The
innovative educational program "Mobile STEAM Laboratory - AI is Coming to
School" traveled to the Lechkhumi region on May 23, 2026, holding its
latest outreach session at Tsageri Public School No. 1.
This
project operates under the auspices of "Democracy Starts in School"—a
collaborative initiative between the Council of Europe and the Ministry of
Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. The framework for this partnership
stems from a memorandum of cooperation signed by the Rector of Sokhumi State
University, Tea Jugeli, and the Director of the LEPL Kutaisi St. Nino Public
School No. 3, Teimuraz Chabukiani.
The
primary goal of the project is to bridge the digital divide by bringing
cutting-edge technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and STEAM education to
regional schools. It aims to elevate the digital literacy of both educators and
students while establishing innovative teaching methods. At the core of this
initiative is a peer-to-peer learning model, where trained senior students step
into the role of "student-trainers" to pass on their expertise to
peers in rural communities.
During
the workshop at Tsageri Public School No. 1, a mobile STEAM laboratory was
established. Local students participated in interactive sessions covering the
basics of AI, practical tech applications, modern digital resources, innovative
learning platforms, and the fundamentals of research- and project-based education.
A
major focus of the visit was promoting the establishment of a school-based
STEAM club, ensuring that the knowledge gained remains sustainable and
continues to be shared internally among students. The initiative relies on a
collaborative dynamic between higher and general education institutions.
Sokhumi State University handles the creation of educational modules and
curricula, alongside training and mentorship provided by its professors and
university students. Concurrently, Kutaisi Public School No. 3 manages the
network of "student-trainers," facilitates regional workshops, and
helps scale these innovative educational models.
Looking
ahead, the "Mobile STEAM Laboratory - AI is Coming to School"
initiative intends to expand its outreach by organizing similar educational
sessions in other parts of Georgia, including schools across the Guria and
Imereti regions.
The
project is led by Nana Gulua, Professor of Informatics at Sokhumi State
University's Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Technologies and
Pharmacy, and Khatuna Putkaradze, Associate Professor of Informatics at the
same faculty and Deputy Director of the LEPL Kutaisi St. Nino Public School No.
3.
