The Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe completed the second phase of its training-of-trainers programme for teachers. Designed to strengthen prevention efforts in school environments throughout Georgia, this phase of the training programme took place in Kachreti, Georgia, on 24-26 January and 31 January - 2 February 2025.

Building on the foundation established during the first phase of cascade trainings, the advance training provided 22 teachers deeper theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as skills and understanding of comprehensive drug prevention and behaviour addiction strategies, evidence-based interventions. The sessions also equipped them with the necessary skills to create safer learning environments for children and young people.

In the first phase of this training, teachers received knowledge about basic concepts of drug prevention and stress handling. During the second phase 22 participants reviewed previous training content through a pre-test assessment, analysing strengths and weaknesses in drug prevention efforts and ways of improvement. In addition, they explored key prevention models, ethical considerations, and evidence-based approaches. Hands-on sessions enhanced their facilitation skills, applying theory to practice. The programme ended with an assessment, reinforcing learning and gathering feedback for future training for their peers.

The training concluded with a discussion of current schoolbooks to identify gaps concerning addiction issues, leading to proposed updates from PG experts that align educational standards with scientific prevention approaches.

As part of the Pompidou Group Project, "Strengthening the Role of Key Actors in Drug Prevention," this initiative will continue to support teachers and educators in refining prevention education. The Project is funded in the framework of  the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027.