On April 10-11, 2024, student-paralegals from Adjara and Imereti conducted various activities (reaching more than 140 participants) in the Samegrelo and Imereti regions as part of the Make Justice Accessible for All: Paralegal Initiative supported by the Legal Aid Service (LAS) and the USAID Rule of Law Program.

On April 10, student-paralegals from Imereti visited I. Javakhishvili school "Imedi" in Kutaisi and spoke with the students and teachers about children’s rights, various forms of bullying and the importance of inclusive education.

Maia Nozadze, Head of the Analytical and International Relations Department at LAS addressed the students and explained LAS’s mandate and how it provides legal aid to local citizens. The same day, a mock trial on the labor rights of minors was held at Zestaponi District Court, having students from different schools in the Zestaponi municipality   serve as special civil jurors.

The case materials for the mock trial were carefully prepared to enable the jurors to deliberate on real issues concerning child labor rights and to gain further understanding through expert legal assessments. This topic sparked significant interest among schoolchildren.

On April 11, student-paralegals from Adjara, along with Ms. Nozadze visited Nosiri’s (village) public school in Senaki municipality and explained the mission and function of LAS. The student-paralegals then spoke about children’s rights, including rights related to health, education, family life, play, and protection from abuse and harm. They also discussed topics such as early marriage and juvenile justice.

On that same day, the LAS organized a mock trial at the Senaki District Court, involving student-paralegals from Adjara playing opposing roles in the case. High school students from Senaki N1 public school served as special civil jurors. The simulated trial highlighted a minor's labor rights, particularly addressing her dismissal despite working excessive hours and performing tasks not suitable for her age at the supermarket.  

Senaki District Court Chairman Levan Nutsubidze welcomed the students and provided a brief explanation of the role of judges in delivering verdicts on cases. He emphasized that such activities enable participants to take on various roles within the court, such as lawyers, witnesses, and other personnel, fostering a deeper understanding of court procedures.

Student-paralegals from Adjara and Imereti, supported by LAS and the USAID Rule of Law Program, will continue organizing mobile visits and mock trials in the western part of Georgia in May and June.