georgian Adult Education Network) The Georgian Adult Education Network (GAEN) was established in 2014 with the support of DVV International and strives to support the development of a relevant Lifelong Learning (LLL) system in Georgia, which corresponds to the Georgian reality and local challenges and ensures all citizens equal access to education. generating capabilities which may lead to better living conditions. Up to 11% of those who have attended and completed a vocational training course at one of the centers find employment afterwards or are able to build their own businesses. And the percentage of those who keep their job because they have gained additional skills through vocational training is around 40%. So, reentering the learning process can be essential in many ways.

By establishing such centers, a project which is still ongoing because each Georgian region should have at least one, DVV International is providing and fostering the conditions for Lifelong Learning in Georgia. A chance that should be taken. Want an example? Take Ludmila Klimenko from Siberia who, after 52 years living in Tbilisi and speaking only Russian, at the age of 72 finally started to learn the Georgian language.

It’s never too late to learn. Each day we can start again.

What’s That?

Accountancy – finances Vocational – related to work Established – started, set up, founded Beneficiaries – group who receive the help / finances Geared towards – focused on, directed towards Strengthening – making stronger Self-esteem – belief in yourself, self-confidence Adjusted – adapted, changed

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DECEMBER 2016

The Personal Touch: American Academy in Tbilisi is a Georgian school, founded by Georgians and with the vast majority of students, academics and staff being Georgian. Yet our perspectives are truly international. Once the students finish their studies at our school they go abroad to continue their education. That said, most of them do come back. We want our students to be well educated and to have a broad sense of the world out there, and then return to Georgia and do something for their country. I think this makes our school special and that’s why lots of families want their kids to study here despite the fact that the tuition fee is high. We’re not the most expensive school in Georgia, though, and I think we’re the only school that gives massive tuition abetment for families: we use 10 percent of our total budget to give facilities, including full scholarships for families with low income, so that their children can study here.

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN ACADEMY METHODOLOGY? The methodology we use while teaching is the core of our school. We don’t have desks: in every classroom there’s a big round table, and the teachers and students sit around it together. The teacher is a guide that helps students to learn through discussion. Everything has to be talked about and discussed- that is how students gain an understanding of not only the subject matter but also who they are, their own opinions, and how to express them. From the very beginning this school was designed as a place where teachers have freedom in creating the curriculum and teaching it. We work together- no decision in the school is made without discussing it with the Faculty first.

HOW MUCH DO YOU INTERACT WITH STUDENTS?

BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

G

EORGIA TODAY met Andres J.Cruz, Director of the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi

HOW WAS 2016 FOR AMERICAN ACADEMY? Great! We put into practice a few new things that haven’t been done in school before. We have new electives for the students in the Arts and for the first time we have classes in theater and music. I wanted our students to have an outlet for their artistic expression and it worked very well. Our college placement was also excellent this year: approximately 70 students graduated and were accepted to colleges, getting in total about USD 4 million in scholarships.

WHAT MAKES AMERICAN ACADEMY DIFFERENT? The school was founded with the belief that it should take the best existing American educational practices, but this

I teach an interdisciplinary subject which is the direct writings of some of the most important minds in history. For two weeks students study Aristotle, or Galileo Galilei, or Leonardo Da Vinci and I am one of the unit leaders. In addition, I happen to be an instructor in Japanese Fencing and I formed a club here for students three years ago. Plus we have the Student Council every two weeks where we decide things togetherfrom organizing a party to discussing charity work or the Saturday programs. Our children are very much involved in charity and dedicate a lot of time to it through the Saturday School, teaching IDP students from outside our academy English or Math, or any other subject. Many of the IDP students we had in the Saturday School program joined the American Academy in Tbilisi with the scholarships we provided.

We want our students to be well educated and to have a broad sense of the world out there, and then return to Georgia and do something for their country

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2017?

It will be our 16th year of existence and we’re going to add a Grade 8. When you start with students at 9th Grade, they spend at least six months adapting to the new environment and teaching methods, and the fact they have to learn in English. The 8th Grade will serve as a pre-high school program meaning that the “lost” time in adapting won’t affect the vital 9th year of their schooling. We always force ourselves to do something new, challenging and different. We try to maintain the number of students we have now, which is around 290.

Our philosophy is that we don’t want to increase, because we think we’ll lose something that we have, something very important, which is that we know all the kids who study here personally.

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DECEMBER 2016

Info Box Check out Goodvertising videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/dogoodvertising

A Lesson in Goodvertising – Creative Advertising That Cares

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

T

hink of an advert you’ve seen. Why did you like or dislike it?

Think about the company that was advertising. Is it a good company? Does it do good in society (help people, do something to protect the environment, for example)?

Thomas Kolster, a leading international expert in sustainable communication and non-profit marketing, and author of the book “Goodvertising,” was in Tbilisi recently to talk about Socially Responsible advertising.

Kolster worked in advertising for 10 years, becoming and expert and earning good money. But then he realized he wanted to use advertising to do something good for the world. He showed us some examples of “Goodvertising.”

One example was the Pepsi Super Bowl “boycott,” where Pepsi took the $20 million it normally spent on advertising during the US Super Bowl and instead used the money to fund projects which people suggested on its website and social media page. Given a choice between “do-good” philanthropic Pepsi and its rival brand, people that year chose Pepsi.

Coca-Cola wanted to encourage people to pick up their empty bot-

tles and not drop them in the streets.

So it created six “Happiness Arcade” machines and for six days people in Dhaka, India (a very polluted city with 15 million citizens) could use empty Coca-Cola bottles as tokens and play an arcade game similar to classic Pong with a friend. For a short time people in Dhaka thought of Coca-Cola as a positive environmentally-friendly brand.

In 2011, the Head of Puma, Justin Tallis, at the end of his annual report on the growth and successes of the company, said: “We, PUMA, the company, have ruined the environment for EUR 145 mln.” It was a shocking thing to admit. After, PUMA introduced a large label for their shoes and clothes showing the cost of damage (water, air, land use, waste, etc.) that had gone into making the product. “What you cannot measure, you cannot change- if you don’t know the impact your company has, you cannot change it,” Tallis said in support of the accountability campaign.

In this increasingly transparent world, one in which urban living generates pollution and stress, where we must all be accountable for our actions, and where more and more people want a better, simpler life, we are starting to appreciate when we are given the chance to choose a socially responsible brand.

“It’s time,” Kloster says, “for companies wanting to advertise their

What’s That?

Sustainable – long-lasting Boycott – choose not to participate Fund – give money for Philanthropic – doing for charity Annual – every year Ruined - damaged Accountability – taking responsibility for your actions

products to think about what people want or need, not just the product they need to sell.”

People like buying products from

companies who try to help society or the environment. And advertising is a power to make a bigger and better impact.

Food for Thought  Choose a famous Georgian brand. Work in groups.

Design an advertising campaign that: 1) advertises the product to as many people as possible and 2) is socially responsible (does good!)

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2016

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FINANCIAL LITERACY Presented by

Laghidze: From Pharmaceuticals to Lemonade

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ave you heard of Laghidze Waters?

Find out more about the man behind the product!

Mitrophane Laghidze was a prominent Georgian public figure, Maecenas, and a successful entrepreneur from the 19th century who founded the production of alcoholfree drinks in Georgia.

At the age of 14 he was taken to Kutaisi, where he started to work at the Petre Kokochashvili and Caesar Ivanovsky pharmacy. Apart from pharmaceuticals, Ivanovsky also produced lemonade, and Mitrophane began working with him, learning how to prepare fruit juices.

In 1887, Mitrophane took over the lemonade production. He opened an alcohol-free drinks shop in Kutaisi

in 1900. Then, following the advice of Akaki Tsereteli and with the assistance of Ilia Chavchavadze, he founded a non-alcoholic drinks factory in Tbilisi and the same year opened a shop on Gelovani Avenue (now Rustaveli Avenue) where the name of the shop was written in Georgian with the Russian version under it.

In 1913, Laghidze Waters was awarded with silver and gold medals at an international exhibition in Vienna.

Laghidze drinks are still very popular among Georgian children and adults. Which is your favorite flavor?

This article was prepared based on FINCA Bank’s ‘My School Book.’

Food for Thought  Search for stories about entrepreneurs or businessmen that interest you and tell your classmates about them.

Info Box Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur:  Single-minded, purposeful  Creative  Confident  Good Communication Skills  Experienced  Kind Can you add anything else?

What’s That?

Prominent – important and well-known Maecenas - a generous patron especially of literature or art Assistance – help Factory – big building where lots of products are made

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EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 2016

When I Meet a Journalist educational sphere, and you try to answer, putting all the experience, knowledge and examples you have into it, analyzing carefully… and then suddenly the journalist tells Several articles of the UN Child Convention relate to the you that you’re adorable or that media and children’s rights: an you repeat “Hydro you’re a little angel and the imporElectro Station”? tance of your answer gets lost, Article 12 of the UN Child Convention states that chilWe’re asked this because with an assessment like dren have the freedom of right to express their views on question often, as that, you’re labeled a child that is any subject related to them. kids enjoy hearing more adorable than intelligent and, Article 13 is about children’s right of free self-expression, adults mispronouncing the long accordingly, no attention is paid to word [in Georgian]. Sometimes we your opinions. And don’t forget that granting every child the right to gain or spread any inforlaugh with them, other times we many people are watching you and mation or views orally, in written or printed form, in the get angry. Then the same kids go you become important for them, form of art or any other form available, according to his on TV and participate in the kind too, because you’re “adorable” or or her choice. of programs where children have “cute.” to explain words and adults have Journalists often ignore children’s to guess what words they are, based mental abilities, not giving them a rights- see the Info Box! nalists present them in the process on the description. This process chance to seriously discuss topics These rights not only help to form have an impact and influence on that are interesting and important a well-informed citizen, but also the attitude of society towards them. brings more laughter. allow the voices of youth to be heard in the media more frequently. At the same time these rights give us clear messages that children not only have to be presented in the Mispronouncing - saying badly, in the incorrect way media, but they have to be active Self-confidence – how positive a person feels about them- participants, and the ways the jourBY TAMAR KURATASHVILI, PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER AT PARTNERSHIP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Info Box

C

What’s That?

selves Labeled – given a name, titled, called Victims – people who suffer because of other people Harsh – hard, difficult, severe Harmless – not serious, not causing harm Ignore – not pay attention to, disregard Violate – do something against Journalists often like to introduce kids as small, funny, adorable creatures, and in so doing push certain stereotypes. Those stereotypes can then affect the self-confidence of a child. Media researchers have labeled such stereotypes applied to children by journalists as the “seven deadly stereotypes” (Children Express 1998).

It appears the media often presents children as victims, victims of the environment around them, weak, unprotected humans in a harsh world. You’ll hear stereotypes like “cute kids,” “little devils,” “kids are brilliant,” “kids as accessories,” “Little Angels,” and “kids these days!”

All of these may seem harmless at first but when a journalist doesn’t think of a child as an individual who may have opinions on certain topics, it is wrong.

Imagine a journalist asking you about the problems you see in the

for them and in that way, they violate children’s rights to express themselves and their thoughts freely.

And don’t doubt you hold those

Food for Thought  When was the last time you got to express your opinion and people listened to you?  Why should the voices of youth be heard?  Ask your teacher to run a writing competition where you discuss topics important to you- the teacher can choose a winner and you can have your article printed in GT Education!

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2016

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Education Key to Raising ASD Awareness in Georgia

BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

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very year, we see more and more people diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Of every 68 children, one is diagnosed with autism spectrum (CDC, 2014). And Georgia is no different, with numbers also going up.

The Saint George Autism Center at the Ilia State University in Tbilisi is the very first such institution in Georgia and it uses the world-famous Applied Behavioral Analysis methodology. For four years, a Czech NGO, Caritas Czech Republic, has been cooperating with the Institute, with funding from The Czech Development Agency.

The Caritas project aims to help develop the services available to people with ASD. In five regions of Georgia, family doctors took part in training sessions dedicated to early identification of ASD. The project also involves increasing qualifications and retraining the professionals so that people with ASD have access to quality services.

Professor Marriane Jackson and JP Moschella from the California State University come regularly to

Georgia to talk to local professionals and give trainings and seminars.

In 6 years, around 300 students from psychological faculties of various Georgian universities were able to get information about ASD. “The situation in Georgia is like it was in the USA 20 years ago,” Prof.

Jackson told GEORGIA TODAY, “But, just like in America, the way is upwards from there, as society becomes more and more aware of the needs of people with ASD.” A problem in Georgian society is stigma against people with ASD. “But as more children with ASD go to school, their schoolmates, parents and society get more aware just how important these issues are,” Moschella said.

Both experts say that education is the key. More education is needed at every step of ASD management – parents, pediatricians, teachers, psychologists – all need more knowledge, especially the state structures which have to design appropriate long-term strategies.

“In developed countries, many activities are carried out to help these people integrate more easily into society – Georgia shouldn’t be an exception,” said Rusiko Chkhubianishvili, the lead manager of Caritas Czech Republic’s autism oriented project.

Info Box There’s no “cure” for ASD, but speech and language therapy, educational support, plus a number of other interventions help children and parents.

People with ASD can find it hard to understand other people’s emotions and feelings, and have difficulty starting conversations or taking part in them properly.

They may give no or brief eye contact and ignore familiar or unfamiliar people.

Children with ASD may also lack awareness of and interest in other children. They tend to play alone.

Some children with ASD like to stick to the same routine and little changes may make them angry. Some children may flap their hand or flick their fingers when they’re excited or upset. Others may engage in repetitive activity, such as turning light switches on and off, opening and closing doors, or lining things up.

What’s That?

Diagnosed – told by a doctor what the (medical) problem is Cooperating – working with Funding – giving money for a project Early identification – seeing the problem quickly before it becomes worse Retraining – teaching again Aware – know about Stigma – unfair or incorrect beliefs people have about others Integrate – be a part of

Food for Thought  How can we help disabled people better integrate into society?  Why do doctors need to be retrained?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2016

Regional University Students Learn Climate Smart Agriculture

Info Box HOW TO MAKE COMPOST Making compost is easier than most people think. With a simple heap you can recycle most of your organic household and garden waste and enrich your garden’s soil. It’s also a very good way to help the environment.

1) Make an open-bottom box.

2) Build up layers of material. See this list for what you can compost: www.smallfootprintfamily.com/100-thingsyou-can-compost. Don’t put meat, fish, dairy foods, oil or chemicals into the compost.

3) Water each layer to keep it moist. You can even throw in leftover drinks. Use a fork to turn the heap every few days. This gets lots of air into the mix and makes the composting process faster.

4) When the compost is dark, add it to your soil.

rural development sectors.

The first demo-plot was opened at the Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi tudents of the Samtskhe- State University where students Javakheti and Telavi planted strawberries in raised beds Universities are bene- using drip irrigation and mulchfiting from demo-plots ing systems. equipped with modern, According to Manana Kevlishvili, climate smart technologies in order the Dean of the Agriculture Scito broaden their agriculture and ences Faculty of Telavi State Unienvironmental related education versity, the development of such pilot projects is very important for and research skills.

The lack of practical education both students and universities. and research skills in regional uni- “Students will have the possibility versities of Georgia led the Euro- to practice what they learn in the pean Neighborhood Program for actual field and apply modern techAgriculture and Rural Development niques to the plants and soil, includ(ENPARD) to implement a project ing composting,” she says. Besides called Empowering Modern strawberries, students will plant Research Practices of the Regional raspberries, blackberries, plums, Agriculture-Related Institutions, in persimmon and walnuts. partnership with the Georgian Insti- Demo-plots will let students get tute of Public Affairs (GIPA), the practical training to help them underCaucasus Environmental NGO Net- stand proper land preparation, sowwork (CENN), and PMC Research ing and planting techniques, inteCenter, aiming to increase the capac- grated pest management and ity to conduct research and meet post-harvest best practice. They will challenges within the agricultural examine how modern, climate smart value chain, climate change and technology can increase farming efficiency and enhance resilience to climate change and variability.

Within the next six months, the project plans on developing another demo-plot at the Akhaltsikhe University. Meanwhile, the universities Benefiting – getting good from will allocate laboratories, tools, equipment and other available techDemo – demonstration, example nical resources to contribute to colPlots – pieces of land lecting empirical evidence-based Implement - start results on the topic of modern agriRaised beds – pushing the soil higher and separating it cultural and rural development.

Additionally, the pilot project’s into sections implementing team will stimulate Drip irrigation – slow watering system for plants and motivate the institutions to look Pilot – first time trying into modern approaches aimed at Sowing – putting seeds in soil increasing their competitive advan-

BY BAIA DZAGNIDZE

S

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What’s That?

Pest – insects which eat plants Resilience – being strong against Soil – earth, dirt Look into - investigate Heap – pile, collected amount Moist – wet Leftover – food you leave on your plate

tages. In response, the reputation of the individual universities is expected to grow as the demand for their research-based knowhow, advice and recommendations increases.

Food for Thought  Why is “hands-on” experience important? In which other jobs could practical experience be useful (for students)?

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EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 2016

Books on Wheels ebration of International Day of the International ADAMI Prize for Peace.

Cultural Diversity in Eastern Europe,

Info Box Georgian government forces fought three wars against Russian-backed separatist forces in Abkhazia and South Ossetia from 1991 to 2008. According to the latest statistics of the Georgian Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees, there are currently 263,598 registered IDPs in Georgia as a result.

BY THOMA SUKHASHVILI, CHAI-KHANA

I

s it possible for books to travel? Three years ago, a school bus converted into a mobile library started providing opportunities for various settlements throughout Georgia to host community activities. The BookBus is not only a library, but an inspirational educational center on wheels.

When readers can’t go to libraries, libraries go to readers, traveling to the Tserovani, Tsilkani, Prezeti, and Galavani settlements where a large number of internally displaced people (IDPs) from South Ossetia now live following the 2008 war.

The program, implemented by

This article was originally published on Chai Khana. Winner of the 2015 EU Prize for Journalism for most informative online media, and

is a multi-media platform seeking to revitalize the development of independent media in the South Caucasus for a more informed and engaged citizenry.

the US embassy in 2013, aims at reaching out to the IDP communities, providing access to books and broadening the children’s educational horizon. The BookBus is not only a library, but also provides a variety of courses and activities.

Most books are in the English language, focusing on American topics - from American literature to governance systems, history and culture. The library on wheels provides free internet, audio and video material and organizes film screenings and discussions on different topics.

It also runs clubs like video and photography courses.

The BookBus often holds different events, joins several international campaigns and celebrates international days, including the annual cel-

What’s That?

Converted – changed, made into something new Settlements – ready-made villages Host – organize Educational – learning Implemented – started

Food for Thought  How often do YOU read books?  Why do you think the BookBus is good for IDP children?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2016

Universal Children’s Day: 200 World Renowned Writers Unite for Children’s Rights

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ore than 200 prominent writers, including novelists, playwrights and poets, joined a global literary campaign in November, penning ‘tiny stories’ of around seven lines each to highlight Universal Children’s Day and the injustice so many of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children still face. The short story series kicks off UNICEF’s commemoration of its 70th year working to bring help and hope to every child.

The short stories were shared by some of the world’s most celebrated writers with their own social media audiences. The First Lady of Finland, Jenni Haukio, introduced the concept, which gained global momentum with writers joining from Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

The writers participating in the campaign from Georgia were: Paata Shamugia, Irakli Kakabadze, David

Gabunia, Shota Iatashvili, Nestan Kvinikadze, George Lobzhanidze, Vasil Guleuri, Diana Anfimiadi, George Kekelidze, Rati Amaglobeli, Lia Likokeli, Lela Samniashvili, Gaga Nakhutsrishvili, Dato Kardava, Nino Sadgobelashvili, Lela Samniashvili, Lela Tsutskiridze, Mariam Tsiklauri, and Toreza Mosi.

“As writers, we are able to advocate through the simplicity of storytelling. With this worthy and necessary campaign, we advocate for the protection of the rights of children all over the world,” said celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie.

The group of writers, whose genres range from fairy-tale to fiction, include one the world’s youngest published authors, 7-year-old South African, Michelle Nkamankeng.

Written in over 10 languages and varying in style, all stories illustrate that the rights of many children are still neglected.

The campaign comes at a time when there are increasing threats to children’s rights. Over 50 million

What’s That?

Prominent – important, famous Injustice – unfair Advocate – support Neglected – not paid attention to not cared about Threats – dangers, risks Uprooted – forced to leave Violence – pain, aggressive acts Preventable – possible to stop Impacted – affected

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Info Box Chimamanda Adichie’s Tiny Story: I want every child to go to sleep well-fed And not worry about the next meal Or the next.

I want every child to have primary healthcare.

I want every child to be protected by adults And to take for granted the kindness of adults And never to be treated like adults.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie grew up in Nigeria. She is the author of the novels Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and the story collection The Thing around Your Neck, all of which received numerous accolades. Her latest novel, Americanah, won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for Fiction; and was named one of The New York Times Ten Best Books of the Year. A recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, she divides her time between the United States and Nigeria. children have been uprooted from their homes due to conflict, poverty and climate change, and millions more are facing unspeakable violence in their communities. Around 263 million children are out of school and last year nearly 6 million children under five died from mostly preventable diseases.

“It is shocking to see that the lives of many children are still so heavily impacted by the horror of conflict, inequality, poverty and dis-

crimination. I hope these Tiny Stories can remind the world that we must sustain our commitment to all of these children whose lives and futures are at stake,” said Paloma Escudero, UNICEF Spokesperson.

Chimamanda Adichie used her ‘Tiny Story’ to launch the series, which ran until November 20 - the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Food for Thought  Fill in the balloons with Children's Rights  Write your ow n ‘Tiny Story’- what you would wish for all children in the world.

14

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY

DECEMBER 2016

MAC Fundraiser Supports Disabled Children Activity Program

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

I

n November, the McLain Association for Children (MAC) held a fundraising event for its program, Let’s Play Together.

Let’s Play Together (LPT) sees able-bodied youth spending an active day with those of lesser ability, including mentally challenged and wheelchair-bound children, doing sports and craft activities together in a one-on-one or team basis.

The activities take place in schools or other large and accessible facilities in regional towns throughout the country, the aim being to offer stimulating access to fun for those whose daily lives are limited by their disabilities and surroundings.

Jeremy Gaskill, a former US Peace Corps Volunteer in Georgia, and current MAC Chief Executive Officer, presented three children who had benefited from the program.

“12-year-old Ana has cerebral palsy (CP). When we met Ana she was extremely dependent on those around her to dress, eat and move.

Since our trainers got involved, she has really improved and is now able to re-position herself in the chair, move her chair and also to feed herself. Her mother also became more motivated, coming to realize

just how able her daughter really was.”

Gaskill showed a photo of another CP sufferer, Sopo, 16, at the first ever LPT sports day. “She had been sitting at the side-lines in her wheelchair and one of our volunteers went over to her and asked her if she wanted to join in the race. As they sped across the field, the volunteer was worried Sopo would be afraid. But when she asked, Sopo replied: ‘Faster!’”

Elvin, a 6 year old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is something of a wild child, a “handful,” who stands every chance of being sent to an institution because his family don’t know how to handle his aggression. He, like Ana, does not attend school and so misses out on socialization crucial to the development of every child.

The Georgian government recently introduced a program aimed at integrating mildly disabled children into regular state kindergartens and schools. However, the teachers are not getting the training they need, nor are the schools sufficiently adapted for lesser-abled children.

The idea is great, but the application needs more time, more energy, more money, and more strategic thinking.

LPT is about showing those children missing out, and their parents and able-bodied friends, what life can be with the right outlook. And

What’s That?

Able-bodied – not disabled (“normal”) Wheelchair-bound – cannot walk and so moves in a chair with wheels Surroundings – what is around them (house, streets, school) Volunteers – people who work and don’t want pay Race – competition to finish first Institution – hospital where mentally challenged people live permanently Handle – deal with, work with difficulties Crucial – very important Sufficiently – well enough Outlook –perspective, opinion, mentality

Info Box MAC was founded in 2008 to fight two problems: that children with disabilities in rural Georgia did not have access to services and that the parents and families of these children did not even know what services to expect. The founders were Cathy McLain, an educational psychologist, Roy Southworth, then Georgia Country Director for the World Bank, and Rezo Chinchaladze, an educational specialist. MAC now has a staff of seventeen and hires educated professionals from Georgia and abroad.

The McLain Association for Children is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, or want to find out more, go to their website macgeorgia.org or contact them on facebook.

it is a clear message to the government and relevant authorities that educations is, once again, key. Where funding for care is lacking, families themselves can be trained and empowered to make the lives of their disabled children better and more fulfilling.

The recent fundraising event raised 2800 GEL for the Let’s Play Together program and will go to cover LPT programming costs. This includes transportation costs for the children (approximately 60-80 at each event), food costs for the children and their parents, as well as certificates.

Food for Thought  What is the social outlook on disability and people with disabilities in your country?  Why is it important for the disabled to be integrated?  Why might their families need help “handling” them?

What kind of help?

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY DECEMBER 2016

15

Rustaveli Meets Shakespeare in London

O

n November 28, the Embassy of Georgia to the UK presented the evening 'Shakespeare and Rustaveli meet in London' at the Royal Asiatic Society in London.

The event celebrated the 850th anniversary of the medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli and 400 years since William Shakespeare’s death. It was organized in partnership with the British Council, BritishGeorgian Society, Georgian State Museum of Theater, Music, Cinema

and Choreography (Art Palace) and the Royal Asiatic Society.

Ambassador of Georgia, Tamar Beruchashvili, delivered the welcome speech. The audience also heard from David Gigauri, member of the British Georgian Society and moderator of the event; Dr. Alison Ohta, Director of the Royal Asiatic Society and Dr. Graham Sheffield, Director of Arts of the British Council.

The event aimed at exploring the legacy of the two iconic authors from different perspectives, including potential affinities between their

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GEORGIA TODAY

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:

Editor-In-Chief: Katie Ruth Davies

Journalists: Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Maka Bibilashvili, Karen Tovmasyan, Dimitri Dolaberidze, Maka Lomadze, Tim Ogden, Joseph Larsen, Vazha Tavberidze, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Nino Gugunishvili, Thea Morrison, Natia Liparteliani

works. Some notable British and Georgian scholars Professor Donald Rayfield, Professor Elguja Khintibidze and Dr. Nikoloz Aleksidze talked about the manuscripts of Rustaveli’s immortal poem ‘The Man in the Panther’s Skin’ preserved at the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford; problems of translating Rustaveli into foreign languages; the possible influence of Rustaveli’s poem on Shakespeare and the immense impact of Shakespeare’s works on Georgia’s 19th and 20th century literature and theater.

Photographer: Irakli Dolidze Layout: Misha Mchedlishvili Webmaster: Sergey Gevenov Circulation Managers: David Kerdikashvili, David Djandjgava

Director of the British Council in Georgia Zaza Purtseladze launched the book "Shakespeare in Georgian Theater" prepared and published by Giorgi Kalandia and his team at the Georgian Art Palace. He also spoke about the project 'Shakespeare and Rustaveli meet in Georgia' which ran this year in Georgia and featured various exhibitions and talks with the involvement of students and civil society.

The event ended with a reception of Georgian cuisine and wine hosted by the Embassy of Georgia.

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