On 22 May 2022, an online training session entitled “Children’s Rights and a Safe School” was organized by the Children’s Rights Centre of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University with the support of the UNICEF. The training was delivered by Maia Tsiramua, a clinical psychologist.

The training was attended by 20 pupils representing eight schools from the Autonomous Republic of Adjara (five public and three private schools), as well as Batumi State University students and a master’s student.

The participants engaged in discussions on children’s rights and the concept of a safe school environment. The discussion addressed a number of important topics, including:

• equality and children’s rights;
• key elements of a supportive and safe learning environment;
• the importance of safety in educational institutions;
• the characteristics of an effective and inclusive safe school;
• the causes of peer bullying and the factors that may place children at risk of becoming victims;
• measures that can help students feel safe at school;
• challenges schools face in ensuring safety and approaches to addressing them;
• the concept of psychological well-being;
• the reasons behind social divisions between “us” and “them”;
• the nature and functioning of stereotypes;
• the role of individual and personal factors in social interactions;
• bullying in Georgia and effective strategies for its prevention.

The training provided participants with an opportunity to exchange perspectives, discuss real-life challenges, and explore ways to promote child-friendly and inclusive educational environments. At the conclusion of the session, all participants were awarded certificates of completion.