On December 13, 2023, with the USAID Rule of Law Program-support Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) launched its collaborative project intended to enhance the quality of legal education in regional universities.

The project will be implemented in partnership with Batumi, Zugdidi and Samtskhe - Javakheti State university law schools as well as Educational Resource Centers involving high schools from the Imereti region. The launching event was attended by 60 participants, including representatives from the Legal Aid Service, and Georgian Young Lawyers Association.

The Deputy Rector of ATSU, Professor Ekaterine Gachechiladze, extended her congratulations to the Law Department on the successful launch of its new educational project. Professor Gachechiladze expressed sincere gratitude to the representatives of the USAID Rule of Law Program for their effective collaboration with the University.

Professor Nana Shonia, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law, and Social Sciences, introduced the grant project titled Advancing Legal Education Quality: Empowering Regional University Lecturers with Enhanced Teaching Skills. Emphasizing the program's significance, she underscored the importance of fostering interaction between law faculty students and schoolchildren. Beyond acquiring practical skills, students will serve as ambassadors for educating society about their rights.

Under the newly funded project, the University's objective is to enhance the quality of legal education in regional universities by providing training for local faculty and incorporating case studies into the teaching methodology. As part of the project, the curriculum for practical law (Street Law) course will be developed and integrated into the University's undergraduate program.

Within the project framework, the University has established two working groups involving professors, students, and judges from the Kutaisi Court of Appeals working on manuals developing practical exercises/case scenarios on child rights and contract law. Legal clinic students undergo training in practical law courses and teaching methodologies, covering a wide spectrum of legal subjects.

The University formalized a memorandum of cooperation with six public schools in Kutaisi, which requires students to conduct 50 lessons as part of the Street Law course. A network of peer educators will be cultivated from students participating in the practical law course who will work to raise public awareness of contemporary legal issues.