Following a months-long tour of Georgian regions, the Chavchavadze Center organized civic engagement trainings and thematic masterclasses in Tbilisi on December 7-8. Zaza Bibilashvili, Founder of the Chavchavadze Center, introduced to the participants activities of the Center and discussed the evolving challenges of civic engagement. Discussions with Nino Kalandadze, Director of the Center, were held, within the framework of the project “Common Sense: Civil Society Facing Politics”.
On the first day, the Chavchavadze Center offered several sessions to participants: the session of Ilia State University Professor Gia Nodia “Why West?”; the session of IRI resident country director John DiPirro “Development of Political Parties and Civic Engagement in Georgia”; the session of the Center’s senior fellow, professor Mariam Gersamia “How to Prepare for a Debate”. Actual topics for mock debates were defined by the participants themselves: Occupation, Russia’s hybrid war and polarization, civic engagement, reversibility of Georgia’s Western course. After the debate, the participants received advice from the experts of the Center. At the end of the day, the participants were awarded with the Chavchavadze Center certificates.
On the second day, Sandro Bibilashvili, Founder of the Chavchavadze Center, held a thematic session on Freedom of Expression and Modern Georgian Judicial Practices. Afterwards, Nino Kalandadze, Director of the Center, held a discussion with participants of the eighth stream of the project “Common Sense” Civic Education Facing Politics”. The discussion highlighted current problems and Education is prioritized among them. Simon Janashia, education expert and representative of the Guivy Zaldastani American Academy in Tbilisi, spoke about topic: “What is missing in Education policy in Georgia?” Afterwards, professor Mariam Gersamia held a session on body language and message building during public speaking.
At the end of the second day, participants were awarded with the Chavchavadze Center certificates.