Tropentag, September 17 - 19, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic "Bridging the gap between increasing knowledge and decreasing resources"

Enhancement of Quality of Education at Akaki Tsereteli State University

¹Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Fac. of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech Republic
²Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Fac. of Economics and Management, Czech Republic

Abstract

The project funded by the Government of the Czech Republic within Czech Development Cooperation contributes to fulfiling of the current gap in the Georgian tertiary education in the sector of development of cooperatives and small and medium agricultural enterprises, which is the priority of new Georgian Government as well as of international donors (e.g. EU – ENPARD) through know-how transfer between Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi; Agrarian faculty and Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences, in particular. The project design enhances direct active participation of Czech academic and management staff at ATSU in order to establish strong working relationships and challenging environment. The main target groups involve students, teachers and management of ATSU. The project activities focus mainly on improvement of seven study courses, improvement of pedagogical and didactical competencies of university teachers, support of institutional systems of Agrarian faculty, analysis of current international relations and analysis of possibilities for join/double degree, strengthen research and scientific capacities of students and teachers; and providing necessary equipment for education process. The specific emphasis is given to the enhancement of practical research and scientific competencies of students. The project cooperates with People in Need on ENPARD (European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development Georgia: Enhancing Small Farmers' Cooperation and Productivity in Imereti Region) project focused on development of agricultural cooperatives and offers so a unique opportunity to students to participate in several analyses. Students will also attend a specific training summer course in 2015 “Institutions and Cooperatives for Rural Development”. The project also aims at creating supportive learning environment through organisation of Documentary Film Festival and various specific debates; and at linking up with external commercial partners via Career Day.

Keywords: Cooperatives, Georgia, institutional development, tertiary education

Contact Address: Jana Mazancova, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Fac. of Tropical AgriSciences, Kamycka 129, 19800 Prague, Czech Republic, e-mail: mazanftz.czu.cz