The USAID Rule of Law Program supports educational activities that promote court-community engagement. On November 3, with the Program’s support, the media agency Kutaisi Post organized a student visit to the Zestaponi Regional Court. 33 students from Zestaponi #1 Public School and Zestaponi School of the Future were introduced to the principles of the Court's work.

The court manager, Nino Gelashvili, hosted visitors and explained in detail the composition of common courts in Georgia, the rules of case consideration, and how the hearings are conducted.

The students visited the courtrooms in which both criminal and civil cases are heard. The opportunity to roleplay – to be a judge, prosecutor, or lawyer representing parties- was particularly exciting for the students.

"Until now, I had no information about the court and what was happening inside the building. Therefore, this meeting was informative and exciting. I may even think about choosing this profession in the future," said Ketevan Maghlakelidze, a student from Zestaponi School of the Future.

The teachers also spoke about the importance of such tours and their role in non-formal education.

Sophio Oboladze, a History and Civic Education teacher from Zestaponi #1 Public School, noted, "The visit was very interesting. Our school prioritizes non-formal education and the knowledge acquired through this tour will be fruitful for students in the future and may affect their choice of profession. Many thanks to the organizers for such an activity."

The event was organized within the framework of the USAID Rule of Law Program supported project implemented by the Kutaisi Post. The project aims to increase public awareness of judiciary-related issues and ongoing reforms through various communication channels. The Kutaisi Post will hold two more tours in the Imereti regional courts.