We are inspired by the unwavering determination of Georgian citizens who are uniting to uphold democratic principles and reaffirm their commitment to Georgia’s European future. Their courage and resilience in the face of political repression and the curtailing of fundamental freedoms are a testament to the spirit of a nation striving for progress and alignment with democratic ideals.

At EENCE, we believe education, active citizenship, and collective effort are the cornerstones of democratic governance and sustainable development. We remain committed to supporting Georgian educators, civil society actors, and local communities as they navigate these challenges and work tirelessly to preserve and advance their democratic achievements.

We urge the Georgian authorities to prioritise the people’s will, safeguard the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, and restore meaningful cooperation with the European Union. Georgia’s future is European, and any deviation from this path undermines the nation’s sovereignty and disregards its people’s hopes and ambitions.

In solidarity, EENCE calls on the international community to strengthen its support for Georgian civil society and to amplify the voices of those advocating for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Together, we must ensure that the current setbacks do not define Georgia’s future but instead galvanise efforts to achieve its rightful place within the European family.

EENCE remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering Georgian communities and fostering inclusive dialogue. We stand with the people of Georgia in their fight for democracy, justice, and a brighter future.

Сообщение EENCE: we stand in solidarity with the people of Georgia появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

The Green School in Georgia implements an educational project that aims to raise public and youth awareness about early marriage.

At the First Folk School of Kabali village and the youth centre of Akhmetetsi district, pupils watched the short film ‘Punami’s Fate’ and discussed the downside of early marriages.

The meetings also resulted in joint works and prints, which will be exhibited at various events in the region as a result of the project.

In Ukraine, activists of the public organisation ‘Plich-o-plich’ (Shoulder to Shoulder) continue to teach elderly people the basics of media literacy.

This time they travelled to the small villages of Syniv and Rusyvel, where they taught elderly residents how to use the different features of their smartphones.

The EENCE-Eduthon-2024 is organised by the Eastern European Association for Citizenship Education with the support of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) at the expense of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Сообщение Preventing Early Marriage and Media Literacy for the Elderly: Introducing Eduthon Winners’ Projects появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

Thirteen teams from different regions of the country fought for victory in Tbilisi.

During three days, the participants of Eduthon finalised their projects and prepared with the help of experts and national coordinator Nurana Mammadova for their presentation, which took place on 21 August.

The jury awarded victory to the following projects:

1. “Media Literacy at My School” (Tamta Jijavadze, Irina Jvarsheishvili)

2. “Workshop time” (Elene Mirianashvili, Sophio Tsertsvadze)

3. “My space is my responsibility” (Nana Nikolashvili, Nino Lekashvili)

4. “Educating Boys and Girls on Equal Rights” (Nino Gvedashvili, Ana Kopeikini).

The winning projects will soon be implemented in different regions of Georgia.

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.

Сообщение The winners of the first EENCE Citizenship Education Eduthon have been selected появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

First, together with expert Bojana Dujković-Blagojević (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the participants learnt how to make their projects more focused on citizenship education.

The expert spoke about the importance of citizenship education in modern society and how important it is to be active, purposeful and courageous in realising their initiatives.

While working in groups, participants were able to share their experience of successful citizenship education projects.

Ketevan Mikhiguli (Georgia) shared her advice on the logic of project planning, drawing attention to the importance of a clear link between the problems the participants are going to solve and the results of their projects.

Serhiy Shturkhetskyy and Anastasia Makarova (Ukraine) helped participants understand how to make their events sustainable and why it is important.

Well, during the breaks of Eduton the work of consulting the teams, which tomorrow will have to present the final versions of their projects, continued.

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.

Сообщение Eduthon in Georgia: improving project ideas! появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

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.

Сообщение EENCE Citizenship Education Eduthon started in Georgia появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

The Georgian government’s attempt to diverge from its current foreign policy direction threatens to impede Georgia’s progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, potentially straining relationships with key allies such as the United States and the European Union. This approach could lead to Georgia becoming isolated and aligning itself more closely with authoritarian regimes, particularly within Russia’s sphere of influence.

The Georgian civil society, a vibrant and influential force, is actively shaping the trajectory of democracy in the nation. Their tireless efforts uplift marginalised communities and passionately advocate for the fundamental principles of human rights, making them a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

The impact of their efforts extends beyond Georgia’s borders, resonating throughout Eastern Europe. Georgia has played a pivotal role in setting the tone for democratic processes in the region. The potential loss of Georgia as a democratic stronghold would be a profound setback for all partner countries, underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding its democratic institutions.

Our thoughts and support go out to the educators in the field of citizenship education, as well as member organisations and individuals, who are standing against the oppressive Russian law that threatens the democratic principles and human rights of the Georgian people.

The Georgian civil society’s courageous efforts in protesting against this law, despite facing violence and arrests, are a testament to their unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom of expression.

It is imperative that the government listens to the voices of its citizens and repeals this detrimental law, ensuring that Georgia continues on its path towards European integration and upholds its democratic values. It is crucial for all of us to stand in solidarity with the Georgian people in their fight for justice and democracy.

Сообщение Statement of Solidarity from the Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education (EENCE) to the Georgian People появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

The meeting will be chaired by Tamar Karaia, an associate professor at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. The working language of the meeting will be English.

The project was one of the winners of the contest of ideas for citizenship education organised by EENSE. The project implements a Civic Education Teachers’ Forum (CETF, Georgia) with the financial support of the German Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Agency for Citizenship Education (Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung/BpB)

The project involves offline and online meetings for formal and informal educators in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Ukraine. Additionally, preparing educational videos based on the real-life experiences about the negative effects of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Within the framework of the project, meetings have already been held in Georgia, as well as in the partner countries of EENCE. Meetings were attended by the representatives of the formal and informal education sectors, including educators, researchers, students, and other individuals interested in the matter.

Online meeting on the topic “Memory policy and its peculiarities in contemporary Georgia” will be conducted on September 25 at 19:00 (Tbilisi time) via the Zoom platform.

Registration form 

And use the Zoom link if you are interested: https://shorturl.at/kACGI

Сообщение Memory policy and its peculiarities in contemporary Georgia появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.

The first training session on E-democracy and E-governance was held on September 9-10. The main concern was the Gender dimension of ICT tools, using E-tools to ensure fair elections in Georgia and artificial intelligence (AI) usage in participatory processes. 

Project manager Tamar Karaia told about what happened at the first training session:

“During the initial stages of the project ‘Strengthening ICT Skills for Empowering Democracy’, we embarked on a multifaceted approach to gather insightful data and foster meaningful discussions. We initiated this stage by sending formal requests for public information to various state agencies, marking the commencement of our data acquisition phase. The project focuses on the citizen participation tools and especially, the platforms: ichange.gov.ge, so we contacted for the qualitative survey to Civil Service Bureau and Digital Governance Agency of Georgia.

This endeavor was driven by the overarching goal of accumulating relevant data to inform the creation of a robust scientific article that would contribute significantly to our understanding of the subject matter as well as after publication, it will reach to wider scientific (and not only) society on participatory electronic skills for strengthening democracy.

Our commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity-building was made evident through the successful execution of the project’s first training session. This event took place on September 9-10, drawing together experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds (using Zoom platform).

The focal points of discussion during this session revolved around E-democracy and E-governance, with a specific emphasis on the Gender dimension of ICT tools. Participants explored the potential of utilizing E-tools to ensure equitable and inclusive elections in Georgia. Furthermore, the discussion delved into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its burgeoning role in participatory processes. These meetings paved the way for valuable insights, laying the foundation for future project activities and conclusions.

In summary, the project’s initial activities have set a promising trajectory for our research and capacity-building efforts. Through the analysis of public data and engaging discussions during the training session, we are poised to deepen our understanding of the intersection between ICT, democracy, and governance, with a particular focus on gender equality and AI’s transformative potential in democratic processes. These early stages have generated a wealth of perspectives and ideas, setting the stage for forthcoming phases in our endeavor to empower democracy through strengthened ICT skills.

It should be mentioned that the initial stage made available to plan more appropriately the second training sessions for 16-17 September, emphasizing on models of e-governance and their implications based on best international practices and on the other hand, practical workshops for fostering ICT skills within the students. Meanwhile, based on the first training sessions, the second training stage will include practical exercises for raising awareness regarding governmental e-platforms for citizen participation”.

The project is implemented within the Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education (EENCE) Civic Education Ideas Competition framework. It is funded by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung/bpb).

Сообщение The project ‘’Strengthening ICT Skills for Empowering Democracy’’ has launched появились сначала на Eastern European Network for Citizenship Education.