Tbilisi. On November 30, 2017, the Public Defender of Georgia sent a recommendation to the Board of Authorization of General Educational Institutions. The Public Defender requested to annul the decision, according to which, the Demirel Private College was refused authorization, and to make a new decision as a result of thorough examination of the circumstances of the case. ''The study of the case materials showed that the Authorization Board’s decision is contrary to the law, as well as its previous practice. According to the Public Defender, the decision on the refusal of authorization to the Ltd Demirel Private College was made without studying the merits of the case and on grounds of the circumstances that were not fully studied during the administrative proceedings. The obligation to substantiate a decision in writing by indicating the merits of the case was violated as well. It is noteworthy that in the mentioned process, the school was not evaluated according to its curriculum of 2017-2018, but according to the past period, due to which, the procedure turned into the examination of the terms of authorization, which is a completely different legal institution'', is noted in the statement. In full… Source: ombudsman.ge

Georgia. GYLA&DRI held a media training for the Telavi, Kutaisi and Batumi media representatives within the joint project "Strengthening Political Plurality in Georgia". The main aim of three-day workshop was to raise awareness of the Georgian Regional media on the causes of political polarization and the forms of their identification appeared in media, share different practice of foreign media & their role in promoting political depolarisation and pluralism. In full Source: The organization’s page in social network

Members of Akhalkalaki Local Action Group (LAG) participated in a study visit to Ireland, West Cork region on the 18-26th of November. The visit aimed to let the participants exchange LEADER project experience and provide them with information about the challenges faced during project implementation. The visit also intended to introduce the participants with the structure of LAG, principles of its work and means to seek additional funds in order to ensure sustainability of LAG. Ireland has 25 years of experience in this regard. Study visit was conducted with the support of EU, in the framework of the ENPARD project "Promoting a New Rural Development Approach in Akhalkalaki”, implemented by Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) in partnership with Mercy Corps, Elva Community Engagement and West Cork Development Partnership. In full  Source: The organization’s webpage

Tbilisi. The Public Defender's Office launched a new project with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland in November. The aim of the project is monitoring the implementation of the right to access to drinking water and sanitation, as well as to conduct relevant awareness-raising campaigns across the country. Special attention will be paid to the availability of drinking water and sanitation in the educational institutions of regions. In full  Source: The organization’s webpage

Tbilisi. Within the project Dialogue with the Past funded by Women's Fund in Georgia, Young Feminists’ Initiative Group studied activities of women in the regions, histories of Georgian feminists and the character of feminist activism. Based on the gathered material group printed a brochure and shot documentary movie, that was screened on November 8th for the first time. In full… Source: The webpage of the organization in a social network

ENPARD partner organization "CARE International in the Caucasus” organized a study tour in Latvia for twelve EU-supported agricultural cooperatives. The purpose of the study tour was to share the experience of Latvian cooperatives working in beekeeping and milk processing and to establish future relations with Latvian farmers and companies. In full  Source: The organization’s webpage

Tbilisi. Agricultural University of Georgia initiated foundation of an ecology club "The Lone Earth” in frame of Shota Rustaveli National Scientific Foundation funded project "Science Begins from School – Research with Participation of Schoolchildren” 2017 competition on a base of N64 Tbilisi State School. The club found with active support of St. Ilia the Right Tbilisi school of Patriarchate of Georgia and Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN). Meetings of the club will be held every 2 weeks and presents different issues of ecology. In full  Source: CENN 

Tbilisi. The President of the Republic of Estonia H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid paid a visit to one of the schools of Tbilisi to learn more about the support of the Estonian Government to strengthen quality and inclusiveness of the national education system in Georgia. A three year programme has been launched earlier this year in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science and UNICEF. ''The President of Estonia had a discussion with teachers and children at the school and handed over ICT equipment (laptops, projectors and screens) to the partner schools throughout the country to introduce digital technologies in teaching process. The current programme continues earlier collaboration with the Estonian Government to build a highly skilled national teaching workforce and create a learning environment that supports achieving quality learning outcomes for children'', is noted in the statement. In full… Source: unicef.ge

Imereti. Local Democracy Agency Georgia held an informational meeting with students from Tsereteli State University on October 30 to share more about our organization and our youth club, Erasmus+ and EVS exchange opportunities, why it can be fun to volunteer, and how to get involved in volunteer activities. Source: The web-page of the organization in a social network

Kveno Kartli. Up to 30 representatives of Civil Society Organizations from different municipalities of the Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia took part in the Rural Development Advocacy training in Rustavi on October 26-27. The training in Rustavi is the first in a series of training events in every region of the country. This intensive training programme aims to develop inspiring advocates of rural development, raise public awareness and promote advocacy and civil activism in rural areas. The training programme will continue until the end of 2017 and will cover Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakheti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Guria and the Autonomous Republic of Ajara. The Rural Development Advocacy Training runs under the European Union’s Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) and is organized by the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) with assistance from the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In full  Source: The organization’s webpage

Ajara. On 23-27 October 2017, CENN delivered open lessons on Climate Change and presented the young leaders and innovators competition "Me LEADER” at the high schools in Keda Municipality. The initiative is taking place in the framework of the EU-supported project "Optimizing the Potential of Local Assets for Rural Development” in Keda Municipality. The EU-funded project "Optimising the Potential of Local Assets for Rural Development of Keda Municipality” is implemented by Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) in partnership with the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG), Institute of Democracy (IoD) and Austrian Institute for Regional Studies and Spatial Planning (ÖIR). The project aims at diversification of the local economic activities, improving investment climate, and empower competitive agricultural and environmental practices in Keda Municipality via bottom-up strategic planning of rural development. In full Source: The organization’s webpage

Tbilisi. The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association publishes a list of those admitted to a course of civil law of the Legal Education Support Fund. Read more… Source: www.legaleducation.ge

On 17-24 September 2017, RDFG representatives and Tetritskaro Local Action Group (LAG) board members participated in study exchange visit in Lithuania. During a week, Georgian delegation visited 7 local LAGs in different regions of Lithuania. The aim of the visit was to share successful examples of LEADER approach to the member of Tetritskaro LAG. They also learned about the structure and working methods of Lithuanian LAGs and shared their experience. The study visit also aimed to show governmental structures how LEADER approach is supported on a political level. The visit was part of the project "Rural Development for Sustainable Growth of Tetritskaro Municipality”, which is implemented by RDFG in the framework of the second phase of European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development – ENPARD. The project partners are Agro-Technology Association (ATA), Lithuanian Local Action Groups Network and the Ministry of Agriculture of Lithuania. In full  Source: The organization’s webpage

Kakheti. Seminar "NATO-Choice for Peaceful and Stable Development” was opened at NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. „Teachers from ethnic minority settlements of Kakheti region, as well as, teachers from Tbilisi, are participating in the seminar. During the two-day seminar, teachers will be informed on NATO, NATO-Georgia relations, myths and reality about Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic Integration. Information Center on NATO and EU has implemented the project for the 19th time, with the support of NATO Liaison Office in Georgia. Up to 600 teachers have already participated in the Project", is noted in the statement. In full… Source: The webpage of the organization in a social network

Adjara. On July 24 through August 4, the Constitutional Court of Georgia conducted its 10th Annual Summer School on Constitutional Law and Human Rights. The Summer School was held on the Court’s premises in Batumi. The Summer School is designed to enhance the knowledge of future legal professionals in constitutional and human rights laws and is considered one of the most effective ways to promote human rights in Georgia today. Twenty-eight students had the opportunity to learn from experts, interact with peers, and build relationships. Before the start of the Summer School in Batumi, students met with the President of Georgia and the Ombudsman in Tbilisi to learn about the role that both institutions play in the development of democracy and rule of law in Georgia. Students also visited the USAID office in Georgia, where Deputy Mission Director Thomas Morris made a short presentation for students on USAID’s work in Georgia and the role it plays in the development of democracy and rule of law in the country. EWMI/PROLoG has supported the Constitutional Court Summer School for years. In full  Source: The website of the organization

Tbilisi. The European Union financed a two-year project of 12 Georgian universities and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia with 856’834,00 euros to retrain academic staff, renew academic writing courses and purchase a plagiarism detection program. This activity started in the spring of 2015 with a project funded within the framework of the "Open Society Georgia Foundation” Higher Education Support Program. With the help of the grant of the Foundation the "Plagiarism in academic space of Georgia - prevention and struggle” project of uni.ge, a non-governmental organization, was implemented. The project aimed to promote development of academic culture in Georgia, study a problem of plagiarism in academic space and, on the basis of public discussions, elaborate a unified capable position in regard to plagiarism. The "Open Society Georgia Foundation” pays special attention to sustainability of projects financed by it, therefore, introduction of recommendations developed as a result of a study and their consideration in subordinate acts were priority for the Foundation and uni.ge continued active work – introduction of recommendations, as well as establishment and support of academic culture against plagiarism. As a result, part of recommendations elaborated within the framework of the project were implemented: - National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement presented both new standards of authorization of higher education institutions and a recommendation of the Project Working Group on December 6-7, 2016; - The Foundation helped to additionally translate and publish a set of recommendations "Provision of good scientific practice”, which is related to not only plagiarism, but in general to the issue of prevention of academic dishonesty too. Read more… Source:The website of the organization

Imereti. EPF organized domestic networking workshop, where it brought together all Youth Bank Committee members (in total 119 youth) from across Georgia to share their experiences as young grantmakers and to recognize their achievements. The event was designed to support the beneficiary youth to develop a network of peers and to share their experiences gained through grantmaking at the local level. At the Closing ceremony representatives of Europe Foundation, USAID and SIDA addressed the Youth Bank members on this occasion and encouraged them to become more active members of their respective communities. In full  Source: The organization’s page in a social network

Kvemo Kartli. Ani Tsirdava and Mariam Todua – Zugdidi Youth Center’s (at the Association ''Atinati'') young volunteers visited Dmanisi within PITA’s Inter-regional Exchange Program. ''Together with their peers, they had an opportunity to work on civil society development, active citizenship, and volunteerism, and implement collaborative community and cultural initiatives. PITA’s Exchange Programs aims to generate sustainable and genuine youth exposure to diversity, promote tolerance building, facilitate volunteerism and build ties between ethnic majority and minority youth. 13 exchange programs are being implemented throughout June-September 2017 within PITA program, implemented by UNAG'', is noted in the statement. In full… Source: The organization’s web-page in a social network

Imereti. A training on ''Management of youth life'' was conducted for members of the Youth Center of Kutaisi. The purpose of the meeting was to form both professional and personal values of youth, to promote establishment of a healthy youth environment. Read more... Source:The website of the organization in a social network

Shida Kartli. Deputy Director of Information Center on NATO and EU Giorgi Pareshishvili held a meeting at the summer camp of ''Georgia Red Cross Society'' in Ateni gorge. ''35 young representatives from IDP settlements and collective centers of Gori region attended the meeting. Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic Integration process were discussed during the meeting'', is noted in the statement. In full… Source: The organization’s web-page in a social network

Kvemo Kartli. USAID’s PITA Marneuli Youth Center members Oksana Mamedova and Laida Imanova are delivering training in ''Georgia and EU'' in the villages of Marneuli. ''PITA’s 14 Youth Centers’ members are delivering similar trainings (140 in total) in 70 villages across 13 municipalities of Georgia. The major goal of this initiative is to raise public awareness on EU, Western values, and Georgia’s European aspirations'', is noted in the statement. In full… Source: The web-page of the organization is a social network

Tbilisi. Trainers of the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia conducted trainings on ''Social and job searching skills''. ''Within the framework of the training, participants have obtained knowledge of effective communication, conflict resolution strategies and job searching opportunities and tools'' – is stated on the website of the organization in a social network. Read more… Source:The website of the organization in a social network