Georgia Today Education - Issue 007

EDUCATION Issue no: 007

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• FEBRUARY 2017

• PUBLISHED MONTHLY

PRICE: GEL 2

In this issue...

Giving Georgians the Chance to Excel: Meet UK Bridge PAGE 2

Winter Play at European School PAGE 4 Georgia in His Blood Ilyas Cilloglu on Identity, Education & Being Georgian

FOCUS ON IMPACTING

PAGE 6

Business Resources and Business Ingredients: An Easy Recipe for Business

THE FUTURE

From diplomacy to entrepreneurship and bar-tending: What do YOU want to do?

PAGE 9

Big Day for Georgia - European Parliament Backs Georgia’s Visa Liberalization

BY THEA MORRISON

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he European Parliament voted in favor of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens to the Schengen Area at a plenary session on February 2.

553 MEPs supported Georgia’s visa liberalization during the vote, while 66 were against and 28 abstained.

The European Parliament and the Council of Europe reached a political agreement over Georgia’s visa liberalization with the European Union (EU) in December, 2016.

On December 20, the EU Council Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Governments of Member States to the EU approved

the amendments to the text of Georgia’s visa liberalization.

After that, the European Parliament Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) supported the amendments to the text of Georgia’s visa liberalization, a move which took place on January 12.

Now, as Georgia’s visa liberalization is approved by the European Parliament, the amended regulations will be formally approved by the EU Council at the ministerial level.

European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Minister, Viktor Dolidze, believes that Georgians will be able to enjoy visa-free travel with the European Union in late March or early April.

“We congratulate our citizens on

this day. Our progress towards integration with the EU could not have been achieved if we hadn’t had firm support from our population and state agencies,” Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze said.

He added that the Georgian government will also offer the benefits of visa liberalization to the residents of Georgia’s occupied regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

When the process is complete, biometric passport holders will be able to enter the Schengen area, which includes 22 EU member states (excluding Ireland, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria) in addition to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, for 90 days within any 180day period for a holiday, business or any other purpose, except work.

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Giving Georgians the Chance to Excel: Meet UK Bridge INTERVIEW BY NINO GUGUNISHVILI

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ducation agency UK Bridge, started by two friends and colleagues, Nutsa Kuridze and Ana Vetsko in 2008, has become a leader on the Georgian market, helping Georgian students to get into leading international educational institutions in the UK, US, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Malta, Germany, Switzerland and Spain.

For the 7th time this year, UK Bridge organized an International Education Fair, on February 25, at Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, at which top UK, US and European university, college, summer schools, as well as language school representatives, presented their study programs for anyone interested in pursuing their studies in another country.

GEORGIA TODAY EDUCATION met with the UK Bridge founders to talk about the exhibition and the story behind their company’s success.

us, it’s a chance to learn about the schools, universities and colleges and the programs they offer. Our fair is for those who want to go to any type of education in another country and it is an opportunity WHY DID YOU DECIDE for parents and children to get TO ORGANIZE AN direct answers to all their quesINTERNATIONAL tions from international school, EDUCATION FAIR? college and university representaAna: First, we went to a number tives. We usually get around 500 of international exhibitions and -700 visitors to the exhibition each fairs. For educational agents like year.

Nutsa: It’s really a great chance for students and parents to come and choose the courses they want to study, and to learn everything from prices to accommodation options.

Short professional trainings for adults are also available. It’s all very detailed, and extremely informative.

WHICH OF THE PROGRAMS THAT UK BRIDGE OFFERS ARE MOST POPULAR? Ana: We try to offer the highest quality service to our clients. Our list of international partners is impressive and we’re proud of that.

We always choose our partners very carefully and work closely with each student that comes to us to learn about their interests, how they study, and what their abilities and skills are.

Nutsa: Summer schools are usually very popular, plus they are cheaper than full-term study. Of the 200 -250 students we send to study, 70% is for summer schools and for short professional courses, either in marketing or law. The others are for boarding schools and universities.

DO THE STUDENTS YOU SEND TO STUDY ABROAD ALWAYS COME BACK TO GEORGIA? Nutsa: Many of the children we send to Europe, the UK or the US, often start to work in their family business when they return home.

Since we’re primarily focused on UK-based educational institutions, and the immigration laws there are very strict, the children have to come back after they finish their studies. Another thing, of course, is that they have to be in demand within the workforce of their country. Studying at a top international university gives this chance. However, it’s not enough to just study abroad. They must study well and in a good university to be competitive enough and in demand back home.

WHAT’S BEHIND UK BRIDGE’S SUCCESS? Nutsa: We’re hard workers- that’s one of the reasons.

Ana: I think that when you start your own business, it’s very important to know the sphere you’re going to work in. You have to be experienced in it.

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Winter Play at European School Info Box The Blue Bird was a play originally written by Maurice Meterlinck in 1908 and has since ben adapted into several movies, a TV show and an opera, including a movie in 1940 with Shirley Temple. While not overly successful or popular at the time, the movie performances won two Academy Award nominations. This story follows a sister and brother named Mytyl and Tyltyl who go on a dreamlike journey to find the Blue Bird of Happiness. This journey also involves a trip through a forest and a castle, inanimate objects and animals coming to life, parents at risk, and selfish children transforming into kinder and gentler people.

W

inter is a time when families and friends come together to share their love for each other, celebrate everything they have, and start looking forward to the next year. On December 21, the Primary Years Program at European School showcased these ideas in their 2016 Winter Play.

The play is loosely based on the story of The Blue Bird. It opens with two naughty children, Henry and Eliza, who are playing in the playground without their parents’ supervision. They tease, steal toys from, and tie up the other children. They are punished for their actions by a golden bird. He tells them he has taken their parents away and they will not be returned until the children cross many miles, face a difficult challenge, and show kindness and an understanding of the feelings of others. They are given a map and a magic gem that allows them to

speak to objects and animals around them, like trees, fish and fire.

The elementary students from grades 1-5 participated in the play, with the 5th graders taking turns playing the main characters. The other grades each created part of the children`s journey. This included an angry forest of trees tired of being cut down, helpful fish that teach the children how to communicate, and a friendly village that teaches them to appreciate what they have. In the end, Henry and Eliza pass the final challenge with the lessons they have learned along the way and get their parents back.

We spoke to the children involved and their parents about the European School Winter Play.

Masho Khurodze: “I wasn’t nervous about being on stage. I’ve been acting here for years- I went to the European Kindergarten and now study at European School.”

To help Masho prepare, she watched the movie of the story. Masho`s

What’s That?

Showcased – showed, displayed, demonstrated Loosely based on – not exactly the same as, some details are different Naughty – badly behaved Tease – say horrible things to Punished – made to feel bad Gem – valuable stone Taking turns – one after the other Appreciate – respect, love Learned by heart - memorized homeroom teacher told us that Masho is a very active person who supported her classmates, helping them to improve choreographical skills and dance during the play.

Keti Nachkebia, Masho`s mother, is happy to see how her daughter has been developing skills and knowledge. “She is becoming a more and more independent learner. This event proved again that at the school she is transforming into a person with progressive opinions and the right ideas; and the teachers are eager to support her initiatives.”

Pupil Dati Siradze spoke about his experience working on the play: “I enjoyed it a lot. I was a young tree in the forest who was going to be “cropped and chopped”. On stage, we sang a cover of Michael Jackson’s song with different lyrics, and the content was about the problem

of Global Warming.”

Dati’s mother, Nana Patsia, said: “I was happy to see my son in the role of a young tree as it helped raise his awareness of the importance of ecology. I’m hoping that my son will become an active member of society who will have his own role in the prevention of ecological catastrophes. On the day of the performance, Dati wasn’t nervous – he’d learned the script by heart and his group was well-prepared. He worked with enthusiasm in the process and really developed as a learner.”

Food for Thought  How can we be better and kinder people?  What can we do to help the environment?

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Georgia Opens 14 “Fab Labs” Countrywide

BY THEA MORRISON

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eorgia’s Ministry of Education and Science opened 14 “Fab Labs” around the country in January, a move that supporters claim has brought Georgia near the top of world rankings with the number of laboratories in a State.

The State-funded Fab Labs are said to be modern and innovative laboratories which help young innovators turn their ideas into reality.

They are equipped with modern computers and other equipment, where students can create products on the basis of knowledge gained in vocational colleges, and attempt to commercialize their innovations.

Fourteen such labs were opened in 10 cities of Georgia: Tsalenjikha, Mestia, Gurjaani, Akhaltsikhe, Batumi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Rustavi, Ambrolauri and Tbilisi in vocational colleges and

other innovation centers.

The official opening ceremony, at the Community College of Mermisi, was attended by Georgia’s Minister of Education and Science, Alexander Jejelava, and by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Develop-

ment, Giorgi Gakharia.

Jejelava said such modern labs were a step forward for new opportunities in Georgia, with Gakharia adding that the labs would help to fill the gap between demand and supply in Georgia’s labor market.

The first Fab Lab was opened in Ilia State University in 2014. Since then, 22 labs have been founded throughout the country.

The Ministry of Education says that opening of 14 labs at the same time is unprecedentedintheCaucasusRegion.

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Georgia in His Blood - Ilyas Cilloglu on Identity, Education & Being Georgian

BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE

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n exclusive interview with the Rector of the International Black Sea University.

“I was born in Turkey, but my family roots are Georgian,” he says, and goes on to list his Georgian genealogy all the way back to the great grandfather who first moved from Batumi to what was then still the Ottoman Empire.

“To this day, my mother, 85 years old now, speaks better Georgian than Turkish. So, it’s not strange that I came here to study and build my career. And she was happy and proud to hear of my decision,” says Ilyas Ciloglu (Chilashvili), Rector of the International Black Sea University (IBSU) as he sits down with us for a friendly chat.

“When I came to Georgia, there was no electricity, no gas; it was a very difficult time. But what we found there and what I hold dear to this day is that wonderful aura of togetherness and honesty.”

Now he lives in Georgia with his wife and three children and he loves it. “The changes since the 1990s have been massive. “Huge developments have been made – Georgia

is really becoming a truly European country. To have witnessed Georgia’s change from an incredibly corrupted country to one of the freest and most modern countries in the region was incredible.”

Speaking of European values, he insists it’s the sector that he is employed in that makes the changes happen. “Education is key. It’s hugely important – to become a European and think like a European, you should learn what this stands for. And here in IBSU we have programs in English and Georgian. Students here get a high standard education to an extent that makes us different, and I myself have checked most of the curriculums. The difference between how they are taught here and in Europe is miniscule. We are getting a lot of positive feedback from European universities where some of our students continue to study; they’re impressed with our students’ knowledge and competence. We also have exchange programs for professors; we invite them here and send some of ours abroad to share experiences.”

IBSU’s trademark was and remains instruction in the English language, which ranks among the very best in the region, including among universities of Turkey, becoming over the years a go-to place for those who want to study in English. Ciloglu himself thinks it’s a “low-risk, high rewards solution and it makes a huge difference,” stressing the points, such as access to information and ability

What’s That?

Massive - very big Witnessed - seen Stands for - means Miniscule – tiny, very small Ranks – is positioned Boon – positive, advantage

Info Box The International Black Sea University (IBSU) was established in 1995 in Tbilisi, Georgia and was opened by the second president of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, and the former prime minister of Turkey, Tansu Çiller.

It has the objective of training Georgian and foreign students in scientific, technical and professional fields of study, and of using these studies in the fields of pure and applied research for contributing to the economic and social necessities of Georgia and other countries. to better compete on the job market (a particular boon being that IBSU graduates aren’t required to show their TOEFL scores). The prospect of attracting foreign students is strategically important, too.

“Every foreign student that comes here to study and goes back home satisfied (and we do our best to make sure they are satisfied) is a voluntary ambassador of this country. They go home with a huge love of Georgia, and in most cases, knowledge of the Georgian language, too.

And many of them come back to invest here.”

He is also making sure his children are as invested in Georgia as he is.

“They are in an English language school and I transferred them to the Georgian language section. It’s important that you know Georgian if you want to live and work here, if you want to be a citizen of this country. Aside from very practical uses, I want my kids to grow up as Georgians, as well as Turkish. You’ve got to know your identity.”

Food for Thought  How will knowing better English help in your future career?  Do you agree that people who choose to live here should learn Georgian? Why (not)?  What changes have YOU seen in Georgia in your lifetime?

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On a Timer: Preparing Georgia for the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair Medea Metreveli, Director of the GNBC

Info Box The Frankfurt Book Fair is a meeting place for the industry’s experts and the most important marketplace for books, media, rights and licences worldwide. Be they publishers, booksellers, agents, film producers or authors each year in October, they all come together and create something new. This year’s book fair will take place from 11 to 15 October 2017.

BY LUKAS MÄDER

T

he countdown is on for Medea Metreveli and her team at the Georgian National Book Center. On October 10, 2018, the Frankfurt Book Fair will open – and the Guest of Honor will be Georgia. As head of the Georgian National Book Center (GNBC), Medea Metreveli is the key person in preparing Georgia for the big event and although she appears calm, she admits: “I’m a little bit nervous.”

To be Guest of Honor is a great opportunity for Georgian literature, and the Frankfurt Book Fair is already the most important event for publishers worldwide. But it’s a chance not only for literature. “This is a unique platform for Georgia to present itself,” says Metreveli. “The focus of the media and the audience will be on Georgia as a whole.”

The country will have the possibility to promote its cultural heritage, its tourism and even its potential for economic investments.

Therefore, the GNBC is not organ-

izing this huge event alone- representatives of the ministries of Economy, Agriculture and Foreign Affairs are also involved.

The event in Frankfurt is so important that even now, nearly two years ahead of time, it is already impacting on Georgia’s image. In February 2014 the then-minister of culture Guram Odisharia, a writer himself, signed the agreement with the Frankfurt Book Fair. At the time, Georgia was still quite unknown.

“The foreign publishers asked for our catalogues only because they liked the exotic Georgian alphabet,” says Tina Mamulashvili, co-owner of Bakur Sulakauri- the largest independent publishing house in Georgia, which has been present at the Frankfurt Book Fair for many years.

“Now they have a real interest in our literature when they visit our stand,” she says. One reason is the media trips to Georgia which the GNBC organizes and finances for foreign journalists and publishers.

Stories in foreign magazines and newspapers about Georgian literature and culture are a good promotion of the country.

Despite the growing interest in

Georgia, one problem remains: the lack of good literary translators.

“There aren’t many good translators for Georgian,” Mamulashvili confirms.

It should be a foreigner who learned Georgian or a Georgian who has lived abroad at least since his childhood.

There aren’t so many people with this profile – and, additionally, with experience in translating.

Medea Metreveli is fully aware of this problem: “We’ve been holding workshops for translators for a few years now.” In cooperation with the

Goethe Institute from Germany, the Embassy of the United Kingdom and other institutions, they trained about 30 translators– the last training was at the end of November in Germany where eight translators participated in a five-day workshop.

Metreveli is optimistic about reaching her goal: to have 150 Georgian books available in German when the Frankfurt Book Fair 2018 kicks off. To get there, the GNBC is supporting the translations financially – with a growing budget every year.

What’s That?

Countdown – counting the time until something starts Key – most important Publishers – companies which make and sell books, magazines, etc.

Platform – stage, place Promote – say positive things about Heritage - history Finances – gives money Foreign – from another country Lack of – not enough Kicks off – starts

Food for Thought

The GNBC team, with Frankfurt Book Fair organizers Simone Buehler and Tobias Voss

 Why is it important to promote your own country abroad?  How can books help people to learn about your culture?  Have you been to the Tbilisi Book Fair? What is good or bad about it?

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The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi to Open Junior High Program Info Box Need to know: School Day: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm Class Duration: 45 minutes Tuition Fee: 12,000 GEL Bus Service: Yes Subjects Taught: Georgian, English, Russian, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Science (History, Geography), Physical Ed., Studio Arts

T

he Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi (GZAAT) is to begin a Junior High School program from autumn, with admissions beginning in early spring. If you want to go and see all the amazing programs and facilities the Academy has to offer, the first open house will be hosted midFebruary.

The Junior High School program has been designed to foster students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development and growth to enable them to enter the high school more prepared for the challenges they

usually face as freshman students.

Only 40 lucky students will get the chance to study in the new Junior High program, divided into 20 students per class. You will learn in Georgian, and English will be introduced little-by-little, with the aim of getting you proficient by the end of the year. Classes involve a variety of methods to make every minute fun and valuable- from group work to seminars to interactive experiences, and one of your four available classrooms will be a science/ math lab! You’ll get to use tabs alongside the regular textbooks approved by the Ministry of Educa- textbooks, eBooks, and handouts. tion and Science of Georgia), GZAAT Inspired to join? Get studying!

Admissions at the Junior High will be based on three tests - Georgian, English, and Math. After that, a personal interview will take place. And you can get a peek at the kind of

FOR PARENTS

Advisory Program: To promote students’ social-emotional development, the Junior High School offers well-structured advisory and counseling programs which will address various issues that young adolescents face. The advisory program has a very well defined curriculum of study skills. Each advisory group will have nohave no more than 10 students and advisory meetings will be held daily.

Academic Support: The Academic Support program is focused not only on assisting academically vulnerable students but also developing other areas of their interest.

tests you’ll be expected to fill out by requesting sample practice tests in all three subjects.

For more information on admissions, please contact the school.

2227889 / 2227441

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FINANCIAL LITERACY Presented by

Business Resources & Business Ingredients: An Easy Recipe for Business Do you have an idea that could one day be a business? Maybe you’ll make goods to sell, or offer services to customers. Do you know what you need to do to set up your business? Starting up a new business is no easy task and requires certain resources and knowledge.

The best entrepreneurs research before they start, making a list of exactly what they need. Let’s take a bakery as an example. In order to open your own bakery, you will need:

Ingredients: • Human Resources: Baker, vendor • Capital Resources: A space, an oven • Financial Resources: Starting financial capital • Natural Resources: Electro energy, water, gas • Other Resources: Ventilation system, cash machines, baking forms, dishes, counters and other materials for different recipes.

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

What’s That?

Goods - objects that we either sell or buy Services - work done for others. Example: giving a haircut, repairing a car Entrepreneur - a person who uses resources to start or make a business Human Resources - the people who work to produce or sell goods or services Capital Resources - buildings, tools and machinery used by businesses for production of goods and services or for selling them Natural Resources - things that are created naturally.

Example: air, water, minerals, trees

Info Box Use these questions to help you write your business plan: • What are you really passionate about?

• What is your personality and what skills do you have?

• Think of a problem that your passion can solve.

• What is the solution to this problem? What is your product or service?

• Who are the people who will use your product or service? Where are they?

• Who’s on your team and what skills do they have that you can use in your business?

Food for Thought  Write down the resources your school has.  Create a business idea (use the Info Box to help you) and send it to FINCA Bank. Original ideas will win PRIZES. Mail: kids@finca.ge

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The Swiss in Georgia interesting past, with similarities to nowadays. This year, it is 200 years since the first German settlers eorgian-Swiss rela- came to Georgia. After the Napotions go back to the leonic era and a volcanic eruption 19th century when in Indonesia led to famine in large Swiss farmers and parts of Europe in 1817. Here in traders settled in Georgia, it was the era of the Tsar, Georgia. In 2015, the Swiss invested who was interested in bringing well$175 million in Georgia (1.3% of all educated people from Western foreign investments). The Marge- Europe. And even back then, Swiss beli Holding, owners of Nabeghlavi and Germans had good professional mineral water, is a Swiss-Georgian skills which enabled them to concooperation existing since 1997; the tribute to Georgia’s economic develmeat producer and processor Blau- opment. In the late 19th century, the enstein was founded by Swiss busi- Russian government offered Swiss nessman Max Blauenstein from farmers land for farming and they Geneva; and the hazelnut trade came and settled here in Georgia, company Anka Fair Trade is run by particularly in the region of Bolnisi Switzerland supports Georgia in many ways- helping to a Turkish-Swiss citizen. For Geor- and Marneuli. During the first World develop education, research, innovation, peace processes, gians looking towards Europe and War, they were attacked by robbers eager to share its values, Swiss fea- and when the Red Army came, all and offering humanitarian aid. Switzerland is also involved tures such as professional skills and the Swiss had to leave Georgia. in helping resolve the conflicts in the South Caucasus a passion for quality and perfection Since the 1990s, Swiss citizens have region. are more important now than ever. come back to Georgia to improve Find out more about Georgia-Swiss relations here: https:// GEORGIA TODAY met the Swiss the farming and professional skills Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Lukas of people working in agriculture www.eda.admin.ch/countries/georgia/en/home/switzerBeglinger, to find out more about and related sectors; we want to pass land-and-%E2%80%A6/bilateral-relations.html Georgia-Swiss relations. on our expert knowledge and promote an efficient and competitive tember 2017 and give visibility to THE SWISS EMBASSY WHAT DO YOU THINK agriculture where 50% of the active Tskaltubo’s inhabitants which OF GEORGIA? Georgian population is employed. ORGANIZES EVENTS include thousands of IDPs from the IN THE FIELD OF I like living and working in Georgia Abkhazia conflict. It allows for an CULTURAL EXCHANGES. very much. It’s a very hospitable HOW ARE THE CURRENT exchange of artists between SwitWHAT ACTIVITIES ARE and versatile country; and the pop- SWISS-GEORGIAN zerland and Georgia and involves PLANNED THIS YEAR? ulation is sociable and open for RELATIONS? collaborative workshops and perdialogue and exchange, which makes The relations between Georgia and Like every year, we will organize formances in fields such as dance, it easier for a diplomat to do good Switzerland are friendly, close and several cultural events during the music and visual arts. Participation and sustainable work. trusting. This is illustrated by the French language month, the Italian and interest from the local popularegular high-ranking meetings language week and in the week tion, in particular local youth, is THE SWISS FIRST CAME between our countries. The Geor- dedicated to the German lanusually very high.

TO GEORGIA IN THE 19TH gians know that Switzerland has a guage. Switzerland also parCENTURY. WHAT CAN lot to offer in important fields such ticipates in Georgian film festivals YOU TELL US ABOUT IT? as vocational education, innovation and contributes to Swiss-Georgian relations have an and quality standards. the promotion of the cultural scene in Georgia.

A good example is the Tskaltubo Art Festival: now run Settled – started to live with Swiss support, Founded – started (business) it will take place for Eager – excited, motivated the 5th time in Sep- Swiss Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Lukas Beglinger

BY MANUELA KOSCH

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Info Box

What’s That?

Hospitable – friendly, welcoming Sustainable – work that will have a long-term effect Famine – many people without food Robbers – people who steal Competitive – able to be better than others Visibility – a way to make people see

Food for Thought  What do you know about Switzerland and its people?

Find out more and make a project to present to your group.

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112 EMERGENCY First Aid Top Rules: Stay calm, stay safe, call for help, help yourself! from the bottom of their sternum bone). With locked elbows, lean over them and press hard (so the chest presses in by 5cm)- in a rhythm like a steady heartbeat. 30 presses… then help them to breathe.

2) Help them to breathe: Tilt their head back, check their mouth is clear and pinch their nose shut. Blow in 2 strong breaths, waiting for the air to come out before breathing again.

Then repeat with 30 heart compressions (above).

Continue until the person wakes up or the ambulance arrives.

I

magine you’re at home with your grandmother and she burns herself cooking dinner for you both. Would you know what to do? How about if someone on the bus or street next to you suddenly collapsed? Would you know how to help them? Or if you fell while taking a walk and cut yourself badly- What would you do? Thanks to the First Aid training courses of the Georgian Samaritans (SSK) with Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), now you can learn.

BURNS Turn off the source- electricity or gas.

If the burn is bigger than the size of your palm and/or open, place a light clean cloth over it (not touching it) and go to hospital. If the wound is smaller than your palm

and closed, put it under cool (NOT icy) water for 10 – 30 minutes.

If blisters form, don’t open them.

Do NOT put butter or any other cream/gel on the skin. If the burn is bad- go to your nearest emergency center for a doctor to check it.

COLLAPSE If someone collapses and is still breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side) so they don’t choke on vomit or their own tongue. Call the emergency services (112) and calmly answer ALL their questions- do not hang up the phone until THEY say.

If someone collapses and is NOT breathing, call 112 and begin CPR. 1) Help their heart to beat: Lie them on their back on a hard place, put the heel of your hand on their chest (measure 2 fingers up

ages ON TOP OF the old ones, keeping the pressure tight, until the ambulance arrives.

OBJECT STUCK IN A WOUND

Don’t pull it out! Call 112.

If there is bleeding, do as aboveBLEEDING Press the wound with your hand or, but wrap the bandage on either side better, tie a clean bandage tight on of the wound. it (but not so tight you stop circulation to the limb!). Lift the wound BROKEN BONES higher than the heart to slow bleed- Call 112. Fix the limb so it can’t moveing (if the wound is on the leg, lay use sticks, fabric or other tools. If down and lift the leg). If the bleed- there is bleeding, do as above. If the ing doesn’t stop, keep adding band- area is swollen, use ice wrapped in

What’s That?

Collapsed – fell down Palm – the big, flat part of your hand Wound – damaged area of your body Blisters – skin bubbles with water in Recovery position – See Info Box Choke – closed throat, can’t breathe Hang up – finish the call CPR- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (method to revive a person) Sternum bone- see Info Box Locked elbows – arms NOT bending Pinch – squeeze between finger and thumb Bandage – clean white medical cloth Circulation – flow of blood through your body Limb – your arms and legs are limbs Swollen – bigger than normal Heimlich Maneuver – see Info Box Trapped – can’t move Rautek Maneuver – see Info Box

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cloth to cool the area.

CHOKING / CAN’T BREATHE If the person is coughing, tell them to cough harder.

If they stop making sounds, go behind them and perform the Heimlich Maneuver until the object comes out of the throat.

SEIZURE If a person collapses and starts jerking around, uncontrolled, first put something soft under or around their head, then move away any objects that they could hit (tables, chairs, glass, etc). When they stop moving, if they are breathing, put them in the Recovery Position and call 112. If they are not breathing, call 112 and perform CPR. Don’t try to hold them still.

Don’t open their mouth as they may bite.

CAR CRASH Call 112.

Check it’s safe to go close.

• No danger (risk of fire), victim trapped and awake: Wait with them, keeping

them calm, until the ambulance arrives. Help stop bleeding wounds as you can (see above).

• No danger, victim trapped and wants to get out: Help them out. Fix wounds as you can (see above) • No danger, victim unconscious but breathing: Wait for the ambulance, fix wounds as you can.

• No danger, victim not breathing: Take them out using the Rautek Maneuver. Quickly try to stop the bleeding. Perform CPR until the ambulance arrives.

• Danger: IF it is safe for YOU, get the victim out quickly using the Rautek Maneuver and move them to a safe place.

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Info Box • The place to press for heart compressions: • Go to these links to find out about the: RECOVERY POSITION (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uCDa-AhrjHo) RAUTEK MANEUVER (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RzN-F-ISZdc) HEIMLICH MANEUVER (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VILutezVVYQ) Contact SSK to book a First Aid course: info@sskgeo.org; ikldiashvili@sskgeo.org. TEL: 032 2 238250

Wait! There’s more- electrocution, stroke, fire, heart attacks…be ready for anything with the SSK First Aid course. There’s no excuse not to be prepared to help others in an emergency. Ask your teacher or director to make sure YOU know what to do. And rememberStay calm, stay safe, call for help, help yourself!

14

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY

FEBRUARY 2017

UK John Smith Trust Fellowship Scheme to Be Reintroduced in Georgia

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

B

ritish Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith on January 30 hosted a reception at the British Embassy to announce the re-introduction of the John Smith Trust Fellowship Scheme in Georgia.

The event was attended by Baroness Elizabeth Smith, Member of the House of Lords, John Smith fellowship alumni, government officials, civil society and members of the business community.

“The John Smith Fellowships built an extraordinary bond of friendship between Britain and Georgia since it started in 1996,” said Ambassador McKenzie Smith. “Following a twoyear gap, I am delighted that once again we are supporting a scheme that will connect Georgian future leaders with the UK.” For the past two decades, the John Smith Trust (JST) has successfully

delivered over 20 fellowship programs in countries of the former Soviet Union, and has more than 400 alumni from the region. This new phase of the program is expected to “build on its track-record to create a powerful experience which is relevant to the challenges these young leaders face, and which forges enduring relationships with and between participants,”- the JST statement reads.

The JST seeks to promote good

governance, social justice and rule of law by nurturing a new generation of leaders committed to making a difference in their countries and societies.

The JST Fellowship Programs seek to show how a mature democracy supports and develops good governance, the rule of law and the protection of human and legal rights.

They also aim to discuss how the British form of democracy encourages the participation of voluntary

and other non-profit organizations that seek to relieve poverty, to promote human rights and to give a voice to those who lack political influence, drawing on a wide range of speakers and panelists who generously give their time - all of whom share an interest in good governance and open debate. These contributors include politicians, business leaders, academics, civil servants, civil society and media organizations. The Trust provides a forum for them to interact and participate in discussion and informed debate in an informal and ‘off the record’ context.

“The UK is uniquely well-positioned to share the experiences – good and bad – of how a mature democracy handles issues relating to governance, rule of law and social justice in both theoretical and practical terms,” says JST Chair Baroness Catherine Ashton. “I am very much looking forward to the next two years, and very grateful for the FCO’s support.”

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY FEBRUARY 2017

15

Dream Right, Dream Realistically What you may not know is that you can actually learn how to do it AT SCHOOL- or rather, by attendreat bartenders are ing one of the increasing number born, not made. If of Vocational Colleges in Georgia, you walk through a such as Icarus in Tbilisi. crowd, you can pretty much point to people THE PERFECT BARTENDER who could succeed at this job, based As Michael Neff trains bartenders on how they carry themselves and for his bar, he gives them these rules. how they relate to other people. The 1. Do everything you can to make basic skills of the job can be taught, your guests happy within the limits and the nuts and bolts of our job you have been given. do not require an advanced degree, 2. It’s not your party. It’s not your but a truly great bartender has the booze. It’s not your bar. natural compulsion to anticipate 3. You are on stage and people are the smallest details, and the training watching you. Act accordingly. If required to ensure each one is exe- you are not comfortable with this, cuted correctly, says Michael Neff, find another job. behind the bar at New York’s Ward 4. Know what you serve and why. If III and The Rum House (http:// you work at a beer bar, make sure you drinks.seriouseats.com/) know about beer. If you’re new and Have you ever thought of being a uneducated, pick a few that you can bartender? Probably not. It’s not a get to know well, and start from there. career many young people aspire 5. Learn how to make cocktails. to, though neither is “accountant,” Practice the details. “administration worker,” “bank 6. Cash-handling is king. Neat teller” or “international relations money shows your customers and specialist” (which is what most peo- owners that you are paying attenple are studying for at university in tion to their cash.

Georgia these days). Being a bar- 7. Tips aren’t everything. It’s a tender can be a lot of fun, and, if long-term game, so don’t worry if you do it right, you are guaranteed you don’t always get a tip. to find work easily.

8. Insist on proper behaviour in

BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES

G

What’s That?

The nuts and bolts – basic parts Compulsion – desire, want Anticipate – see before it happens Booze - alcohol Accordingly – in the right way Serve – serve a drink means “make and give it to the client” Cash-handling – how you present the money Neat – tidy, organized, not messy Tips – money left by the client for good service Behaviour – how people move and talk Banter – small-talk, speaking about easy things PUBLISHER & GM

George Sharashidze COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT

Commercial Director: Iva Merabishvili Marketing Manager: Mako Burduli

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

Info Box A full list of Vocational Education institutions in Georgia can be found on mes.gov.ge.

your bar, whatever that happens to be. If you let the clientele run your bar, you will never regain control.

9. Dress right for the bar you work in.

10. Control your environment. Is the air-conditioning too high? Is the music too loud? Your clients’ comfort is everything.

11. Keep learning and improving your skills.

12. Know a joke. Get good at banter. People pay for booze, but they tip for your service.

13. Keep a clean bar. Turn bottles to face forward. Wipe the bar-top.

Straighten the stools. If people think you don’t care, they won’t either.

14. Mise en place. It’s a French phrase for how you arrange your tools and ingredients. Set your mise,

and do the same thing every time.

You can’t be fast if you’re constantly searching for what you need.

15. Don’t touch your face, hair, or any other part of your body. Cough into the inside of your elbow. Sneeze down. Always wash your hands.

Don’t be disgusting.

16. Talk to people. Say hello when they walk up and goodbye when they leave. Chat with your clientele, ask how they are.

17. Keep your opinions to yourselfDon’t offer advice. Don’t dominate conversations.

18. Behind the bar, you are an illusion, a fantasy, a servant, and an actual person all rolled in to one.

Choose wisely which side you choose to present at any given moment.

Food for Thought  Read Michael Neff’s rules. Can you think of any others?  Would you like to be a bartender? Why (not)?

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

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