In a continued effort to promote legal education and awareness, the USAID Rule of Law Program actively supports informational meetings and mock trials across Georgia. On September 27, 2023, the Legal Aid Service (LAS), with USAID Rule of Law Program, support held a mock trial at the Shuakhevi Magistrate Court in mountainous Adjara.

Student-paralegals who had been trained by LAS through the USAID Rule of Law Program supported "Make Justice Accessible to All - Paralegal Initiative," represented the parties in the trial; students from various schools in the Shuakhevi municipality acted as jurors. A local high schoolteacher, who had previously engaged with student-paralegals during an informational meeting a year ago, brought his 15 students to participate in this educational project.

The fictional case in the mock trial revolved around whether to separate a minor, Maka Beridze, from her family. Specifically, it explored whether Maka, currently residing with her father and stepmother following her mother's passing, was a victim of physical and emotional abuse within her family. The trial considered whether to separate her from her family for her safety and well-being.

David Simonia, the Director of the LAS, provided students attending the mock trial with comprehensive information about children's rights. The case materials for the mock trial were designed to allow jurors to deliberate on pertinent issues related to the best interests of the child and gain a deeper understanding of qualified legal assessments.

Furthermore, on September 27 and 28, student-paralegals, along with LAS Director Simonia, visited Keda and Shuakhevi municipalities. Student-paralegals, in their capacity as advocates for human rights, played an active role in educating residents in the highland areas of Adjara about their rights. More than 80 residents in Keda and Shuakhevi municipalities received information on a range of rights, with a particular focus on those related to children and women. Additionally, they were made aware of the free legal services available through the Legal Aid Service.

Also, on September 27, LAS Director Simonia engaged with high school students in Keda municipality. This meeting was initiated by students who had previously participated in a mock trial conducted as part of the "Make Justice Accessible to All - Paralegal Initiative" at the Keda Magistrate Court this summer. During this session, student-paralegals addressed various facets of children's rights, covering topics such as the right to health, education, family life, play, recreation, an adequate standard of living, and protection from abuse and harm. The discussion also encompassed crucial issues like early marriage, juvenile justice, bullying, and inclusive education.

LAS, with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, has been actively implementing the "Make Justice Accessible to All - Paralegal Initiative" since July 2022. Ever since the Initiative’s initial mobile visits, the Rule of Law Program and LAS consistently receive notifications from community members inviting LAS and the student-paralegals to their upcoming events. The communities eagerly welcome the opportunity to engage with LAS and the student-paralegals, providing them and the Rule of Law Program with the chance to connect with local youth and residents and have conversations about their rights.