Expanded Media Literacy and Enhanced Digital Skills in Georgian Educational Institutions
Empowering Georgia's Youth: Digital Skills and Media Literacy Initiatives
Georgia is taking strides to equip its youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. A series of collaborative efforts, involving UNICEF Georgia, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, the Communications Commission, and various partners, are aimed at fostering digital literacy and media literacy among young people.
One of the key initiatives is the JuniorTech program, a practical training initiative organised by UNICEF Georgia in partnership with the University of Business and Technology, Batumi State University, and several private sector partners. This program combines digital literacy and entrepreneurship training, offering a unique platform for over 60 young participants to enhance their skills.
The JuniorTech program is not the only initiative in this broader strategy. The partnership developed a national media literacy framework, complete with a guidebook and training modules, through which over 1,600 teachers were trained to implement media literacy curricula across 647 schools. Media literacy is being integrated into schools as an elective, project-based learning component, or through extracurricular clubs.
These initiatives reflect a commitment to prepare young Georgians for the evolving digital economy and the complex digital information environment. By focusing on communication skills, digital technology understanding, and addressing major skill gaps among youth, these efforts aim to empower the next generation to navigate these challenges effectively.
The University of Business and Technology and Batumi State University are active partners in the JuniorTech program, bringing their expertise in education and technology to the table. Several private sector partners are also involved, ensuring the program remains relevant and industry-aligned.
These digital skills development initiatives are part of a larger effort to equip young people in Georgia with the tools they need to succeed. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is crucial that our youth are equipped with the skills to thrive in this new environment.
[1] UNICEF Georgia (2021). Media Literacy in Georgia: A Collaborative Effort to Empower Youth
[2] UNICEF Georgia (2020). Digital Skills Development in Georgia: A Priority for UNICEF
[3] UNICEF Georgia (2019). Addressing Youth Skill Gaps in Georgia: UNICEF's Approach
[4] UNICEF Georgia (2018). Empowering Young Georgians: UNICEF's Digital Skills and Media Literacy Initiatives
[5] UNICEF Georgia (2017). Navigating the Digital Information Environment and Economy: UNICEF's Focus in Georgia
- To bolster the education-and-self-development of Georgia's youth, UNICEF Georgia collaborates with institutions like the University of Business and Technology and Batumi State University, incorporating technology into initiatives such as the JuniorTech program, which trains young participants in digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
- Aware of the importance of technology in education-and-self-development, UNICEF Georgia is actively engaged in digital skills development in Georgia, focusing on communication skills, digital technology understanding, and addressing major skill gaps among youth, aiming to prepare the next generation for the evolving digital economy and complex digital information environment.
