Kakheti. The Europe edition of the popular game “What? Where? When?” was held in the Kakheti Region, with over 100 teams participating simultaneously.  The questions for the game were tailored to enable youth to learn more about the European Union in a fun and interactive manner.Throughout the year, the game will be played not only in Kakheti but also in all 63 municipalities of Georgia, including the 11 districts of Tbilisi and the juvenile colony.  the marathon will progress across all regions of Georgia, culminating in Tbilisi in Spring 2024. More.. Source: European Union in Georgia

Tbilisi. “Generation of Independent Georgia: In Between Hopes and Uncertainties- Youth Study 2023” - initiated and funded by Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES), South Caucasus Regional Office. Study presents a country wide empirical research, which provides analytical insights into the young generation’s perceptions, awareness, expectations and approaches towards the changing realities. The study determines challenges young people face and identifies urgent tasks within the society.  Study... source: Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung

Samegrelo-Svaneti. USAID partnered with GITA to organize a tech festival for young people in Chuberi and Mestia.  The festival helped young people learn digital and entrepreneurial skills, as well as knowledge of topics like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 3D modeling, and STEM.  More... Source: USAID/Georgia

UNICEF calls on governments to strengthen policies and investments to expedite the transition to clean, efficient energy and transport and set up and maintain air quality monitoring systems nearby kindergartens and schools, and report information to the public, noting levels of air pollution that are dangerous to children and pregnant women. More… source: UNICEF

Now in its over thirteen years, Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) allows Georgian secondary school students in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades to study at an American high school and live with an American host family. The FLEX program is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State program and is administered by American Councils for International Education in Georgia. The program will offer scholarships to secondary school students from Georgia for the 2024-2025 academic years. Scholarship recipients will be provided with a round-trip ticket from their home to the United States and back as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses. While in the U.S., Georgian students will have the opportunity to share Georgian culture. They will learn about the United States firsthand by participating in family life, school study, and extracurricular activities. Recipients of FLEX scholarships are selected by an independent panel of experienced educators in the United States based on merit demonstrated in the application materials. Merit is determined by evaluating the online application, recommendations, English language proficiency, and an applicant’s demonstrated preparedness for a yearlong exchange experience. We invite all students to participate in the competition who: (1) Are presently studying in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades and have good academic standing; (2) Were born between January 1, 2007, and July 15, 2009; (3) Are eligible to receive a U.S. visa; (4) Have not lived in the United States for more than three months in the last five years; (5) Are citizens of Georgia; (6) Have previously studied English or demonstrate English language abilities. The FLEX program is open to all high school students who meet the requirements of the program, including students with disabilities. Over 270 disabled students have already studied in the U.S. in this program. The age/grade requirements for disabled students differ from the requirements for other applicants. Disabled candidates must be born between February 15, 2006, and July 15, 2009, and must be studying in 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The first and second rounds will be held online, semi-final – interview, and testing- will be held offline. Applicants can participate in the recruitment process from any location that has Internet access, using either a mobile device or a computer. The standards for the program will remain very high and we expect competition to be strong. The first round of testing is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria above and will take place online from August 1 until September 28, 2023. It includes a preliminary online application and three essay questions that must be submitted within 10 days of starting the application.  Eligible applicants can apply here... After submitting the preliminary application, all students will automatically be invited to take part in Round 2, which consists of an online English language test. Round 3 will include an interview, two more essay questions, a comprehensive English language test, and the full application. Students who advance to this stage will be contacted by the American Councils Georgia office. More information about the program can be found at the following link... Source: georgia.americancouncils.org

Tbilisi. The UNICEF shares the tips for a very hot summer. “Heatstroke occurs due to long stays outside during high temperatures, and as a consequence of a direct exposure to sunshine, as well as a consequence of staying in an enclosed space, due to damp and overheated air, i.e. in public transport, an automobile, or an overheated apartment. Even though a parent may feel comfortable at a certain temperature, this should not necessarily imply that the child feels the same way, since he/she is yet to have his/her thermoregulation stabilised. Newborns, infants, and toddlers should be taken out early in the morning and later in the afternoon. It is not advisable to take young children out during the hottest period of the day, from 10AM to 5PM. The child should be dressed in loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials (cotton, linen), with his/her head covered with an obligatory cotton cap, or a hat. Always have with you a bottle of water that you should offer the child frequently, at least a sip or two (instead of water, this can also be a mild lemonade). Never leave children in your car, or other type of vehicle in the sun – not even for a couple of minutes!” Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. UNICEF spoke with adolescent psychologist Dr Lisa Damour about how parents can best navigate this time, providing teens with opportunities to grow and engage in new experiences, while helping them to stay safe. “Teenagers’ interest in new experiences is natural and a key part of what helps them grow. By pushing boundaries, teens develop independence and become increasingly self-reliant. But sometimes teenagers can take risks that put their safety and those around them in danger. It can be a worrisome time for parents, but it’s important to remember that teens are built to seek independence and freedom. It's a sign of their healthy development”. Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. Good news for Georgia – the EU’s Erasmus+ activities are increasing! From 2024, Georgian organisations will be able to participate in international cooperation projects in Erasmus+ Programme countries in the fields of youth and sport. Keep an eye out for new opportunities here for the Youth... and sport... Source: The EU’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Are you going to Tbilisi Open Air on 23-25 June? You can see the European Union there spreading the festive spirit among the youth.  “We are bringing something unique and engaging for you! Join our life-size Intellectual game, “European Way: Evropis Gza” hosted by Davit Gorgiladze and get ready to dive into an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, learning, and lots of laughter! The game is created by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung South Caucasus with our support”. Read more… Source: The EU’s page on the social network

Kakheti. Unlocking the potential of our youth is a vital step in shaping a society that cherishes equality, embraces diversity, and champions advocacy. That is why UNDP embarked on a journey to Kakheti Euroclub with the captivating photo exhibition “Faces of Diversity”. “During our engaging discussion with the local youth, we were truly inspired by their fascinating initiatives addressing human rights, gender equality, and inclusion. While visiting Kvareli Municipality, we met with more than hundred students from five different public schools. Our discussions revolved around the right to education, the safeguarding of minority rights, and the engagement of young individuals in shaping democracy. We drove into the accomplishments attained in these areas and addressed the prevailing challenges that demand our attention. After the insightful meetings in Marneuli, Tetritskaro, Akhaltsikhe, and Kvareli, we will continue our engagement with youth in other regions of Georgia. The series of discussions with youth is supported by Norway and Sweden as part of UNDP’s ongoing projects for gender equality, minority rights, and social inclusion”. Read more… Source: The organizations page on the social network

Tbilisi. GCSD launched a fantastic STEM Camp from May 24-27 at Buckswood School as part of SHE's GREAT project! Fifty enthusiastic participants from various public schools from Sachkere, Senaki, Zugdidi, Bolnisi, Marneuli, Tserovani, Akhatsikhe,  and Tbilisi joined this engaging event. They all share a strong interest in the fields of science and technology. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Kvemo Kartli. The Education Development and Employment Center and Kvemo Kartli Regional Hub organized a workshop for the members of the Bolnisi Youth Council. “Volunteering and Civic Activism” was the topic of the workshop, which aimed to increase the culture of volunteerism among young people, facilitate an open dialogue about civic activism, support the role and activities of youth councils, and familiarize participants with the characteristics and connections that exist between volunteering and civic activism. Find out more… Source: The STAR project’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. UNICEF, in partnership with seven state universities and the CRCs, initiated the research on mental health among university students to gain in-depth understanding of students’ mental health needs and their access to the respective services as one of the fundamental child rights. “According to the survey conducted by UNICEF, young people comprise one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of mental health. One out of four young people experiences moderate or severe anxiety symptoms, one in three suffers from signs of depression”. Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. UNA Georgia is proud to announce it’s partnership with Tbilisi Open Air/AlterVision. “If you are planning to attend the festival this June 23 - 25, you must stop by our colorful space during the daytime hours! We will meet you with a range of engaging talks, activities, and games, centered around the topics that unite us all - Diversity, Equality, Freedom, Activism. We are thrilled to meet the many young and diverse people at the festival, and we thank the Tbilisi Open Air/AlterVision for this incredible opportunity”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Child benefits support children in need, though 38% of children in Georgia are affected by material and social deprivations, reveals the Child Welfare Survey conducted by the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) with support from UNICEF.  The purpose of the survey was to measure children’s welfare in several core domains, including access to education, healthcare and social assistance, nutrition during school hours, safety at home, material and social deprivation, functional difficulties and stigma associated with disability. Find out more… The survey is available here… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. According to the new report of UNICEF, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, and Ukraine have among the highest rates of under-vaccinated children. “Nearly one million children across Europe and Central Asia missed one or several routine vaccinations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic”. Read more… Source: www.unicef.org

Tbilisi. On April 13, Sapari submitted an application to the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of 5 former beneficiaries of Ninotsminda boarding school. “The applicants seek a finding of the violation of their rights under the substantive aspects of Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman/degrading treatment) and Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life), as well as the procedural aspect of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Imereti. On April 12 and 13, 2023, the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) held online meetings on the topic: “The Importance of Digital Volunteering” the purpose of which was to introduce the first volunteering digital platform in Georgia, www.volunteer.ge, people involved in volunteering activities, and to discuss the needs of digital volunteering and the meaning of volunteering. Find out more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Guria. MAC Georgia’s Rural Schools Program implemented another “Weekend Academy” last week at Chochkhati’s Public School in Lanchkhuti Municipality. The Weekend Academy included a variety of activities, such as: Intellectual Competitions; Theater Drills; Sport Activities; Cognitive Games; Morning Warm-Up line dances…and more! Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. The Georgia Red Cross recently conducted a three-day training for volunteers and employees who will be working to facilitate child-friendly spaces. The main goal of this initiative is to integrate Ukrainian children and help them manage stress. Child-friendly spaces are safe places designed to provide a comfortable environment for children to play, learn, and express themselves freely. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. 20 young women peacebuilders from all over the world were in Georgia for a four-day meeting.  Supporting leading women's organizations from conflict and post-conflict countries to build peace, strengthening the leadership skills of young women peacebuilders, and developing their capacities - peacebuilders selected from 4,500 applicants joined the pilot program. Read more… Source: ginsc.net

Tbilisi. Welcome to UNDER 30', the podcast series by the EU-Council of Europe youth partnership that brings research results, explores trends in young people's lives and themes relevant for youth policy and practice. The EU-CoE youth partnership is a co-operation programme between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field of youth, created in 1998, connecting youth research, policy and practice. Read more… Source: eu-coe-youth-partnership.transistor.fm