On 1 June 2020, the best essays submitted in the framework of the student essay competition on diversity and equality in Georgia have been revealed. The winner of the first place accompanied by his teacher will have the opportunity of a visit to the Council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg, France. The other winners will be awarded gifts.
The awards ceremony was held online, where representatives of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport congratulated winners in their opening remarks. During the ceremony, Georgian poet, Rati Amaghlobeli talked about the importance of equality and diversity in Georgian and worldwide literature.
In total, more than 400 essays from all over Georgia were submitted, and the best 10 essays were selected for publication.
The list of the winners is the following:
- Berdia Alkhidze - LEPL Public School of Village Ghebi, Oni Municipality
- Tamar Khvtisiashvili – LEPL Public School of Village Bakurtsikhe, Gurjaani Municipality
- Ilia Davitadze - LEPL Batumi Public School No. 2
- Elene Dolidze - LEPL Teimuraz Jorbenadze Public School No. 3 in Kobuleti
- Keti Gigineishvili - LEPL Tbilisi No. 42 Public School of Physics–Mathematics Named After Academician Ilia Vekua
- Tina Turmanidze - LEPL Batumi Public School No. 8
- Giorgi Parastaevi - LEPL Gori Public School No. 7
- Salome Gubeladze - Ltd 6th Authorised School
- Manana Beraia - LEPL Public School of Village Sachamiaseri, Chokhatauri Municipality
- Kristina Karchava - LEPL N1 Public School of Village Ingiri, Zugdidi Municipality
The essay competition involved students aged 15-18 years-old writing on their thoughts and experience of diversity and equality in Georgia today, and/or equality reflected through Georgian history, literature and culture.
The publication of the collection of student essays “Why do I Choose Equality?” is available here.
The essay competition was held under the Georgian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in the framework of the “I Choose Equality” campaign run under the co-operation project “Fight against Discrimination, Hate Crimes and Hate Speech in Georgia”. The project is implemented under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Georgia 2016-2019 with the support of the Danish Neighbourhood Programme in Georgia (DANEP).
