Essay competition "European of the Future" announced for schoolchildren

In connection with the 20th anniversary of Georgia's accession to the Council of Europe and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Council of Europe, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, has announced an essay contest for 9th-12th grade students entitled "The European of the Future" – "Imagining the European of the future?".

Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Irina Abuladze, and the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia, Cristian Urse, discussed the content of the contest and the terms of participation with the students of Public School No. 47. The guests also answered the students' questions.

Within the framework of the contest "The European of the Future" – "Imagining the European of the future?", students will create essay-type works in which they will strive to portray a European whose lifestyle and values express European values: the inviolability of dignity, justice, solidarity and tolerance, freedom, equality, human rights, respect for the rule of law, culture and linguistic diversity, environmental care, and the rejection of discrimination.

The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness and increase interest among students regarding European integration processes, and to foster the understanding and dissemination of the significance of our country as a member of the European family.

Students of grades IX – XII of public and private general education institutions of Georgia participate in the contest. A participating student must create a literary work in the form of an essay in the Georgian language (students representing ethnic minorities may submit in their native language accompanied by a Georgian translation), which must not exceed 1000 words and may be presented in either printed or handwritten form. The students' work must be a free-format reflection. The work should reflect the student's vision of European values and their development in the future; which includes the protection of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. Also, inclusivity in public life, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and the fight against discrimination.

According to Irina Abuladze, the authors of the contest entries taking I, II, III places and the winners in special jury nominations will be awarded with diplomas and valuable prizes. Furthermore, the winning participant identified by the commission, in accordance with the regulations established by the Council of Europe, will be awarded a diploma issued by the Council of Europe, which will be presented in October 2019 in the city of Strasbourg at the 70th anniversary event.