On December 15, the Center’s team met with the ninth stream of youth under the aegis of the project: “Common Sense: Civil Society Facing Politics”. The meeting was held in the Civic Engagement Center of the City of Rustavi.

Zaza Bibilashvili spoke about the aims of the Chavchavadze Center and the increasing importance of civic activism as well as evolving challenges posed by the Russian hybrid warfare. “Our aim should be not only to discover and expose Russian propaganda, but to actively counter it with factual and ideological messages”, he said during his speech.

“We strive to empower each citizen so that he or she has an ambition as well as the ability to influence local and national political agenda,” added Nino Kalandadze, director of the Center, during her presentation.

“What does the Russian Propaganda Tell Us?” was the topic of the next session led by David Paichadze, journalist and a teacher at Newton Free School. Lively discussion ensued. The meeting was continued by Mariam Gersamia’s master class on the art of debate and the importance of body language. At the end of the day, participants broke into groups and held mock debates.