Mediators from Telavi, Gurjaani, Akhaltsikhe, Bolnisi, Kutaisi, and Mtskheta participated in a four-day training to refresh their mediator skills, as they are about to commence mediations at the newly opened court-annexed mediation centers in those cities.

The training was led by local trainers Eter Chachanidze, Sopo Chachava, and Chair of the Mediators’ Association of Georgia Irakli Kandashvili. During the training, the participants discussed challenges that may arise at different stages of mediation, sharpened their active listening skills, and led mediation sessions in a simulated dispute setting.

Reflecting on the training, one of the mediators from Akhaltsikhe, Nino Zedgenidze, said that she is “more confident to participate as a mediator in the mediation process. During the four-day training, for me, one of the most important components was the improvement of skills through practical exercises. After the training, it is clear to me that constant work on improving mediators’ skills is necessary, and trainings such as this course is the best tool to achieve that goal.”

Sofi Tsertsvadze, a training participant and mediator from Telavi said: “This training program gave me the opportunity to collaboratively exchange diverse experiences, enhancing essential practical mediation skills and techniques. The engagement and knowledge sharing among the mediators greatly contributed to my professional growth and proficiency in mediation.”

The thirteen participants of the training were identified with the help of the Mediators Association of Georgia, which keeps track of all mediators across Georgia. Priority was given to mediators from relatively newly opened court-annexed mediation centers, including Telavi (opened in November 2022), Gurjaani (opened in December 2022), and Akhaltsikhe (opened in March 2023). Mediators from the Mtskheta, Bolnisi, and Kutaisi mediation centers attended training as well.