Guria region, Georgia: The villagers of Baileti have found a way to revive their centuries-old tradition of chili weaving and pattern making to add a contemporary environmental touch. Based on generations of traditional knowledge and expertise, the students are developing environmentally friendly products that combine cultural heritage with sustainable innovation.
This action forms part of the “Green Guria” project funded by the European Union. The program has been developed under the supervision of the Union of Young Teachers and mentor Lika Megreladze. Some of the schools that were winners in the ideation process, includes Baileti Public School. They are directly engaging in and supporting the project this way.
The concept of Guria schools in Georgia, probably meaning schools in the Guria district of Georgia, would include the development of educational models and approaches adapted to the specificities of the region. This could include focusing on improving completion rates, particularly at the upper secondary level, where disparities exist. It might also involve addressing socioeconomic factors and ethnicity, as these play a role in school completion rates.
The initiative will, in the long term, promote eco- and rural tourism development, increase youth interest in local cultural heritage, and create self-employment opportunities. Also, the project serves to strengthen the economic potential of the village and create foundations focused on its sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that representatives of the school community (students, teachers, parents) are actively involved in the process. Young people get to know the theoretical and practical basics of weaving chili. It will be based on an informational brochure afterwards.
A demonstration workshop was organized in the school, where the products created within the project are exhibited and the ongoing work process is ongoing.
At the next stage of the project, the specialist of the Georgian Knitting Association will teach the project implementation team how to create a tourist product – knitting with chilop, as a unique experience.
The project “Green Guria” is implemented by CENN in cooperation with partner organizations, the Union of Young Teachers, the Institute of Democracy, and Keda Leader Local Development Group.
