December 27, 2024
News
Caritas Czech Republic has been working on the development of early childhood services for many years. After a five-year initiative to support children on the autism spectrum, in 2023 we launched a project to support the Early Inclusive Education and Development Program in Georgia. At the end of the year, we visited one of the kindergartens involved in the project, where we saw the results of our work on-site.
Introducing New Approaches to Supporting Children with Specific Requirements
Last week, we had the opportunity to visit Dusheti, and we were immediately greeted by a striking sight upon arriving at the kindergarten yard. Despite the winter chill, the vibrant handmade animals and decorations around us added a splash of color and energy, making it impossible to feel bored.
Children aged 5-6 and their teachers warmly welcomed us into the space. Upon entering, we saw one group of children playing with a teacher, while another group quietly focused on drawing. The walls were adorned with many colorful paintings, and shelves were filled with intricate souvenirs and accessories made from pinecones. It was evident that the children were fully engaged and immersed in creative activities, making the environment feel lively and inspiring.
Our primary host was 57-year-old Ketevan Kapiashvili, a teacher at the Dusheti kindergarten. She has been working there for seven years—one group of her students has already started school, and she will graduate another group next year.
Ketevan also participates in Caritas Czech Republic’s Early Inclusive Education training. She is involved in various educational activities at the kindergarten aimed at improving her theoretical knowledge and introducing new ideas, particularly to better support children with specific requirements. As Ketevan explains, the skills she has gained from the training have greatly helped her communicate with the children, support them, and ensure each child participates in activities.
"Thanks to the training, I start by assessing each child and understanding their needs. Then, I plan activities based on what they can do so they can join in just like everyone else. This has made me more creative in how I work with the children, and it’s also improved my communication with their parents. Since I can better assess and support the child, I can have more open and helpful conversations with the parents about their child's progress."
Ketevan explains that after applying the new knowledge she gained from the training, the parents of her students began to trust her more, as they could see the positive changes in their children. She says this experience has made her even more determined to help each child reach their full potential.
“After the training, I became even more motivated. Let me give you an example: one of the children was having challenging behavior, and I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. At some point, I realized I needed to talk to him more. I started listening to him better and giving him more space. Gradually, he became more communicative, got involved in activities, and accepted me and the other children more. He calmed down and showed more warmth. What's also important is that the other children became more open with him and began playing together. Additionally, we had high shelves in the group, which I lowered to make the space more accessible for everyone. This made a big difference for all the children, but especially for the children who had been struggling. It gave me exactly the results I was hoping for.”
Caritas Czech Republic supports kindergartens
With the support of the Czech government, Caritas Czech Republic has been assisting the Georgian government in developing early childhood services for many years. Ongoing support includes promoting an early inclusive education and development program in Georgia.
As part of the project, specialists from 18 kindergartens across Tbilisi, Rustavi, Dusheti, Gardabani, and Chiatura underwent training in early inclusive education. Following the training, they received on-site visits for additional support. One specialist from the group was then selected for advanced retraining in early inclusive education, gaining the skills and knowledge to assist not only their kindergarten but also other kindergartens in developing inclusive education services.
In addition, the specialists worked on the personal assistant module, which led to the retraining of 35 personal assistants from selected pilot kindergartens. These assistants also received on-site support to enhance their skills.
The project also funded the setup of physical activity rooms, which allow children and their caregivers to engage in physical activities indoors in addition to outdoor spaces. This initiative contributes to children's holistic development.
The project's most significant achievement is the planned expansion of early development services in these municipalities. Centers have already opened in Tbilisi and Dusheti, and new ones will be launched in Mtskheta and Gardabani next year.
