Location of the initiative:
GEORGIA, Mtskheta/Samtavro valley
Relation to Strategy 21 Recommendations:
K1 - Incorporate heritage education more effectively in school curricula
Time span of the initiative:
Start Date: October 2010 / End Date: on-going
Motivation / Methodology
Most people once had a dream to discover and find something, to be an archaeologist even for a short period of time. That is why the Agency made the decision to disseminate information and increase children’s awareness through the archaeological programme world heritage sites of Mtskheta. The programme was designed in compliance with the school curricula. The Children archaeology is an interactive programme during which children learn about archaeology, Mtskheta WH monuments and act as real archaeologists.
Obstacles / Barriers
School teachers are reluctant to bring children to Mtskheta if they do not see benefits for themselves (for example, credits). Also, schools from the regions visit the programme not very often.
Change / Impact
The children who participate in the programme learn more about archaeology amid the Mtskheta monuments. As a result, they share their knowledge with their schoolmates.
Lessons learned
The programme was a good instrument to increase cultural protection awareness with the young generation. It also got ethnic minorities involved (e.g. children of Armenian-populated Akhalkalaki schools took part in it) and thus, the programme promoted civil integration.
Online resources
Contact information
George Tcheishvili
National Agency for cultural heritage preservation of Georgia
gtcheishvili@hotmail.com
www.heritagesites.ge
Source of financing
Shared public / private financing
Financing details
While the programme was subsidized from the state budget, the participants have to pay for the project
