Georgia Today Education Issue 16

EDUCATION Issue no: 016

www.georgiatoday.ge

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• JUNE 2018

• PUBLISHED MONTHLY

PRICE: GEL 2

FOCUS ON A BETTER WORLD

See inside for news about Georgia’s developments in law, education and culture!

In this issue...

The History of Money

The New Smoking Laws

PAGE 4

PAGE 8

GT Future Journalists Interview First Lady Maka Chichua 10 Reasons Why You Should Participate in the Niko Ketskhoveli Award 2019 - Sustainable Development Goals PAGE 6

PAGE 9

The College Counseling Program at the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi La fête de la musique PAGE 13 PAGE 10

Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Sites 2018 Includes Georgia’s David Gareji

PM Introduces Startup Friendly Initiative

PAGE 12 PAGE 14

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Children’s Day

GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 2018

Info Box

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hildren’s Day is celebrated in Georgia and many other countries every year on June 1. There are usually special events for children: games, book-readings and educational activities. But what does it mean?

Children’s Day was first celebrated

on the second Sunday of June in Search Youtube for “cartoons for children’s rights” by 1856 by Reverend Dr. Charles LeonUNICEF. Watch them. ard of the Universalist Church of How does your life compare to what you see in the carthe Redeemer in Chelsea, Massatoons? Are your rights protected? chusetts (USA). Dr. Leonard held a special church service for children. He called it “Rose Day,” then official national holiday in 1929 in children learned in school. He also it was changed to “Flower Sunday,” Turkey, though it was celebrated wanted to promote peace, respect and environmental caring through there from 1923. and then “Children’s Day.” Children’s Day first became an The International Day for the Pro- schools. tection of Children has been cele- Universal Children’s Day is not brated in many countries as “Chil- just a day for children to have fun dren’s Day” on June 1 since 1950. It but also to encourage people to was established by the Women’s think about those children around International Democratic Federa- the world who have experienced tion during its congress in Moscow violence in forms of abuse, exploiEducational – to help you learn on 4 November 1949. There is also tation and discrimination. ChilReverend – a title for a leading church man/woman a “Universal Children’s Holiday” dren are used as laborers in some Service – mass, meeting at church countries, used in wars as soldiers, every year on 20 November.

Official – the government made it ‘law’ In September 2012, the Secretary- live on the streets, or suffer because General of the United Nations, Ban they are different from others in Established – founded, started Ki-moon, said he wanted to improve religion, race or ability. Children’s Congress – big meeting children’s education. He wanted Day is a time to think of ALL chilImprove – make better every child to be able to go to school. dren and to try to help make the Encourage – push He wanted to improve the skills world of children a better place.

What’s That?

Violence – pain from anger or hard actions Abuse – hurting Exploitation – using a person in a bad way Discrimination – treating someone differently (because of skin color, religion, etc.)

Rights – the way you should be able to live (with food, with somewhere to live, with clean water…)

Food for Thought  How can you help disadvantaged children in YOUR community? Work with your classmates to help give some happiness to other children.

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GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 2018

FINANCIAL LITERACY Presented by

The History of Money

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n ancient times, before the invention of money, people traded commodities directly with other people. For example, if someone wanted a sheep, they could give someone who had a sheep grain or vegetables in trade.

This process was called “bartering”.

The earliest examples of barter can be found in Egypt in 9000 BC. People who had barter agreements first agreed on the value of the goods. For example, they might have agreed that with 10 chickens you could buy 1 pig, or 15 eggs could buy 1 kg of wheat.

Animal skin, salt, weapons and tools were easily traded commodities as many people needed and used them.

DID YOU KNOW…?

• In 1200 BC, seashells were used by the Indians for bartering. After shells came coins!

• The first coin was made in the Kingdom of Lydia, Turkey, in 600 BC. These coins were round, mixed with gold and silver, and had a picture of a lion on them.

• In 600 BC, paper money was invented in China. The paper money had a message on it saying that people who tried to forge money would be beheaded!

• In 1290, Marco Polo travelled to China where he discovered the paper money and brought some back to Europe. But paper money was not used in Europe until 1661. That year, the first banknote was printed in Sweden.

• In 1946, John Biggins, a banker in New York, invented the first credit card.

Nowadays, every country around the world has its own unique and characteristic currency.

The article includes materials from the National Bank’s School Bank textbook, prepared with the support of the National Bank.

EDUCATION

GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 2018

Some countries and their currencies

What’s That?

Ancient – old, a very long time ago Traded – exchanged, swapped Commodities – things, products, goods that people need/use Agreements – when two people (or groups) think the same thing Value – cost, worth Goods – products (see ‘commodities’) Coins – small metal discs (‘money’) Forge – create fake (not real) money Beheaded – have their heads cut off Banker – person who works in a bank Credit card – a plastic card you use to pay with (which takes money from your bank account) Currency – money that each country has (Georgia’s currency is Lari)

Food for Thought

United States of America: (USA) Dollar

USD

European Union (19 countries)

EUR

China: Yuan

CNY

Japan: Yen

JPY

Georgia: Lari

GEL

Armenia: Dram

MDL

Azerbaijan: Manat

MKD

Russia: Ruble

RUB

Turkey: Lira

TRY

Great Britain: Pound

GBP

 Find out the exchange rates and calculate how much Lari is equivalent to:

200 USD 1000 Lira 150 Yen 75 Pound 0.5 Euro

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GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 2018

10 Reasons Why You Should Participate in the Niko Ketskhoveli Award 2019 Sustainable Development Goals Info Box Find out more here and join in the fun while developing yourself and improving your society!

Forestry.ge/ketskhoveli hubs- comfortable spaces for students to work in a better and healthier enviActive participants of the competition, Summer Camp 2017 “Discover Georgia” ronment. Many organizations award schools with prizes but participating he Niko Ketskhoveli is focused on raising awareness in the Niko Ketskhoveli Award already Award is a large-scale and the development of teenagers, means that you are a winner! school competition recognizing that students need to which aims to educate develop themselves in many ways, 5. HAVE FUN AT and involve students both in school and out.

THE CAMPS! in environmental activities. In 2019, One of the motivational sides of the the theme is “Sustainable Develop- 3. CARE FOR YOUR Niko Ketskhoveli Award is its camps. ment Goals.” Schools from anywhere TOWN/VILLAGE/ Students unite in different camps, in Georgia can participate.

COUNTRY! make new friends, make memories Want to win some incredible prizes? Taking good care of your local enviand enjoy life in a green space doing Want to have fun and change the ronment is one step towards maksuch fun activities as informational environment around you? Check ing a change in wider spaces and courses, hiking, and games. It is a out the Top 10 reasons why YOU reaching bigger audiences. The Niko great opportunity to meet new peoshould get involved: Ketskhoveli Award is focused on ple, make connections and find developing students within their solutions to problems together.

1. EXPRESS YOURSELF! local environment and giving them An ambitious person always tries to the chance to achieve greater suc6. BE A PART OF be better than they are and has lots cess, seen and admired by the CONTEMPORARY of different ideas and individual- international community.

PROCESSES! ism. The Niko Ketskhoveli Award Learning what is happening in the gives students and teachers the 4. WIN PRIZES! chance to show off their talent as There are no losers with this award society and world around you is creators and thinkers, giving them as it gives students and teachers an important and means you can make the opportunity to make a difference. opportunity to win some great prizes changes to make it a nicer place to live in. Don’t live in the past – see as well as to get incredible experiwhat is happening and think how 2. DEVELOP YOURSELF! ences. In 2018, students and teachers Education and self-improvement went to educational courses in Slo- you can make it better. is one of the main ideas behind the venia and Austria and in 2017, winNiko Ketskhoveli Award. The Award ning schools were awarded with eco 7. MEET THE MAYOR,

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What’s That?

Large-scale – big Involve – include Environment – the world around you (streets, rivers, forests etc.)

Development – change (learning more) Individualism – wants to be different from others Improvement – make better Awareness – what you see, know, understand Admired – approved of (people will see and like it) Discuss – talk about

RESPONSIBILITY! Social Responsibility is not a difficult concept. It means being kind, caring about others and the world around you, wanting to develop and trying to improve. Students should be socially responsible and know how to express themselves. With the Niko Ketskhoveli Award, students start to question the world around them and start to think about their society in a different way, just as students do in Europe and the US.

9. BECOME A LEADER! It takes hard work to become a true leader. Students and teachers who have participated in the Niko Ketskhoveli Award worked a lot, thought a lot, and learned to become the best leaders. Why not make use of YOUR talents and ideas and get involved in events like the Niko Ketskhoveli Award to make your world a better place?

10. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT!

The main theme of the Niko Ketskhoveli Award is protection of the environment. Many activities which give extra points to schools involve the environment. Explore, discover, MEMBERS OF learn, develop, teach others, make PARLIAMENT, MINISTER changes and protect you own enviAND DIFFERENT ronment. The Niko Ketskhoveli ORGANIZATIONS! The Parliament of Georgia and many Award gives students a chance to be other serious organizations are a part of an amazing event and make involved in the Niko Ketskhoveli their dreams and ideas come true!

Award. Students get the chance to discuss their projects with the Tbi- The competition is being implelisi Mayor, Members of Parliament mented by CENN, with financial and ministers. By talking about your contribution from the Austrian ideas, you can make connections Development Cooperation. with people with whom you can develop your projects; then you can Key partners: Parliament of Geortell the world about it! gia, Ministry of Natural Resources Protection and Agriculture, Ministry of Education and Sciences.

8. BE SOCIALLY

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GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 2018

The New Smoking Laws

BY THEA MORRISON

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Info Box

ewlawsaboutsmoking, adopted in 2017 A World Health Organization study notes that by raising

by Pa rl i a m e n t , came into effect taxes, banning cigarette advertising, placing health warnon May 1. ings, changing packaging, and introducing smoke-free Smoking tobacco, electronic cigapolicies, the country can avoid GEL 3.6 billion in healthrettes and Hookah is now prohibcare costs and economic losses over 15 years, and at the ited in all enclosed areas, except in houses, psychiatric clinics, prissame time save a minimum of 53,000 lives. ons and casinos.

People can only smoke in special areas in the airports.

Smoking is not allowed on any public transport, except in taxis and on motor boats.

Came into effect – started, came into force Smoking will also be prohibited in Prohibited – illegal, not allowed, banned gas and fuel stations, as well as in buildings and facilities located Enclosed – places with three walls and a ceiling nearby where flammable subFlammable – easy to burn stances are kept.

Breaking the law – doing what the police say they cannot There is a fine of GEL 500 for comFined – money they must pay the State panies breaking the law, and if they do it a second time, they will Violations – when people broke the law be fined GEL 1000.

Taxes – money people pay to the State from their salaries People who smoke where they Avoid – stop, prevent shouldn’t will be fined GEL 50 and if they do it again, GEL 100.

Smoking on air, sea or land public were fined by the Ministry of Inter- every year the number of women transport will also be fined. Drivers nal Affairs (MIA) for breaking the smokers doubles. Every fourth law, and 46 calls were underage person in Georgia is said of public transport will be fined 500 made to the MIA to be a smoker.

GEL, and if about violations. “The Convention of the Rights of 2000 police officers the Child says that children must are monitoring the situ- be protected from tobacco, including the effects of adult smoking, ation.

In Georgia, 11,400 peo- which can affect a child’s health ple die every year due even before birth,” the UN Country to diseases caused by Team in Georgia notes. tobacco use. Of these Each year, tobacco costs the Geor2,000 are non-smokers. gian economy GEL 824.9 million in The statistics say that healthcare and early deaths, disabil57% of men in Georgia ity and workplace costs, totaling are active smokers, while GEL 497.5 million.

What’s That?

Food for Thought they break the law again, GEL 1000.

If a person smokes on land public transport, they will have to pay 100 GEL, and on air or rail transport, 50 GEL. The first week the law came into force, 12 people and 13 companies

 Do you think the new law on smoking is good or bad?

Why?  Think of a way (poster, song or presentation, for example) to tell people your age about the dangers of smoking and the new laws in Georgia.

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GT Future Journalists Interview First Lady Maka Chichua There are no problems that women can’t deal with!

DID YOU LOSE FRIENDS ONCE YOU BECAME SO BUSY WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING FIRST LADY?

Mr Margvelashvili became the President, the couple decided to marry.

They have two young sons together and older children from previous he Future Journalist marriages. competition gives G e o r g i a n yo u t h WHAT IS THE PERSONAL throughout the coun- CHARACTERISTIC YOU try the chance to VALUE IN YOURSELF showcase their journalistic skills in AND THE TRAIT YOU three stages, with the ultimate prize VALUE IN OTHERS? a two-week English and Journalism If you like something in yourself, it course in the UK this summer. Organ- means that you like something in ized by Georgia Today Education others, too. And if you like someand supported by UK Bridge, the thing in others, somehow, you want competition aims to discover the to find it in yourself too. There are best future journalists in Georgia. negative and positive sides in every The last of three interviews saw person. I like people who are honthe jury-selected under-17s from est and brave; people who can fight Telavi and Tbilisi, meeting Geor- for anything. You must have these gia’s First Lady, who kindly let them traits and skills to take your place ask her about her thoughts and ideas in this world. As far as I’m concerned, if you fight for the truth, for on a variety of topics.

After the interview, the students your family or country, you must wrote up their interviews in their have these traits to succeed.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY KAKHA DAVITASHVILI

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own styles and a jury made up of English language experts and professional journalists and marketers chose one winner, Kakha Davitashvili, who will go through to the final round. See Kakha’s interview below.

Maka Chichua, 47, has been in the center of attention since the day she became the First Lady of Georgia.

She graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, after which she became involved in a range of fields and activities, including music, television and cinema. President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Maka Chichua lived together for five years and once

DO YOU SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES WITH YOUR HUSBAND?

Of course! I’m an active person and I always want to be involved in the WHY DO YOU THINK things happening in Georgia. I always YOUNG GEORGIANS share my thoughts with Giorgi.

CHOOSE TO GO

WHAT IS THE BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT BEING THE FIRST LADY?

Other people can share their problems with me and I have a chance to help them. That is a good side of my rank. When people present new projects, I like to get involved. I support disabled people and like this theme in particular, as it is still an issue that needs addressing in Georgia. I’m very happy to have so many opportunities to help other people.

As for the worst thing about being First Lady, it’s that everyone is always watching you, analyzing what you HOW DID YOUR LIFE wear, how high your heels are, what CHANGE AFTER YOU you say and do. The compliments BECAME THE FIRST LADY? are good but there are still critiActually, my children changed my cisms! life more than the change in rank did!

HOW DO YOU COPE

YOU LIKE ACTING, PAINTING AND MUSIC. WILL YOU GO BACK TO THE ARTS IN FUTURE? I never gave them up! I’ve taken short breaks because of children and work obligations but I’m always involved somehow and have been actively involved in these kinds of activities my whole life long.

I don’t have the kind of friends that I would lose by my changing position in life. Nothing has changed about me that would affect them.

But the people who have been my friends for years still interact well with me, as they did before I became First Lady.

WITH BEING A MOTHER AND THE FIRST LADY? No idea! Somehow, I manage both together. It can be hard at times because I have three children and I don’t get much time to spend with my daughter. But I know people who have more children and manage! Sometimes I have to divide my responsibilities, but it is still hard.

ABROAD TO STUDY RATHER THAN STAY? Because they can get a good education abroad. We’re not yet at the Western level here in Georgia. I’d personally like our schools to be like the Finnish ones, and it would be great to have an American education system. I congratulate people who can afford to study abroad. But the truth is that no matter where you are, if you want to learn and succeed, you will. You just have to be determined.

QUESTION FROM RUNNER-UP ANAMARIA LOBJANIDZE

GENDER ISSUES ARE A HOT TOPIC IN SOCIETY THESE DAYS. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR GEORGIAN WOMEN? I would advise them not to limit themselves. Biologically, women are stronger than men: they are born strong. They should not be scared to cope with life’s difficulties. There are no problems which you can’t solve if you want to. Life may be hard, but you should always walk the right path: for your children and for your country.

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The College Counseling Program at the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi

BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE

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very year, Head of College Counseling Keti Chikovani repeats the same cycle of counseling and coaching that helps students at the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi (GZAAT) navigate the complex process of applying to university abroad. Since their first graduating class in 2005, the school has had a dedicated college counseling program. For students, it starts at the end of their 10th grade year, when counselors meet with parents and students together to go through the counseling process and prime students to start thinking about their post-high school future.

Although, Chikovani says, it doesn’t take much prompting, as the students who pass GZAAT’s competitive entrance exams and enroll in the school are already quite driven and have big plans for their futures.

Only 13% of GZAAT’s students stay in Georgia for university. 42% go to the United States, 34% to the European Union, 7% to the United Kingdom, and 4% to other parts of the world such as Asia and the Middle East. The college counseling program begins in 11th grade with a detailed timeline that guides the process. First, career orientation, where counselors introduce students to career possibilities beyond the standard doctor, lawyer, or business person. They also discuss college majors – the variety of which outside Georgia is unfamiliar to most. In recent years, many graduates have chosen more diverse majors, including neuroscience, architecture, fashion design, hospitality, filmmaking, and engineering.

Something that attracts many students to a US education is the liberal arts model that allows them to enroll undecided on a major.

Next, preparation for standardized tests begins. All students are encouraged to take the Georgian National

Exams, even if they do not plan to attend university in Georgia, to keep their options open. Most students also take SAT prep courses, the cost of which is included in GZAAT tuition. An SAT prep course is offered twice a week after school. Finally, in the second semester of junior year, counselors meet individually with students and their parents. By the end of 11th grade there are three goals: to have their personal essay or statement of motivation written for college applications, to establish a list of universities they are interested in, and to fill in the counselor questionnaire, which gives the counselors more information on what students do outside of school, helping them to write letters of recommendation.

Most students apply to 15-20 universities. Chikovani recognizes that this is extreme, but says it is difficult to curb students’ excitement.

One of the biggest challenges students face when going to university abroad is culture shock. Especially

in the United States, rural schools can present new difficulties for students used to living in a big city and being constantly connected. Counselors encourage their students to consider a university’s location, community, and environment, along with its academic opportunities.

Financing a degree abroad can be a struggle, as prices in Europe and the United States are many times higher than in Georgia. However, the counselors discuss options for paying tuition with students and parents, and help steer students towards schools that fit their parents’ budgets. In 2017, GZAAT university applicants were offered more than $4 million in scholarships.

Gradutes of GZAAT have attended an impressive list of universities, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Georgetown in the United States, Central European University, Charles University, King’s College London, and the London School of Economics in Europe, and schools

in Canada, Qatar, China and Australia, among others.

Chikovani and her team actively advocate for their students and work to get them the most accurate information, attending annual conferences and inviting university representatives to visit the school.

Alumni also often return to GZAAT to say hello and to talk about their experiences adjusting to university life with students. As Chikovani says, no matter how many times we tell them something, students usually take information from recent graduates more seriously.

The college counseling program at GZAAT is designed to guide Georgian students through the university application process and prepare them for the dramatic changes of post-grad life, academically and personally. This week, GZAAT seniors are making their final decisions on what universities to attend, and the counselors are excitedly waiting to see where the next generation of graduates will take their next steps.

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Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Sites 2018 Includes Georgia’s David Gareji Info Box

BY THEA MORRISON

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uropa Nostra, the biggest heritage organization in Europe, has included Georgia’s David Gareji Monastery Complex in its list of Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites 2018.

‘The 7 Most Endangered for 2018’ were chosen by the Board of Europa Nostra from 12 sites suggested by specialists in history, archaeology, architecture, conservation, project analysis and finance. Nominations were submitted by civil society or organizations which are members or associate members of Europa Nostra from all over Europe.

The list of Most Endangered Her-

itage Sites 2018 is: 1. The Post-Byzantine Churches in Voskopoja and Vithkuqi in Albania 2. The Historic Centre of Vienna in Austria, 3. The Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria 4. The David Gareji Monasteries and Hermitage in Georgia 5. The Constanta Casino in Romania 6. The Prinkipo Greek Orphanage on Princes’ Islands in Turkey 7. The Grimsby Ice Factory in the United Kingdom “These gems of Europe’s cultural heritage are in grave danger, some due to neglect or inadequate development, others due to a lack of expertise or resources,” Europa Nostra stated.

What’s That?

Endangered – at risk, in danger of disappearing Heritage – important history Submitted – given Civil society – normal people Gems – treasures, important places Grave – serious Neglect – people not caring for them Lack of – not enough Landmarks – important places Engage – be a part of Masterpiece – top work of art, very important Irreversible – can’t be changed Deterioration – the condition (damage) is getting worse

Europa Nostra was founded on 29 November 1963 in Paris. For over 50 years, it has worked to protect cultural heritage. Europa Nostra is today recognized as the most representative heritage organization in Europe with members from over 40 countries.

It’s values: • Cultural Heritage is essential for a prosperous, unified and stable Europe; • Cultural Heritage should be respected in urban and rural development; • Culture Heritage is not a relic of the past; it is a relevant, useful and accessible part of today and tomorrow; • Cultural Heritage does not belong to one cultural group or nation, but belongs to all Europeans; • Cultural Heritage is on loan from future generations and it is the responsibility of everyone living in Europe to look after it.

Experts from Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute, together with other partners and the nominators, will visit the 7 selected sites in the next months.

“The teams will give technical advice, identify possible sources of funding and mobilize support to save these heritage landmarks. The specialists will also help make action plans for the listed sites by the end of the year,” the organization said.

This new list of the 7 Most Endangered is announced during the European Year of Cultural Heritage, which celebrates Europe’s shared cultural heritage and aims to encourage Europe’s citizens to discover and engage with the cultural heritage.

The David Gareji Monasteries and Hermitage, located in Eastern Georgia on a semi-desert plateau, dates back to the 6th-century and comprises 22 rock-hewn monasteries and more than 5,000 sanctuaries and cave-cells.

“The combination of rock architecture, medieval murals, prehistoric archaeology and paleontological fields makes it a masterpiece of Georgian culture. It is registered as a Monument of National Importance,” Europa Nostra reports, adding the site is in danger of irreversible deterioration.

The Georgian Arts and Culture Center submitted the nomination for the 7 Most Endangered Program 2018.

Food for Thought  Why is it important to look after cultural heritage?  Are there any old buildings in your community which are deteriorating? What can you do to help look after them?

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La fête de la musique

que les musées, les hôpitaux… Tout de la musique s’engagent à respecter. le monde peut y assister gratuite- Elle impose, entre autres, la date ment dans une ambiance joyeuse, obligatoire du 21 juin, la gratuité des concerts et le fait que la majorbon enfant et festive.

Dès 1985, à l’occasion de l’année ité des manifestations doivent être Site de l’institut français https://institutfrancais.ge/ka/ européenne de la musique, d’autres en plein-air. De nos jours, elle a Site du ministère de la culture https://fetedelamusique. pays européens décident d’organiser dépassé les frontières de l’Europe cette fête. En 1997, elle acquiert un et est célébrée dans plus de 120 pays culturecommunication.gouv.fr/ statut officiel avec la signature de à travers le monde !

Sites des Ogres de Barback http://www.lesogres.com/ la charte de « La Fête Européenne En Géorgie, vous pourrez assister de la Musique ». Cette charte définit gratuitement au concert du groupe a fête de la musique est officiellement le début de l’été. les principes fondamentaux que les français les Ogres de Barback, le 29 une fête internationale Cette fête permet à tous les pays souhaitant participer à la fête juin 2018, à 20h au club 33 (parc Vake). dont la première édition musiciens, amateurs et professiona eu lieu en France le 21 nels, de se produire bénévolement. juin 1982, à l’initiative Tous les genres musicaux y sont de Jack Lang, le premier ministre représentés sans exception. Les de l’époque. Pourquoi le 21 juin ? concerts sont organisés à l’avance Tout simplement parce que c’est le ou s’organisent spontanément. Ils Bénévolement – qui n’est pas payé / qui ne reçoit pas de solstice d’été (le jour le plus long ont lieu dans la rue, les cafés, les salaire / მოხალისედ (ანაზღაურების გარეშე) de l’année dans l’hémisphère nord) bars, les espaces publics… et dans Bon enfant – convivial, amical / მეგობრული et qu’en France, cette date marque des lieux moins conventionnels tels

Pour s’informer

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Matière à réflexion  La fête de la musique est-elle célébrée en Géorgie ?  Le slogan de la fête de la musique est «faîtes de la musique». Comprenez-vous ce jeu de mot?

Mots-clés

Acquérir (elle acquiert) – obtenir / მოპოვება, შეძენა S’engager à – promettre / ვალდებულების აღება, დაპირება Imposer – obliger à / იძულება Obligatoire – qui est exigé / აუცილებელი Gratuité – le fait de ne pas payer / უფასო Gratuitement – zéro euro / qui n’est pas payant / უფასოდ En plein-air – à l’extérieur / ღია ცის ქვეშ

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PM Introduces Startup Friendly Initiative

startups and large, established and successful companies,” Kvirikashvili said. “Every startup needs access to technology and capital,” he added.

“This project is the bridge to giving young business persons access to what they need to develop.”

TBC Bank was the first to engage in the startup concept, its founder starting the business with just $500.

“Such examples help shape our economy, and demonstrate the enthusiasm needed to push this country forward,” the PM said, pointing to the second goal to have startups become a form of social responsibility for larger companies who will invest in and guide them.

Kvirikashvili said the Georgian government has more plans to develop motivation and innovative thinking in its youth.

Image source: PCMag.com

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tartup Friendly, an extension of the ‘Startup Georgia’ program, is to be another way to boost new business in Georgia.

It was introduced by Prime Minister (PM) Giorgi Kvirikashvili at Tech Park, Tbilisi, in May. The PM says it is “the latest promising project in the government’s Four-Point Plan.” The initiative will help startups establish relations with large businesses and will encourage large companies to be involved in the development of dif-

ferent business areas and to make mutually beneficial investments.

“Startup Georgia transforms young people’s thinking into a newer, more dynamic, future-looking brand,” the PM said. “We have launched a new phase in the development of Georgia’s economy.”

He noted that startups are the most dynamic and fastest growing parts of the country’s economy.

“Our goal is to have as many people as possible join this way of thinking. The Startup Friendly project gives a format for relations between

Info Box Startup Georgia is a government-initiated annual competition aiming to find and support the best new business ideas. It is for “anyone who has an original and interesting idea, but no capital for its implementation.” Startup Georgia offers free trainings, coaching, mentoring and consultation for all winners.

What’s That?

Promising – with a good future Startups – new businesses Establish – start Encourage – push to do something Mutually beneficial – good for both Launched – started Capital – money, funding Engage – do, be involved in

Food for Thought  How can big businesses support small businesses and startups?  Why are startups good for the country’s economy?

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GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 2018

15

Georgia’s Defense Ministry Launches Education Project in Schools Info Box

Source: globalfirepower.com

BY THEA MORRISON

G

eorgia’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has launched a new educational project at public schools named Our Army, which will raise student awareness of Georgia’s military system.

The project started on April 10.

Military servicemen of the Georgian Armed Forces will deliver lectures on the defense sector in public schools throughout Georgia.

The MoD says that representatives of the Armed Forces will meet 11th and 12th grade students and talk to them about the history, goals, Defense Ministry reforms, and NATO-Georgia relations. The lectures will also cover obligatory military service and contracted service, the reserve and mobilization concept, international missions and exercises, and many other topics related to Georgia and its military.

The MoD is implementing the project in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.

The project was opened in Public

What’s That?

Launched – started (a new project) Awareness – what you know Servicemen – soldiers, people who work in the army Armed Forces – army, military Reforms – changes Obligatory – non-voluntary: you must do it Contracted – you are paid to do it Reserve – “extra” army, ready to fight if necessary PUBLISHER & GM

George Sharashidze COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT

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GEORGIA TODAY

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:

Editor-In-Chief: Katie Ruth Davies

Journalists: Tony Hanmer, Zaza Jgarkava, Maka Bibilashvili, Dimitri Dolaberidze, Maka Lomadze, Joseph Larsen, Vazha Tavberidze, Nugzar B. Ruhadze, Nino Gugunishvili, Thea Morrison Photographer: Irakli Dolidze

The 10 Most Powerful Armies in the World: 1. USA (active personnel: 1,477,896 - Budget: $689,591,000,000) 2. Russia (active personnel: 1,200,000 - Budget: $64,000,000,000) 3. China (active personnel: 2,285,000 - Budget: $129,272,000,000) 4. India (active personnel: 1,325,000 - Budget: $44,282,000,000) 5. United Kingdom (active personnel: 224,500 - Budget: $57,875,170,000) 6. France (active personnel: 362,485 - Budget: $58,244,000,000) 7. Germany (active personnel: 148,996 - Budget: $43,478,000,000) 8. South Korea (active personnel: 653,000, Budget: $28,280,000,000) 9. Italy (active personnel: 293,202, Budget: $31,946,000,000) 10. Brazil (active personnel: 371,199, Budget: $31,576,000,000) School 175 of Tbilisi, by Georgia’s Defense Minister, Levan Izoria.

“This project aims at providing information to Georgian students about the military system of our country. The project will also increase a patriotic spirit in our youth by servicemen meeting and talking with teenagers,” Izoria stated at the presentation.

Deputy Education Minister Lia Gigauri noted that, at the initial stage,

the project involves 150 public schools, adding in the future it will be expanded.

“From 2019, all public schools of Georgia will be included in the project. The students are very interested in such activities,” she said.

Gigauri explained that the duty of every citizen is to protect the security of their country, adding that the project will enrich the knowledge of students in this direction.

Food for Thought  Would you like to train in the army? Why (not)?  Why is it good to have professional people visit schools to talk to pupils?  Who would you like to visit your school? Ask your teacher to help you organize it.

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