April 25, 2008
Natalie Mchedlishvili
Georgia Today

On April 24, students and teachers from Tbilisi Public School 189 gathered together in order to talk about the cognitive club they have founded in partnership with the U.S. Embassy.

The main aim of the club was to create an entertaining but enlightening environment for students to let them exchange information, learn different innovations, culture, history and talk about society and politics. The trainings are being held once a week in English so the participants have an opportunity to practice their second language.

There are no competitions and no groups among the 17 students taking part in the project. At the initiative of Nino Kharazishvili, an English teacher, and supported by Kate Cota, a researcher from the U.S., the members of the club are regularly visiting different parts of the country, as well as doing sightseeing in the capital.

“For instance we have visited Svetitskhoveli Church in Mtskheta where we have long talks about the history of the monastery; we were also able to go to Mtatsminda Pantheon and visit graves of most of the well-known Georgian writers, poets and musicians. As for the next step, we are planning to visit Saburtalo Orphanage house and do our best to make those kids smile too,” Cota explained. “I’ve been observing schools and spending time with these kids; talking with them about their experiences and history. As a matter of fact, I became very interested in Georgian culture and now am very excited to hear about what these children’s thoughts are. The project will definitely continue because it brings democracy to these kids, allowing them to express their ideas and the reasons behind them.”

During the presentation the students had to give information about their club and share their points of views with the school authorities.

The organizers have prepared special certificates for the students for being active and lively.

“The idea itself was very interesting and the venture turned out even more successful than expected. The children here are able to work on themselves and have an excellent practice of English without any pressure of grades,” said Nino Kharazishvili. “There are no criteria for selecting the students for the club, so any of the willing candidates are more than welcome to come and join us.”