In 2008/09, many presentations of the Charter in schools

In 2008/09, our group organized many presentations of the Charter. Foremost in schools, about 25 institutions in all, located in 5 different regions of Georgia, one of which (Akhaltsikhe) is inhabited by a majority of Armenians and another (Marneuli) by a majority of Azeris.

During our discussions on the Charter, both the pupils’ and the teachers’ interest was always quickly focused on the practical implications and on possible actions. To support them in their search, we then regularly referred them to the school, institutional, or local “Agenda 21.” We have found in our experience that this is a very well-adapted tool: it shows that every initiative can be part of an overall program in which everyone has a part to play. In addition, it shows how other institutions in Georgia and in other countries are taking their responsibilities. It will facilitate contacts and exchanges.

We also invited local and regional authorities to our presentations, as well members of other NGOs. Members from the Green movement often offered to participate, for example in actions for better waste management and to clean up riverbanks. Connecting the schools with a center for demonstration and training in sustainable-development techniques founded by the NGO WECF (Women in Europe for a Common Future), was especially promising. This center brings schoolchildren in for a free initiation in organic farming and in nature-conservation devices that are cheap and made with local materials: solar fruit dryer, solar water heater, eco-san toilet, etc … Finally, at every visit, we distributed our literature, as well as literature from other organizations.

In addition to the workshops at the different schools, we organized three large conference-debates at the regional level: on August 3 in the region of Kharagauli, with principals and teachers from 26 schools and local authorities; on August 25 in the region of Adzharia, thanks among others to the very active cooperation of the vice-minister of education, with 47 school principals, many teachers and several officials; and in September in Svanetia, a region in the high mountains where lack of time prevented us from organizing meetings with all those who were interested. But the principals from three large villages expressed their desire to get involved in the initiatives and distribute the literature we had brought; the pupils decided to collect wise old sayings, proverbs, legends, and traditions from their elders and to publish them after having adapted them to modern values. We ourselves were surprised by the very favorable reception given to our presentations.

We are planning other regional conferences in the regions of Mtskheta-Tianeti, Khevsureti (a region in the high mountains), Samegrelo, and Kakheti.

Our team is currently monitoring the groups of initiatives set up following our workshops. The schools will each be developing their Charter of Responsibilities. In 2010, we will try to pool all these Charters and draw the substance from them. Our project to organize, in May 2010, an international conference with delegates from the schools is already very motivating.

Among the group actions and projects, some need to be funded. We will help to raise those funds.

Tsisso Chipashvili