The USAID Rule of Law Program supports increased access to courts and strengthened public participation in Marneuli and Bolnisi. On June 2, 2023, the Prevention for Progress (PFP) and the Civil Engagement and Activism Center conducted a training session supported by the Program. The training enhanced the capacities of ten civil activists from Bolnisi and Marneuli municipalities, empowering them to participate effectively in an awareness-raising campaign focused on the judiciary.

Natalia Tsagareli, the PFP representative, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the significance of access to justice and acknowledging the support provided by the USAID Rule of Law Program.

Judiciary and media experts, Nazi Janezashvili (Director, Georgian Court Watch), Rapiel Kakabadze (Director, Democracy Defenders), and Gvantsa Kokoshvili (Social Media Manager, European Union in Georgia), equipped the activists with comprehensive information regarding the challenges faced by the judicial system, the public's requirements concerning access to justice, the significance of peaceful activism, various tools for effective social media campaigns, and advocacy techniques.

Aziz Musaev, one of the activists traineid, expressed, "As a law student, participating in this training was highly valuable to me as I gained insights into the court process. I realized there are numerous challenges within the district courts that need to be addressed."

Osman Bayramov, a law student and civil activist, credited the training for enhancing his teamwork skills and providing him with an understanding of the intricacies of the judicial system. He said, "I extend my gratitude to the organizers and trainers, and I eagerly anticipate similar training opportunities in the future."

Aysel Aivazova, an activist and law school student, highlighted the training's role in developing her ability to solve legal issues and protect human rights, social values, and democratic principles. She emphasized,

"To promote awareness about the judiciary, I will share the knowledge gained from this training with my colleagues and actively use it in projects and professional activities."

The activists were selected through an open call from a pool of fifteen applicants who expressed their interest in participating in the campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the judiciary. Working alongside the project team, these activists will conduct meetings in the communities of Marneuli and Bolnisi, where they will provide residents with important information regarding the significance of fair trials and also introduce tools to assist residents in accessing the courts.