For three days, 13 teams from different regions of this country will develop, with the help of experts, innovative projects aimed at promoting citizenship education and democratic values. The winners of the Eduthon will receive financial support for the realisation of their ideas.

The Eduthon, which takes place in Tbilisi from 19 to 21 August, began with a presentation of the Eduthon’s objectives and introductions of the participants and experts.

Participants with interesting ideas have gathered here. They are people of different ages from a wide range of fields. And I can already foresee how difficult it will be for us to choose the winners!

Nurana Mammadova, National Coordinator of Eduthon in Georgia

The participants then briefly presented their project ideas with which they came to Eduton.

1. ‘Kulishkari Youth Space for a Bright Future’.

The project aims to create a youth centre in the village of Kulishkari. Includes trainings, film sessions and debates to increase civic engagement and volunteering among local youth.

2. ‘Strengthening democratic principles through active community participation’

The project focuses on involving schoolchildren, parents and volunteers in democratic processes through case studies, civic actions and competitions, and publishing materials to popularise democratic initiatives.

3. ‘Together in Diversity’.

The project aims to raise awareness of secularism, multiculturalism and multi-ethnicity among pupils in urban and multi-ethnic schools. Lectures, discussions and cultural visits will help develop tolerance and social inclusion.

4. ‘ Citizenship Education for all ethnic groups’.

The project aims to create a youth hub that brings together young people from the Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian communities to strengthen civic education and democratic values.

5. ‘Social entrepreneurship for high school students’.

The project aims to teach high school students sewing and the basics of social entrepreneurship. Sewing lessons, sketch competitions and exhibitions will help students learn new skills and prepare for employment.

6. ‘Media Literacy in Schools’.

The project aims to raise awareness of the influence of media and propaganda among schoolchildren, teachers and parents through workshops and practical lessons in schools in Tbilisi and the region.

7. ‘Development of contemporary art in Gori’

The aim of the project is to increase young people’s access to contemporary art through classes in graphic arts, stencil art, photo book creation and experimental music. The project promotes the development of creative industries and cultural tourism in Gori.

8. ‘Pro-Soviet authoritarian regime: consequences and the road to democratic transition’

The project aims to raise awareness among Georgian youth about the negative consequences of pro-Soviet authoritarianism and Russian propaganda. Online conferences and social campaigns will help develop civic knowledge and support for democratic initiatives.

9. ‘Environmental Awareness and Civic Participation in Velistsikhe Village’.

The aim of the project is to raise environmental awareness among the residents of Velistsikhe village. Information campaigns, trainings and environmental actions will help to create an active and responsible community ready to take part in solving environmental problems.

10. ‘Development of public spaces in Yormugandlos, Sagarejo’.

The project aims to create public space for youth and women, trainings and educational activities, and support positive activism in Sagarejo.

11. ‘Raising awareness on the rights of girls in Kakheti’.

The project focuses on preventing early marriages and raising awareness of girls’ rights among young people in villages of Kakheti. The project will include film screenings, discussions and an exhibition in Tbilisi.

12. ‘Development of Debating Skills in Didi Chailuri’.

The project aims to develop public speaking and debate skills among high school students and youth. Trainings, championships and awarding of winners will help to strengthen community interaction and co-operation.

13. ‘Know to Develop: Bolnisi’s Historical Heritage’.

The project aims to raise awareness among young people about the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Bolnisi through excursions, trainings and the creation of a cultural map of the city.

A team of international experts will help the participants to finalise and present their ideas.

It includes Bojana Dujkovic-Blagojevic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Ketevan Mikhiguli and Nino Gvaramadze(both from Georgia), Serhiy Shturkhetskyy and Anastasia Makarova (both from Ukraine).

On the second day of Eduthon, the experts will hold a number of master-classes aimed at better understanding the objectives and methodology of the announced projects, their promotion, etc., as well as continue counselling the participants.

On the third day, a presentation of the projects will take place, and the winners of the Eduthon will be selected.

EENCE-Eduthon in Georgia is organised by the Eastern European Association for Civic Education and the Academy for Peace and Development (Georgia) with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) with funds from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.