Thursday, August 7, 2014

SIQA started Summer School of Social Media

July 18, 2014 SIQA started summer school of Social Media. The next lesion will be on July 22. Participants received theoretical and practical knowledge of Social media (Google plus, Face book and Gmail). Georgian and EVS (Turkish) volunteers took part in the lesions. Lessons will take place every Tuesday and Friday on 1600(4:00pm).

Water Splash Party

This year on the fifteenth of July SIQA is hosting the second annual water splash party. The event was held at Rustavi Park. The participants enjoyed the activities and prizes. Over seventy participants attended. 

Conference of Volunteer

In Kvariati, on July 14, 2014, SIQA took part in a volunteering conference. Increasing volunteering networks was the primary concept. Non-Government and Government organizations participated. Borjghali Youth Resource Center of Guria, Youth Center of Akhaltsikhe and SIQA were partner organizations who created event.   

Meeting with former EVS and new EVS Volunteers

Two Turkish volunteers will join SIQA for a short term project. Summer school of social media will be one project they will be a part of. The project will teach young adults how to shoot, and edit videos. 

MIcrosholarship English Access Summer School

Summer School of Microsholarship English Access (Rustavi) started June 30 and concluded on July 4. Peace Corps and EVS volunteers participated in the school throughout the week. The summer school had many activities, workshops and trainings. Nana Ioseliani-Maisher coordinator of project attended. The summer school finished with an excursion to Borjomi. 

Summer School Social Media

SIQA is participating in summer school of social media contest. If SIQA wins we will increase our young adults' summer and social media events. We encourage you to Vote for us. If we win, we will help young adults from economically disadvantaged families. See link to vote აქ შეხვიდეთ.

EFA Coalition

Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, SIQA, and six other NGOs signed a partnership memorandum. Tamar Sauikidze signed on behalf of the Ministry.

World Breast Cancer Run

SIQA volunteers participated at Turtle Lake, in Tbilisi, on June 29, 2014. Hera organization, USAID Sustain, and, Susann Common foundation financed the run. The run helped spread informative about breast cancer. 

Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Program Finished

June 26, 2014, in Tbilisi, concluded the final meeting of the ACETT Program. To honor the accomplishment an award ceremony was hosted. Ph International organized this event. Guest from all eleven Georgian regions attended. Marina Ushvelidze director of PH International and ACETT program highlighted the achievements over the last four years. Natia Jokhadze from the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia discussed the Ministry involvement. David Stonehill from USAID also discussed the achievements of the program.

The high functioning Civic Clubs presented and were awarded for their successful project.

  • The Best Initiative went to cleaning action Park of Victory Tbilisi #166 and Marji School.
  •  The Best Civic Social Media Project went to Telavi school
  • The Best Small Grant Project went I want to play too project this project focused on disabled youth. Tbilisi School # 18
  •  The Best project for integration went to Safe Circle Rustavi  school #1 and #4 and Vakhtangis school#1


Head of Board forum Nino Beselia talked about this program. Ph International gave thanks to Ministry of Science and Education. TV Ertsulovneba broadcasted the event. Students from Adjara made a mime presentation about civic education.


The program started in 2010 and concluded 2014.

“Volunteering Network Project”

On June 20, 2014, Borjghali from Batumi with support from SIQA orchestrated a meeting regarding volunteering network project. This project intends to increase volunteering throughout Georgia.  The project intends to improve communication between organizations and possible volunteers. SIQA assisted in coordinating Kvemo Kartli residents. School students from our region attended the training. Different concepts of attracting volunteers were discussed. From this discussion it was decided that video presentations will increase volunteering. Videos will be made and shown to raise awareness of volunteering. East-West                                                                                                   Management Institute is financing the project. 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

SIQA Volunteers Particapate takes action in Zero Plastic Week

Participants cleaned the AmthaTheater in Mtskheta. 60 people filled 116 garbage bags. Diana Vardanashvili created zero plastic week. EMT, SIQA, and the Ministry of Environment attended the event. 2700 people participated throughout the week. We like to give Thanks to all who were involved, Tbilisi radio, ministry, radio rush hour, radio folk, radio ucnobi, channel 1, Rustavi 2, GDS, mistro tv.

Conclusion of Art festival

This was SIQAs' first art club event. More will follow.

World wise music day SIQA ART CLUB

6-21-2014 at 1800 all invited to join.  Lovers of the Arts are encouraged to join.  460 cities took part in this event. Goal is to find talent in Rustavi

Ceremony of SIQA integration of Georgian Youth School work project

The project was funded by the “Youth Voices” program created by the World Bank Group. The project duration was three months. Akhaltsikhe, Gori, Rustavi, and Sagarejo were the four cities chosen. The project was about non-formal education. The intentions of the project were to help Georgia be on par with European countries. Nine trainers that had experience with working with young adults were chosen. From SIQA Rustavi School #20, Tamuna Kurdadze and Nika Gabatashvili were trainers. Main goals of the trainers to identify interest, and how to find and solve problems through non-formal education.

Grades 8, 9 Marriott Courtyard Marriott ceremony.

ZERO plastic bag week (June 16 -June 22 2014)

This week, on June 16, at Tbilisi Zoo, SIQA will be conducting training on how to make plastic bags from recycled plastic throughout the day. Khatuna Gogaladze, Ministry of Environment attended and gave info and support. In Mtskheta, the Ministry of Environment, on June 22, will conducted a cleanup activity. The goal of the project was to bring awareness of the pitfalls of plastic bags, and to useless plastic bag. Radio positive supported the event.

SIQA is supporting “Zero Plastic Week”

From June 6, through June 22, SIQA is encouraging Georgian Citizens to not use plastic bags. When buying items we encourage you to use old plastic bags.  Lets take part in this world issue here is a link about the issue   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw

On-line conference in SIQA

On June 11, 2014, an online conference between Nino Zautashvili an acclaimed journalist and SIQA participants was conducted. The concepts of the conference was media and society. The role of Media in a Democratic society was answered.  There was a question and answer portion of the conference. APPLIED CIVIC EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM.

Skills for Professional Success Graduation Ceremony

This Ceremony concludes the fifth season of program. During three months young people mostly young Rustavi and Tbilisi University students received training in communication, conflict resolution, debate, and public speaking. Graduates now have the skill set to increase job prospecting efficiency, and increase social activity in and out of the work place. A few graduates will take part in international clubs. Season six will start in September.

Eco Photo Exhibition

From the Youth in Action in Armenia, Photos will be on display for a week in Yerevan. The participants plan on developing similar project in their home country.

SIQA Bolisi School #5 Healthy Lifestyle

School training about healthy lifestyle. The goals of the training were to teach about the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and AIDS awareness, specifically HIV transmission through sexual contact. A short video about HIV/AIDS was presented.  A question and answer  portion was part of the presentation. Mari Tkeshelashvili conducted the meeting. This event was within the frame work of the APPLIED CIVIC EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM.

SIQA participated in a research focused group project.

SIQA is working with Education for all Georgians.  The project will be conducted in two stages. The first stage is titled Model of Professional Development of Teachers. The second stage is titled Model of Professional Association of Teachers.

The two organizations will listen to educators (teachers) and directors. The research gathered will help create a special document which will be presented to the Ministry of Education and Science. 

Air Quality Egg

SIQA is participating in international air quality event. All participants’ air quality is available at http://airqualityegg.com

“Make kids smile make earth smile”

On May 1, 2014, at Meria Square, SIQA conducted Make Kids smile make earth smile. Games, teaching origami, and face painting were some of the many activities. This day marked the start of summer

Volunteer of SIQA ECO Photo project

Part of Youth in Action project, SIQAS’ traveled to Stepanavan Armenia. The project started on May 30, 2014 and concluded on June 6, 2014. Eight countries from United Kingdom, Italy, Hungry, Czech Republic, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, and Moldova took part (Forty young adults total.)

The Goal of the project was to think about the Global environment and how to save it. Activities to change the minds of citizens were conducted. The presentations of the projects and award ceremony were held in Yerevan, Armenia.

Conclusion of Civic spring Camp

On Thursday May 29, 2014 the 2014 Civic Spring Camp ended with much success.  This camp will mark fourth consecutive year SIQA has orchestrated it. 1000 participants over the last four years have been involved in the camp. The camp was part of The Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Program, implemented by PH International, SIQA was the partnering organization

Start of the Third Stage of Civic Spring Camp

On March 22, 2014 ninety new students will take part in the final stage of the Civic Spring Camp. The ninety students are from every corner of Georgia. Camp APPLIED CIVIC EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM, Ph International USAID funded SIQA partner organization

Final Meeting of Applied Civic Education And Teacher Training Program

May 19, 2014 marked the end of the Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Program four year run. All seven Municipalities’ of Kvemo Kartli were represented in the meeting. NGOs, parents, local media, also were in attendance.  A presentation of SIQAs successful projects was conducted. Liana Gugunishvili, the coordinator teachers’ forum in Kvemo Kartli discussed projects. The successful clubs presented their project. Bloggers shared their blogs. The meeting ended with representatives from PH International awarding the most successful schools. 

SIQA pays tribute to the fallen AIDS victims

In Rustavi, on March 18, 2014 SIQA brought awareness and spread information regarding HIV/AIDS. Free test were offered to citizens. One part of the program was a seminar at SIQA office (#12) about the virus. The second part of the event was a ceremony at Meria Square (City Hall). Red balloons and ribbons candles were displayed by participants

Civic Spring Camp Guests

On May 12, 2014, Tamar Gurchiani, a human rights activist spoke with the participants at the civic camp.  World issues regarding human rights were the main themes of the discussion. Georgian human rights issues were discussed. The young adults asked questions regarding Georgian position on human rights.

Nino Beselia, Head of Civic Education Teacher Forum, held an interesting presentation about civic engagement.  She developed a workshop for active citizens. How citizens can be active was the concept behind the workshop. All teachers and students were glad of the experiences she shared and the presentation/workshop.

Nino Zautashvili Famous journalist was a guest at Civic Spring Camp

On March 10, 2014 Nino Zautashvili and the participants of the camp had an educational discussion about democratic society and civic citizens.  Nino Zautashvili said “I am happy we have so much new generation think positively and are so active. This camp is good chance for kids to meet people from different regions and to know what they are doing in their region and to get more knowledge and skills they will need in the future.”

Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Program, PH International implemented,  SIQA partnering organization.

Second Part of Civic Spring Camp has started

Ninety students and eleven civic teachers from all eleven regions of Georgia started the five day Civic Spring Camp. At the camp they will learn how to write projects. Camp is an Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Program, implemented by PH International, SIQA is a partnering organization. 

Activity World Inclusion Education Week

At Meria Square, an exhibition of different schools of Rustavi took place

The “Education for All Georgia” Photo Exhibit at Zurab Cereteli museum.

SIQA attended an Anika photo exhibition featuring Georgian disabled people. Anika Created this event. Anika is a NGO which works directly with people with disabilities. The photo featured people with disabilities. Fifteen photographers and other members from the media attended. Guram Tsibakhvili appointed the photos for the exhibition. Guest from the Ministry of Science and Education, Tbilisi city government and NGO who also work with this demographic attended this event.  University and high school students were there in support.
One parent said “photographer showed the most beautiful and lovely side of these people. I liked all pitchers.”

A disabled person Irakli Sepertveladze said "Good exhibition, warm, coming from the heart. All photographers work from their heart, the process is good but exhibition is better. I want to include the kind of people more in society which will make their life more beautiful." 

Wings For Life World Run

SIQA took part in Wings for Life World Run. This event raised awareness towards breast cancer. The race took place in Kutaisi. 

SIQA finished first part of Civic Spring Camp

March 1, 2014 concluded the first of three parts of the civic spring camp. The camp was a big success. The participants enjoyed the challenging activities and knowledge received during the week. The camp is part of Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training Program, implemented by PH International, SIQA is a partnering organization

Guest in Civic Spring Camp

On 4/27/2014 PH International Peer Manager Manana Kubaueishvili, and Director of “Ankika” Irina Iuasaridze talked about civic education, achievement for programs, future plans for activity clubs. Anika works with disabled people. They asked about how to help people with disability and how to improve their quality of life.

SIQA started Civic Spring Camp

On May 20, 2014 SIQA started the CIvic spring Camp. 300 participants (267 students and 33 civic teachers) will be trained on project writing and implementation. Participants from all eleven regions are represented. The participants will be broke into fourteen team groups.

Big Cleanup

On April 25, 2014 to celebrate Earth-day, Civic clubs from Rustavi cleaned up the river bank. Gloves and trash bags were donated by Green Movement of Georgia. Deputy Mayor Gigi Tabaladze and Deputy of Infrastructure Gia Archvadze, appreciated the positive work.

Visit to Georgian Parliament Library

On April 24, 2014 Rustavi Civic clubs visited the library. While there learned the history of old Tbilisi. Nino Gedenidze guided the young adults. At the main hall young adults reviewed Georgian, German, and French literature. They also received ancient scripts, rare and single edition books.  Nino instructed the young adults on how locate and check out materials. This event was in part of Applied Civic Education and Teachers Training program, PH International SIQA partnering organizations.  

Visit to Karvasla

On April 23, 2014, English Access Micro scholarship Program (Rustavi) visited historic museum of pictures. Photographs from the American West was featured. The exhibition was part of the American Days Celebration. English Access Micro scholarship Program has twenty-five students enrolled in a two year program.

SIQAs’ Team preparing for Civic Education Spring Camp 2014

At Tskaltubo Hotel Spa-resort, on April 21, 2014, in Tskaltubo, SIQA organized there spring camp. The camp will start on April 26, 2014 and conclude on May 27, of 2014. There will be three parts to the camp. 300 civic students and educators (267 students and 33 Civic teachers) from all eleven regions of Georgia will attend.  The participants will be split into teams of fourteen.  Celebrities, people from the ministry and international organizations will attend. 350 total participants will take part in camp. Camp APPLIED CIVIC EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM, Ph International implemented, USAID funded, SIQA partner organization.  This camp will mark fourth consecutive year SIQA has orchestrated the camp. 1000 participants over the last four years have been involved in the camp. 

SIQAs’ team in Macedonia

SIQAs’ team participated in the “Migration is Not a Crime” project. Young adults in Spain, Poland, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Turkey, and Georgia participated in projects. The concept was mobilization of youth. 

“Permavera Youth Exchange” project

SIQA team went to Spain to participate in Youth in Action program. SIQA spent ten days in Spain working with young adults from Spain, Italy, and Siberia. While there the developed intercultural activities.  The concept was professional an academic development.

Review of Kvemo Kartli Integration Camp

A performance review of the integration camp of 24 schools (12 Georgia and 12 Azerbaijan). Ten projects were created and seven received grants (1300 USD total).  The highlighted projects are listed below
  • Rustavi Micro District #12 Roads painted and nine signs placed or renovated
  • Tsalka main street speed bumps installed
  • Bolinisi placed speed bumps on four streets and installed road signs
  • In Marneuli on Rustavli street 135 building signs installed
  •  Martkopi fixed a water tank. This tank impacts 3000 residents
  • Dmanisi renovated locker-room

Representatives from PH International, Rustavi Mayor Davit Jikia, Deputy Mayor Giorgi Tabatadze, and Head of Dmanisi Municipality Nodaru Aduashvili all attended the meeting. A video of camp was shown. Government officials expressed their appreciation and promised to help with any future projects.
 

Professional Skills for Success Club goes to Tusheti

On April 6, 2014, leaders and members of the club went to Tusheti.  They visited the Vasha-Pshavela House Museum in Chargoli. Team building exercises and activities were conducted. Management and leadership qualities were debated. The trip ended with mstvadi (BBQ), singing and dancing.