SOCIETY
JULY 3 - 9
17
British Embassy R aises near or F lood Victims Raises nearlly 14,000 GEL ffor Flood By Katie Ruth Davies On 30 June, British Ambassador Alexandra Hall Hall hosted an awareness and fund raising event to help those affected by the tragic floods of June 13 in Tbilisi. The fundraiser was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi and economic expert Irakli Lekvinadze and the Deputy Finance Minister of Georgia, David Lezhava (whose ministry has been responsible for working out a concrete assessment of damage and international needs), as well as members of the British-Georgian business community, British nationals and close associates of the UK living and working in Georgia. Ambassador Hall Hall: “When we in the Embassy heard the news about the terrible floods in Georgia two weeks ago, we immediately began to think what we could do as well as what we could say about the tragedy. The idea of a fundraiser came up. I thought it would be nice to involve the British community… and we are really appreciative of the response and offers of help. We are also working closely with the Georgian government to identify areas where the British government might help in a more sustainable
way, in addition to the contributions made by the UK through the EU.” The fundraising event began with a respectful minute of silence followed by a musical tribute by the English Speaking Union’s children’s choir singing ‘Eidelweiss’ and the deep poignant tones of Georgian male choir, Urmuli. “We are here to pay tribute to the victims of the flood,” Ambassador Hall Hall told her special guests. “We are here to show, on a very personal level, how much this beautiful country means to us. And for those of us who have lived here and appreciated the Georgian hospitality, it’s to share in your sorrow as you work to rebuild your beautiful city.” The Ambassador went on to mention various organizations and individuals who “donated generously in time and money,” from providing food and drink for volunteers in the days of the cleanup campaign, to the BGCC Katie Melua concert- which raised almost £8000 – and the UK Mayhew Animal Home which is now in consultation with Tbilisi authorities regarding dog population care and management. Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi Irakli Lekvinadze thanked both those present
Photos by David Khizanishvili showing Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Irakli Lekvinadze; British Ambassador to Georgia, Alexandra Hall Hall; and the Deputy Finance Minister of Georgia, David Lezhava.
and the international communities for their emotional and financial support during the hard times following the tragic flooding which left 19 dead, three people missing and 160 families without homes. “700 people were affected by the disaster,” Lekvinadze said. “Those who lost their homes have been relocated and provided with accommodation, though they still need a lot of assistance.”
Ne w EU Pr ogram ffor or Cultur e and Cr ea ti vity New Pro Culture Crea eati tivity Launc hed ffor or Easter nP ar tner ship R egion artner tnership Re Launched Eastern Par
Photo from www.britishcouncil.ge
By Katie Ruth Davies A new EU program for culture and creativity has been launched by the European Union to support the contribution of cultural and creative sectors to sustainable humanitarian, social and economic development in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. “The five-year program will reframe the debate on the 21st century concept of culture among state bodies and key cultural players in the region and promote an understanding of the positive impact creative industries can have on employment, small and medium businesses, the role of municipalities and social engagement,” said Renate Utzschmid, Programme Manager, EC Directorate-General Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations. “Although a regional program, it will be heavily country-focused with designated professional country coordinators,” stated the press release. The program’s activities will be carried out through workshops, intensive training, online learning platforms, study visits and partnership fairs, bringing together public and private actors,
government and civil society. The program, the budget of which is ˆ4.2 million, will be managed by a consortium led by the British Council, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, the National Centre for Culture of Poland and the GoetheInstitut. Georgia Today spoke to Maya Darchia, the Arts Manager of the British Council, and Director of the British Council, Zaza Purtseladze. “This project comes as the second phase of a cultural project initiated by the British Council and funded by the EU. We are currently at the information and needs assessment stage,” said Ms. Darchia. “While the six countries involved in the program share a similar history in terms of their Soviet past, I can say Georgia is ahead in the steps it has taken in its European aspirations and in designing a cultural strategy.” “The Ministry of Culture will be issuing the first draft of its new Culture Strategy at the end of this year,” said Mr. Purtseladze. “The Ministry of Culture [of Georgia] has shown it is keen to work more closely with the arts sector and to cooperate with international organizations,” Ms. Darchia added.
Asked about the importance of the program for the Georgian arts society, Mr. Purtseladze was quick to point out the virtues: “The program is hugely important for developing Georgia in general and raising the role of the creative industry for the social development of the country.” The program is designed to benefit the entire cultural community; from the Ministry of Culture and various arts and culture centers, right down to the artists, fashion designers and film-makers themselves. “In Georgia there is a lack of understanding of the benefits of the [cultural] sector. We, through this project, aim to show how a good cultural industry can be created and sustained through international dialogue and capacity building,” Ms. Darchia said. The method of training will vary. Ms. Darchia highlighted the planned online resources, which will allow the sharing of experience and expertise across borders while avoiding the expense of travel. Mr. Purtseladze also spoke about the eight-month English language program that the British Council launched in May in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture: ‘English as a Main Tool of Communication in the Arts Sector,’ which is aimed at improving the English language knowledge of practicing art professionals and cultural managers. “We hope to extend the project once it ends in March next year,” he said. And at the end of this five-year EU cultural program? “In the ideal scenario, the government authorities and representatives of the art sector will be working more closely and communicating more effectively, as well as there being an increased link between Georgia and international cultural programs,” Ms. Darchia said with an optimistic smile.
Ex chang e Pr ogram Opens Door to Dub lin ffor or Geor gian Students Exc hange Pro Dublin Georgian By Nini Gegidze Georgian students are being offered a chance to study in one of Ireland’s leading universities as part of an exciting new exchange program after Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with University College Dublin (UCD). The Memorandum outlined details of cooperation between the universities and
the introduction of exchange programs for students and researchers, as well as academic staff. “This is a very important step taken forward between Georgia and Ireland in the field of education. We are pleased that the students will be given the opportunity, under an exchange program, to study at one of Europe’s leading universities, broaden their knowledge and learn valuable experiences. This will guarantee their future success,” said
Charge d’Affaires of Ireland Giogri Zurabishvili. A media release announcing the deal did not state when the exchange would begin or how many students it would involve. “It is a great opportunity for us, we can improve our skills and share our culture with international students, I am very glad that the world is expanding for Georgian students who wish to study abroad,” said TSU student, Mariam Abashidze.
He went on to highlight that there is still a long way to go in terms of financing. “Our [state] fund has raised 24 mln Lari, yet the cost of the damage is far greater.” Sixty percent of Tbilisi Zoo was irreparably destroyed and Lekvinadze spoke of a number of plans being considered regarding the new design of the Zoo which will be located on a large
expanse of land near Tbilisi Sea. As for the flood-damaged area that the Zoo currently occupies, it will be made into the “Solidarity Park” in memorial of the tragic event, the victims, and the way that society united to help. “One of most inspiring things about these floods,” Ambassador Hall Hall concluded, “is how it brought out that measure of solidarity. It is a test of where a country is heading, when you can see that civic responsibility and response, especially from the youth of Georgia.” The event raised 7,052 GEL and 800 USD in cash donations while 3 000 GEL will be transferred directly to a special state account. The HIPPO Fund raised 2,160 GEL. “We would like to once again thank everyone who made this event possible and donated to the fundraising event; and also to those who helped bring it all together: Hippo Fund; folk company Urmuli, supported by the British Georgian Chamber of Commerce; British Corner Children’s Choir; Katie Davies and Georgia Today; and Rod McKenzie, Pam Kemsley, Pauline Totterdell and English Book in Georgia for the catering.
Geor gia’ s Aver si No w Selling Georgia’ gia’s ersi Now Rig a Vir us Cancer Trea tment Riga irus eatment
Chairman of Scientific Council and Representative of International Virotherapy Center, Prof. Ivars Kalvins; Founder of Aversi Pharma, Paata Kurtanidze; Dermatovenerolog, and President of the Georgian Association of Photodermatology and Skin Cancer, Dr. Lali Mekokishvili; and Medical Director of International Vinotherapy Center, Dr. Kaspars Losans.
By Eka Karsaulidze Latvian scientists have arrived in Georgia to present first virotheraphy medicine – Riga Virus (Rigvir), which is now available in Aversi pharmacy. It is one of the most easy-to-use methods for cancer treatment, which is gradually being proven throughout the world. The Rigvir virus, once injected into the human body, finds cancer cells and destroys them, also activating the immune system and improving the quality of life of the patient. It is not genetically modified, can be used on an outpatient basis and does not have side effects. Rigvir can cure Melanoma, Colorectal, Stomach, Pancreatic, Kidney, Uterine, Bladder, Lung, Prostate Cancers and Sarcoma of several types. Long-term clinical studies and a few thousand people who tried out this medicine on themselves confirm the success of the treatment. It does not cause any side effects except a temperature of 37.2 degrees for a few days after injection. “Studies into this virus began in 1960, so we can say that this is one of the most studied viruses and the results are accurate. Almost all of our patients went into remission. That said, according to our estimates, about 30% of patients are not affected by Rigvir because they have special proteins that neutralize the virus. But we have already figured out how to block the action of these proteins and improve the medicine,” said Prof. Ivars Kalvins, Chairman of the Scientific Council and Representative of the International Virotherapy Center. Prof. Kalvins also recommends alternating the Rigvir injection with radiation and chemotherapy to achieve a better effect, but not both at the same time. “It is known that, during chemotherapy, the immune system becomes greatly
weakened, and Rigvir needs to have a strong immune system to attack cancer cells with double the power,” he explained. Rigvir can even be used to treat melanoma, one of the most common types of cancer, and today one of the most progressive cancers. “In Georgia, the risk of melanoma and skin cancer is quite high,” said Dr. Lali Mekokishvili, Dermatovenerolog, and the President of Georgian Association of Photodermatology and Skin Cancer. “Many people use solariums and it is dangerous in the sun here but people don’t use skin protection creams. At the same time, it is difficult to identify this cancer in its early stages, and it is very difficult to treat with chemotherapy. Therefore, any new medications in this area will save patients. And Rigvir has a really impressive performance in this regard.” In the framework of their visit to Georgia, Latvian scientists held a seminar for fifty Georgian oncologists who now have the full right to use Rigvir in treating patients. “This virus was developed by Latvian scientists, and we are pleased to come to Georgia and share our experiences with local doctors,” said Dr. Kaspars Losans, Medical Director of International Vinotherapy Center. “It has proven itself in our homeland. Moreover, people from all over the world come to Latvia to get Rigvir, so we are very happy that now local patients here will have the opportunity to buy this medicine in Georgia.” Rigvir was officially registered by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia on February 15, 2015 and is already available in Aversi pharmacy at #148 David Agmashenebeli Avenue. The price of one bottle is 1,050 Lari.