On March 5-6, 2024, student-paralegals from Adjara and Imereti conducted various activities (reaching over 170 participants) in the Samegrelo region 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 March 5, the student-paralegals visited Poti's N7 Public School and spoke with the students and teachers about children's rights, disability issues, and inclusive education. They also explained LAS's mandate and how it provides legal aid to local citizens. The same day, they held a mock trial on the best interests of the child at Poti City Court, having high school students and teachers serve as special civil jurors.

Poti City Court Chairman Davit Gelashvili briefed the participating students on the roles they were going to play in the mock trial and explained how verdicts are reached. He emphasized that mock trials help young people understand the law's impact on their lives and gain insight into the workings of the justice system. LAS Head of Training Centre Mariam Burkadze presided over the trial.

On March 6, LAS Head of Analytical and International Department Maia Nozadze, along with student-paralegals, met with over locals in Abasha municipality to explain the LAS's function and role in the justice process.

Given that March is Women's History Month, the student-paralegals were encouraged to delve into topics concerning women's rights, including inheritance rights, non-discrimination, labor rights, and domestic violence. They also responded to questions from the local citizens.

On that same day, the LAS organized a mock trial at the Zugdidi District Court, involving student-paralegals from the Adjara and Imereti regions, having them play opposing roles in the case. High school students from Zugdidi public schools served as special civil jurors. The trial simulated a child custody case following domestic violence.

These events in Samegrelo are the first of their kind delivered by the Paralegal Initiative campaign and advocated by the Heads of LAS’s Poti and Zugdidi Legal Aid Bureau in response to local youth and schoolteacher’s requests.