U18 - Youth elections - for the first time in Georgia

SIQA- Educational Initiatives Georgian Association with Berlin-based non-governmental organization "German-Russian Exchange" in cooperation with regional organizations is implementing a project "We Can Do More! - The Development of civic activity of youth in the regions of Ukraine, Georgia".Within the framework of the project, 6 regions of Georgia held a imitative election in which young people have made a choice based on a review of election programs. German expert Roman Elsner was observing process of election. He also met representative of local NGO's and Participants of the projects. 

SIQA another EVS project in Norway

SIQA's another EVS project, this time in Norway. During one year Mariam Abuladze will facilitate youth activities in her organization. 

Since 2007 SIQA helped more than  50 young Georgians to participate in  European voluntary service program and deepen the personal competences.

An informational meeting with representatives of the Marneuli Municipality public schools

On September 21 SIQA's working group of the program "Momavlis Taoba" organized informational meeting with target school's civic club members and teachers of civic education. Participants were from Marneuli municipality villages Araflo, Kvemo Saqali, Kurali, Kachagani #1 and #2 public school teachers and students. SIQA's representatives congratulated to participants starting of New academic year, introduce future cultural activities, gave them resources required for the operation of the club and discussed with them future plans and initiatives. 

Participation in youth exchange project "Safety traffic"

On 5-14 September within frameworks of program Erasmus Plus was organized youth exchange "Safety Traffic" in Malta. During the project, 41 young people from 6 countries were discussing ways secure movements, the risks of the drunk or careless driving, speeding and other similar practices.

Visit to Berlin U18 youth program to observe the elections

In fields of program U18 Georgian delegation was observing elections in Berlin. SIQA's partner organization DRA organized project  "We Can Do More! - The Development of civic activity of youth in the regions of Ukraine, Georgia and Russia" . The project was directed towards the formation of an active civic position in children and young people, who do not yet have the right to vote. The program gave them the opportunity to participate in a imitated election process. photos

SIQA organized camp "Iniciatori" in Bakuriani

On 3-9 August SIQA organized Summer Camp in Bakuriani. Participants of the camp were high school students from Rustavi. During one week students had training about entrepreneurship and self initiatives. The camp was funded by BP and their partners "Community development initiative" project. 

Training at First aid

On July 26 at Siqa office, Siqa and partner organization EMT's volunteers and camp leaders had training for initial emergency aid. Training was led by Doctor Eka Shatakishvili. Participants were introduced to a variety of critical situations in the first-aid techniques and a practical tasks, shared their experience and received useful advice from a doctor.  With cooperation of CISV- international program,  the youth leaders at  SIQA will be systematically introduced to CISV-'s 64 years of experience in security and first aid camp.

Siqa "Handicraft Club" exhibition

SIQA's EVS volunteers for several years led crafts club, where they teach pupils, how to make  various interesting and useful items. On July 20, at  the Park of Culture and Recreation,was analogized exhibition of those items. To encourage children, during exhibition, which SIQA's foreign and local volunteers organized variety of fun activities in the park. Photoes. 

Photo exhibition of winners of "photo-marathon"

On July 9 SIQA organized photo exhibition for winners of :Photo-Marathon" at Rustavi Park. On June 25, SIQA organized Photo marathon , which lasted  15 hours, participants were young people who are interesting in photography. Jury chose five the most interesting works. Cafe "Askili" also choose their favorite photo.  
Winners als got awarded by computer company "Atom" a discount site "Swoop" and Photo salon "Maiko". SIQA awarded firs and second place winner with opportunity to participate in the international exchange program. 

SIQA with foreign partners is launching new program

SIQA with German organization DRA is implementing new project "We Can Do More! - The development of civic participation of youth in the regions of Ukraine, Georgia and Russia"   The project also involved the Ukrainian non-governmental organization st Kiev "Agency of Educational Policy Development" and the non-governmental initiative "School projects" from st Peters-burg (Russia).
Main goal of the project is rising civil social capacity in  Georgia, Ukraine and Russia under direction of youth work, also with helping of young people promotion of youth participation, spreading U18 (Under 18) model in Georgia. 

SIQA's representative took part in the working meeting , in Ukraine about awareness of youth workers

On June - SIQA's representative Inga Paichadze was invited to Kyiv. She attanded workshop on youth workers awareness about "Working meeting on Youth Work Recognition".  The meeting was organized by SALTO EECA,  Polish National agency of Erasmus + program  and the Ukrainian Ministry of Youth and Sports. 

The meeting aim was to promote and recognize youth work. Close international cooperation in Europe and the Eastern Partnership countries in the training of youth workers and non-formal education in terms of the recognition instruments. 

Students visit at "Geolab"

SIQA has organized visit at "Geolab" for the target school of the program "Momavlis Taoba". Students were active bloggers from Village Ertisi (Tetritskaro municipality) and village Samgori (Gardabani municipality).  MR Sandro Asatiani introduced to students new educational applications, he also talked about possibility of deepen their knowledge for digital technology fans and opportunities of involving in new projects. 

The annual event of program in Bolnisi

On June 21, 2016 in the assembly hall of the Municipal Board of Bolnisi, with the suppoert of local government SIQA organized,  2015-2016 academic year summery event of the program "Momavlis Taoba"
The meeting was attended by students and teachers of Bolnisi, Dmanisi, tetritskaor and Gardabani municipalities target Schools. 
The students introduced their activities during reporting period and achievements in slowing of several community problems in  cooperation with local government. 

Conclusive ceremony in Marneuli

On June 17 , 2016, was organized program "Momavlis Taoba" summery meeting for  2015/16 academic year. Event was held in Marneuli municipality board's conference hall. The meeting was attended by members of Civic Clubs and teachers of Marneuli and Gardabani municipalities target schools, local municipal officials and members of local organizations. Executive director of  "SIQA- Georgian Association of Educational initiatives" talked about achievements of the program in region of Kvemo Kartli. Forum coordinator Lia Gugunishvili presented activities of civic education teachers' forum. The successful civic education teachers, custodians of the club and the students were awarded with certificates and prizes. 

The program "Momavlis Taoba" small grands coordinator Inga Qibrotsashvili awarded hardware contest winner teachers and schools. The meeting was organized by SIQA- Georgian Association of Educational Initiatives and was supported of the Marneuli Municipality, Event was broadcasting by Marneuli Television. 

Civic Education program "Momavlis Taoba" is organized by PH international and is financed by US Agency of International Development (USAID). Program is supported by Ministry of Education and Science 

SIQA's representative attanded the international seminar on the use of ICT technologies

June 6-8  SALTO EECA invited SIQA's representative Inga Paichadze to attended the international seminar on the use of ICT technologies. The training took place in Konstancin, Poland. Participants were introduced to ICT Technology, that will be actively used at SIQA's youth projects. the training was carried out in the framework of program Erasmus +. 

Gardabani Municipality's schools are participating in football tournament

SIQA continues to organized activities to promote healthy lifestyle. Gardabani Municipality's schools are participating in football tournament. On May 9 Match was between Jandara an Nazarlo public school students. Nazarlo's team won the football match.

Marneuli municipality's schools are participating in volleyball tournament

With initiative of civil clubs, SIQA organized volleyball tournament. The goal of tournament was to make students more active, promote healthy lifestyle,to help pupils from different schools to get to know each other. In April and May participants of tournament were from next municipality villages: Kachagani, Ilmazlo, Keshalo, Damiageorarkhi, Zemo Sarali, Qvemo Sarali. On May 18 Final Match was held  between Kachagani #1 and Zemo Sarali's team. Winner was Kachagani #1 school, who also hosted the Match. All the participants of the tournament was given a volleyball net and ball, the winning team was awarded with special Cup. Volleyball tournament was held in frameworks of Program "Momavlis Taoba". The program is founded by USAID and is organazed by PH International. SIQA is program partner in Kvemo Kartli Region. 

Students from Gardabani met local government members

On May 10 in fields of program "Momavlis Taoba" SIQA organized student meeting with Gardabani district governor Gocha Jamarauli. The meeting was held in the district administration building. The district villages:  Kalinino, Jandara, Nazalos and Gardabani #4 public school Civic club members introduce activities that are planed  within the program. Civic club members talked about problems in their school and community, and ways to solve them with governor's help. Gadrabani Municipality and governor Gocha Jamarauli personally supported football tournament in this region, which is organized by SIQA. Gocha Jamarauli foundation, will financed making of the cup for the winner. 

SIQA took part in preparatory meeting of the international project "We can do more"

On April 25-27 SIQA hosted foreign partners of the project "we can do more - straightening of youth civic participation of Ukraine, Georgia and the Russian Regions' preparatory meeting. Working meeting was attended by partners who are participating in the project. At the meeting The project was planned in details, which will be implemented in the summer and autumn. The organizers met with the representative of Civic Education Forum Nino Gvaramidze. They talked about future collaboration. 

Trainig cource " Girls- Active citizens"

On April 15  within the frameworks of program "Momavlis Taoba" SIQA organized training "Girls- Active citizens" Training was conducted by Main specialist of Marneuli municipality public relations department Turaj Ibragimova. The training was attended students from Public schools of Marneuli Municipality. Working language of meeting was Azerbaijanian. The trainer shared with girls her own experience, about getting educations and developing her career.The participants talked about their future plans. Participants also talked about future collaboration. 

SIQA organized competition "European Union and NATO"

With Help of SIQA, Target schools of program "Momavlis Taoba" joined celebration of NATO week. For this was organized quiz ". Quiz was supported by EU and NATO information office in Kvemo Kartli. Participants were 9th and 10th  graders from all target schools of this region. At semifinals were revealed one winner form each municipality. Finals were heard between Bolnisi, Dmanisi, Tetritskaro and Rustavi public Schools. 

All participants were given certificates and EU and NATO information office  awarded winners with special presents.  

Invited guest in Sarali public school

On April 1 in fields of program "Momavlis Taoba" the analytic of Marneuli municipality and head of public relation office Tiraj Ibragimova visited public school of Zemo Sarali. The meeting was attended by the civic club member girls form Public schools of Zemo Sarali and Damiageorarkhi. Working language of the meeting was Azerbaijan. Guest shared his experience with girls, talked about the obstacles she had to overcome in order to receive education,  while career development process. The second part of the meeting, participants works in groups, had discussions and showed different videos. Participants watched animated video about woman's role in family. After working in groups they made presentation. SIQA wants to thank board of Marneuli municipality, for supporting this meeting. 

SIQA EVS coordinator participated in the international camp "International Trust Camp"

On April 21-28 SIQA EVS coordinator Nino Lekishvili participated in international trust camp, which took place in Lviv, Ukraine. The camp consisted of a team of youth workers from Russian, Armenian, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Serbia, The US, Poland, Lithuania. Participants talked about their native country's conflict situations, made presentation on the topic " What I learned from my country's history", recorded video about topic, whats does peace means to me. Also they talked about future collaborations. 

Friendly football match between the teams of Qvemo Sarali and Saomian #2 Public Schools

On March 25 SIQA organized multicultural sport activity, friendly football match between Qvemo Sarali and Shaumiani #2 Public schools. Georgian, Azeri and Armenian youth met each other on Qvemo Sarali football stadium. Match was organized in fields of program "Momavlis Taoba". Participants were awarded with program T-shirts and calendars.

SIQA's volunteers participated annual volunteer fair

On March 26 SIQA's volunteers with partner organizations EMT and CISV Georgia participated annual volunteer Fair. Fair was organized by organization Helping hand and was held in Courtyard Marriott.  Volunteers introduce their organization, running projects and opportunities for voluntary work. 

Cultural evening with participation of Georgian and Azeri students

On March 22 with initiative of Teleti and Kirachmugalo civic club members, SIQA organized interesting intercultural evening, in filded of program "Momavlis Taoba". On March 21, the Muslim world, including Georgian ethnic Azeri population is celebrating Bayram holiday, many people have very little information about it. Azeri Pupils introduce to Georgian pupils new information about Bayram holiday and way to celebrate it. Guest brought for hosts special hand-made candies and sweets. In return Teleti public schools students gave information about their own celebration "Teletoba". Meeting continue in informal way. Visitors and Hosts tasted sweets and talked about future collaboration. 

Visit to The Environmental information and Education Center

In fields of Civic education program "Future Generation" SIQA initiative visit to Environmental information and Education Center for studentds from Bolnisi and Tetritskaro public schools. Students met the head of educational projects Nato Sultanishvili, who made presentation about biodiversity and protected areas. Students were actively involved in the discussion and they received specific instructions about making classroom project for improving environment. Meeting was attended by 17 students and 4 teachers from school "Davitiani", Bolnisi #2, Bogvi and Ertisi public schools. 

Meeting with successful Azeri Women

On March 9 SIQA in frameworks of program "Momavlis Taoba" organized meeting with successful Azeri Women. Meeting was had at center for civic engagement. Invited guest were Marneuli civic center employ Nilufer Kurbanovasa and Marneuli Municpal board member Turaj Ibragimova. Meeting was attanded by avtice members of civic clubs, from Marneuli municipality schools, from villages Kulari, Qvemo Sarali, Takalo, Kirachmugalo, Kachagani #1 and #2 and Kachagani. The guests talked about the role of women in society, shared their experience, recall the famous women from Georgian and world history, also they talked about importance of setting career. 

Civic Club Forum in Marneuli

On Marc 4 SIQA organized  forum for program "Momavlis Taoba" civic clubs. Forum  was held in the assembly hall of the Marneuli Municipal Building. During the event, the program director for the region Kvemo Kartli, presented their achievements in filled of the program. Target school's civic club's active members presented their activities. Also there was organized exhibition of pictures about bullying. Winners of the competition were awarded with memorable presents. 

Civic Education Teachers Camp in Ikalto

From February 26 to March 1 was held Civic Education Teachers Camp in frameworks of program "Momavlis Taoba".  There were 22 teachers and representatives of 11 regional partner organizations. SIQA was introducing two target  schools, one was Kachagani #1 (Marneuli Municipality) and  Javshaniani (Bolnisi Municipality). During the camp, teachers had training about the topics of how to plan the lesson and how to work with civic clubs.  Civic Education program "Momavlis Taoba" is organized by PH international and is financed by US Agency of International Development (USAID). Program is supported by Ministry of Education and Science 

Success of SIQA's members

On February 27 SIQA's youth workers Mariam Koshadze and Nino Lekishvili Won Championship in Hitchhiking, which was organized by National Hiking Federation. Girls were first to cover the distance from Tbilisi to Batumi and well performed all the tasks. Congratulation to Mariam and Niniko

SIQA organazed a mini-forum with the participation of the local public schools

On february 25 in frameworks of program "Momavlis Taoba" SIQA organized mini forum at School Kachagani #1. Forum was attended by  students and teachers from Kachagani #1 and #2 , Yurali public schools. Schools shared their experience of of working in the program and information about activities carried out by them. SIQA's representatives talked about program activities which are planned for near future, announced competitions and new information about the program. Result of the forum also was the idea of co-operation between this three school. 

SIQA's office hosted the online conference with the writer Guram Dochanashvili

On February 25, SIQA's office hosted the online conference if frameworks of program "Momavlis Taoba". Guest of online conference was well-know writer Guram Dochanashvili. Participants of the conference was attended by 30 participants, which were students from program target group schools. Rustavi, Gardabani and Tetritkaro municipalities. Writer talked about hes books, life and artwork, also he answered questions from students. In total 160 students participated in the conference. 

SIQA traditionally celebrated the international day of kindness

On February 17 SIQA traditionally celebrated international day of kindness. SIQA's volunteers team decided to take care of citizens on cold winter day by serving w them with coffee and little fortune cookies.Cards and bracelets, which was marked with positive desires  where handed out to citizens and little children. Slogan of the event was: I will do good for you, you will do it to others.  

SIQA organized student's visit at historic parliament building

On February 11 in frameworks of the program "Momavlis Taoba" SIQA organazed visit at historical parliament building for students from Gardabani #4, Kalenini, Nazarlo and Teleti public schools. Guide showed visitors Halls of Shota Rustaveli and Queen Tamari, also they got many new and interesting information, about history of Georgian Parliament, it's structure, mission and role of law-making process. Visitors were satisfied with the tour.  See Photos here

SIQA's delegation took part in the training "Coaching for Change"

SIQA's youth workers Koshadze Mari, Lekishvili Nino and Mariam Abuladze participated in Erasmus + program, Coaching for change in Yerevan, Armenia. Training continue for 7 days, it was attained by 34 participants from 10 different counties. During the training, participants increased their knowledge about couching, learned how to use it in practice. Participants were introduced to various methods of working with young people, they had opportunity to help young people  exchange their problems. 

Students learned about the purpose of the EU and NATO

On 3,4 and 5 of February SIQA organized meeting between the European union and NATO information center representative Marika Liparteliani and IX-X grader students from Axali Samgori, Ertesi and Bogvi public schools.At the beginning of the meeting main idea, porpoise and activities of European union and NATO was discussed. After review and discussion, a documentary film about story of founding the European Union was shown. The aim of the meeting was to give students useful and interesting information about EU and NATO. Activity was organazed in framworks of  Civic Education program "Momavlis Taoba". Civic Education program "Momavlis Taoba" is organized by PH international and is financed by US Agency of International Development (USAID). Program is supported by Ministry of Education and Science 

The Sruty visit "Culture of Democracy" in Denmark

Danish UN Association in cooperation with intercollegiate Denmark conducted a study visit "Culture of Democracy", the first part of the project was held in city Sleteslend, the second part was held in Copenhagen, project partner organization from Georgia was SIQA, SIQA send participants from Education and Management team EMT - Maridea Gelashvili and Laliko Tvaliashvili, also Association of photographers project manager Nino Mgebrishvili. While project participants had intensive seminars, presentations and meetings with representatives of various political parties and organizations. Participants also found out new information about Denmark and other countries cultures. Also they shared ideas for future projects. 

Civic Education program "Momavlis Taoba" evaluating event in Marneuli

On January 25 SIQA organized summarizing event for Program "Momavlis Taoba", Which was held in Marneuli municipal board building. During the event, program director for the region, presented the result achieved in the region of the July-December. the target school students presented their civil activities the the audience. 

EVS coordinators training

On 22-24 January was organized EVS coordinators training. It was attaned by SIQA's EVS coordinator Nino Lekishvili and Executive Director, EVS Creditor Inga Paichadze.  During the training coordinators discussed the EVS program, its difficulties and problems and ways to solve them. Representative of SALTO EECA, told participants about EVS program, current statistics and news. 

The program "Momavlis Taoba"'s a summarizing event at Bolnisi

On 2 January SIQA organized Closing ceremony of the program "Momavlis Taoba" at Bolnisi municipality. On the meeting was presented results achieved in region Kvemo Kartli for period July-December of 2015. Target school students introduce to audience, their civic activities, The winning school's teachers and students were awarded in various categories. Photos. 

Volunteer of the year 2015 Tamuna Kurdadze

SIQA's team summed up the organization's activities during year 2015. For her hard volunteering work SIQA awarded Tamuna Kurdaze as a volunteer of the year. SIQA's team wants to thank her very much. She was given the certificate and memorable present. 

SIQA's NEW YEAR Carnival

On December 27 of 2015 SIQA organized New Year Carnival. Event was organized for people, who throughout the year were active citizens, helped their community and dd something for city to changed it better.  SIQA's team prepared an interesting entertaining program as a farityle story, funny competitions and Karaoke dance. 60 people attained carnival, they were actively involved in the carnival program and spent pleasant evening. Carnival culminated with the grand new year's cake. 

SIQA organazed a friendly Match between the football teams of public school Teleti and Keshalo

On December 20 of 2015 SIQA organized friendly football Match between Teleti and Keshalo public schools. Friendly game initiative belonged to Teleti and Keshalo's civic club members. Winner was Teleti's public school, score 5-1.

Story about EVS - European volunteer Service Program

SIQA is actively involved in program EVS- European Volunteer Service since 2007. For nine years SIQA helped more then 70 young volunteers to get experience in Europe, Also organization hosted around 50 European volunteers, who are working together with SIQA's team. See story here about the EVS program with participation of SIQA's EVS coordinator Nino Lekishvili.

SIQA's Volunteers organized workshop for students from Kalenino

On 17th of December  SIQA's  German volunteer Amelie Didederich organized workshop for students from Kalinino school, Gardabani municipality. Civic club members learned how to make new years greeting cards, they decorated it by them self and wrote greeting texts in Georgian, Azeri, English and Russian languages. Pupils will give the cards to their families as a present for New Year

SIQA"s representatives participated in the international workshop "Theater of Oppressed"

SIQA youth leaders  Mariam Koshadze and Ani Tsitskishvili participated at the training course "Theater of oppressed" in Germany, Potsdam. The training was attended by 30 People from 15 different countries. Within the frameworks of training, participants learned how to make the tools of social theater and learned how to use in in a variety of  social issues in the prevention and resolution. 

An International conference in Kyiv

On 19th November of 2015 SIQA's Executive Director Inga Paichadze in terms of invited expert participated in the Ukrainian Capital Kyiv, at international conference " Development of a democratic society in order to increase opportunities for youth involvement and methods. An international conference was held in frameworks of Ukrainian-German project "More than we can! - strengthening of civic and political democracy in Ukraine through education" Program, supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Conference was attended by of the Ministry of Education of Ukrain, Beside Kyiv Department of Education and school principals, civic education experts from Germany, Poland, Russia and Georgia were also invited. 

Demonstrative Karl Poper debate was organized between Georgian and Azerbaijanian school

On 12th November of 2015 SIQA - Georgian Association of Educational Initiatives, in frameworks of program "Momavlis Taoba", organized demonstrative Karl Poper Debate. Event took place at  main hall of Marneuli municipality Building. Participants were from Marneuli municipality's village Keshalo Public school Azerbaijanian pupils and Gardabani Municipality village Teleti public school's Georgian pupils. Divided in two teams Main topic of the debate was "Media censorship is justified". Beside Keshalo and Teleti students, demonstrative debate was attended by Pupils and teachers  from Takalo, Araplo, Damiangeorarkhi and Kvemo Sarali public schools, as well as invited guest - Marneuli Municipal department of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth Affairs main specialist Mari Tkeshelashvili.

  Demonstrative debate's working language was Georgian, this was big challenge for Azerbaijan students, because they  had to debate and show their position in front of wide audience  in non native language. As a result of debate, this kind of activity became more popular, students improve their critical thinking skills, ethnic minority became more active and it helped promoting civic engagement and integration.