Georgia | Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training (ACETT) program for Georgia | 2 May 2012

During a recent youth conference organized through the PH-administered ACETT program, young activists successfully galvanized support for the establishment of a cinematic club. The event was hosted by the Kutaisi Education Development and Employment Center, a partner NGO of ACETT. Following the event, Civics Club students at Kutaisi Public School #40 joined forces to propose the creation of the club in a letter to the Mayor of Kutaisi, Giorgi Tevdoradze. In their letter to the Mayor, they noted that, “We believe in the cultural development of our city… We are ready to actively participate in this work [and hope that] the club will be the favorite gathering place for youth.” In March, students received a reply from Mayor Tevdoradze. "Kutaisi City Hall Department of Culture, Sports, Education, Monuments Protection and Youth Affairs reviewed your request to establish a cinema club in the city. Your letter demonstrated a real demand by citizens to learn more about classics and trends in cinematography. Our priority is to take young people's interests seriously. Your letter has inspired us to support your initiative. We hope that your civic club members will be actively engaged in the club'.” The letter was personally delivered to the students by Tamta Turmanidze, the Chief Specialist of the City Hall Department of Culture, Sports, Education, Monuments Protection and Youth Affairs. Turmanidze assured the students that the local government is in full support of their joint initiative. The first film showing is scheduled for April.