Batumi State University and the USAID Rule of Law Program have joined forces to introduce a practical approach to teaching law through a “Street Law” initiative. This program will deliver interactive legal sessions to high school students in the Adjara region, promoting public legal education and increasing legal awareness among the local population.

Street Law is an approach where law students conduct research and develop interactive lessons on various legal topics, including human rights, civil rights, and criminal liability, under the supervision of a professors. The lessons are then delivered to school pupils, fostering a better understanding of the law and its practical applications.

In the initial phase, from April to June, Batumi State University (BSU) piloted Street Law lessons at four public schools in the Adjara region: Makhinjauri, Sarpi, Tkhilnari, and Erge village public schools. Eight law students delivered engaging lessons on topics such as the Constitution, human rights, labor rights, juvenile justice, and human rights to approximately 80 pupils.

Mariam Tsulukidze, a fourth-year law student at BSU, expressed the value of working with the audience and sharing knowledge to enhance practical skills and raise legal awareness. She believes that projects like this contribute to the establishment of democratic civil values in society.  Giorgi Bagrationi, also a BSU fourth-year law student, said: “The Street Law course helped me to deepen theoretical knowledge and share it with others. In addition, the Street Law course was an effective way for me to develop skills like effective time management, critical thinking and teamwork, which are important for everyone but especially for a lawyer. But most notable and rewarding for me was seeing the genuine emotions of pupils.”

The USAID Rule of Law program's objective extends beyond enhancing students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. It also aims to raise legal awareness among youth and the local population, fostering a sense of responsible citizenship. Following the successful pilot in the Adjara region, Batumi State University plans to incorporate the Street Law course into its curriculum, offering students a one-semester program starting in the next academic year. Additionally, the Program collaborates with other regional and Tbilisi-based law schools to integrate Street Law programs into their teaching methodologies.