The USAID Rule of Law Program remains committed to supporting the development of Legal Aid Service (LAS), Georgia's largest free legal aid provider.

The Program recently conducted intensive adult learning methodology training for 18 experienced LAS lawyers, equipping them to serve as in-house trainers. This initiative helped LAS establish a pool of skilled trainers, ensuring long-term institutional capacity development.

Led by trainers Eter Chachanidze and Sofio Chachava, the seven-day training in May (8-10 and 15-18) encompassed both theoretical and practical components. During the first three-day segment, participants delved into target group analyses, training planning, various teaching methods, and designing exercises, cases, and role plays. The trainers also focused on the intricacies of tandem and online training.

One of the training participants, Head of the LAS Kutaisi Bureau Gela Siordia, shared, "I understood that there isn't a single, universally applicable approach to conducting training. The choice of methodology depends on several factors, such as the subject matter, target audience, trainer, number of participants, and technical requirements. Throughout this process, I have discovered the newfound capacity to collaborate effectively with others and have recognized the vital role of communication between trainers and the audience."

Teona Kvernadze, Head of the Tbilisi LAS Bureau for Specialized Cases, underscored the significance of active engagement and innovative teaching approaches. Kvernadze emphasized, "Learning through doing is key. I have discovered how to make training sessions much more captivating by implementing various methods and actively involving the participants to ensure their complete engagement.” Kvernadze also emphasized the importance of time management, teamwork, meticulous planning, and tailoring presentations to suit the specific needs and characteristics of the target group.

"The combination of theory and practice in our training approach allowed us not only to acquire and retain the necessary skills for conducting effective training sessions but also provided opportunities to practically apply and analyze the challenges associated with the implementation of this acquired knowledge." - Gela Beradze, Head of the LAS Zestaponi Bureau said. He further emphasized the importance of demonstration training in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of individual trainers and discovering effective techniques for engaging participants. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience gained by these trainers during the training would prove invaluable for future training sessions and when presenting to diverse audiences.

In the second part of the training course, participants prepared demo training sessions on various topics, including the rights of the child, asylum seekers, freedom from torture, objections in court, land registration, rights of people with disabilities, anti-discrimination, and violence against women. The presenters received constructive feedback from trainers and fellow participants, which will assist them in refining their training skills.

Davit Simonia, Director of the LAS, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support provided by the USAID Rule of Law Program. He highlighted the LAS’s commitment to developing its staff lawyers and employees, aiming to enhance their practical abilities.

The Program remains committed to supporting Legal Aid Services in Georgia, aiming to enhance legal services’ quality. Our primary goal is to ensure that the most vulnerable population has improved access to justice, thereby strengthening their overall rights and well-being.