School teachers should know about human rights, especially child rights, to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment where students' rights are upheld, fostering a sense of dignity and equality among all learners. 

Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University, with the USAID Rule of Law Program support, kicked off a series of training sessions in Tbilisi and Zugdidi to educate schoolteachers about their rights and responsibilities in the school environment. The sessions took place from September 7 to 12, and brought together 47 public school educators from four schools to enhance their understanding of human rights and the protection of children's rights.

A team of trainers/expert in human rights and child rights – Dimitry Gegenava, Ketevan Bakhtadze, Tamta Tavartkiladze, and Tsisia Okropiridze – led the training sessions for teachers. The key topics were human rights, labor rights, anti-discrimination laws, the protection of children's rights, and personal data protection.

The teachers found the sessions highly interesting and productive, believing the knowledge gained would prove invaluable in their professional roles.

Stella Martirosyan, a participant teacher, said "the knowledge I have acquired will prove valuable not only in my professional endeavors, but also because I believe that everyone should possess a fundamental understanding of laws and rights."

During the interactive training sessions, a variety of exercises were held to maximize teachers' engagement. Participants took part in "True/False" exercises during the introductory and personal data protection segments, engaged in group exercises focusing on children's rights, and examined four discrimination cases that allowed for extensive discussions.

Miranda Chukhua, one of the participants, emphasized that "the gained knowledge will enable me to advocate for myself more assertively and advocate for others justly."

As a follow-up to these training sessions, ten teachers selected from two schools in Tbilisi and six teachers chosen from public schools in Zugdidi will participate in a three-day Masterclass scheduled for May 2024. The primary objective of this Masterclass is to further deepen their understanding of the psychological aspects of teaching and various learning methodologies.