Second Chance at Education

Within the framework of the program "Second Chance at Education for Children Left Out of the Educational Process in Georgia" implemented by the Inclusive Education Development Division of the National Curriculum Department of the Ministry of Education and Science, a cycle of training sessions has commenced for public school teachers and administration on the topic "Identification of Educational Needs of Children from Vulnerable Groups, Strategies for Communication and Cooperation with Them."

The aim of the training is for educators to acquire knowledge and skills to overcome difficulties in working with children from vulnerable groups (including such a challenging group as homeless or so-called "street children") and to improve communication and cooperation with them. It should become possible to minimize the risks of students being left out of school for the personal growth, development, and healthy integration into society of children from sensitive groups, as well as to overcome their integration problems and create motivation for studying at school.

The topics and program for the training module were selected taking into account the educational needs and psycho-social characteristics of homeless children. This training course was also planned and implemented in 2015. It was attended by teachers of homeless children and school directors. The training generated great interest and positive feedback from educators, as the topics discussed during the teaching process are highly relevant and important for classroom management and interacting with children from sensitive groups.

The training is conducted by the Civil Society Development Center (CSDC), a contractor organization of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. The training involves schools where homeless children are enrolled—a total of administration and teachers from 34 schools, including 22 schools in Tbilisi, 6 in Kutaisi, and 6 in Rustavi.