The informal educational initiative focusing on renewable energy, environmental protection, and career orientation, specially designed for high school students in Mtispiri and Chkhakaura public schools, will continue in 2025. This training program is one of the first initiatives implemented under the Environmental and Social Programs of Bakvi HPP. It reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. The training sessions began at Mtispiri Public School in September 2021 and were later introduced at Chkhakaura Public School in March 2022. Over the past three years, high school students have enhanced their awareness of environmental issues and renewable energy. They have actively participated in various environmental projects, such as tree planting, area clean-ups, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Both schools have appointed eco-ambassadors, selected through a secret ballot. Their responsibilities include planning and conducting environmental activities within their villages. Training sessions are held monthly, based on a specially developed curriculum.
The Environmental Foundations module is traditionally led by Giorgi Berechikidze, Head of the Forest Protection Division at the Forest Maintenance and Restoration Department, National Forestry Agency, under Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. Communication training is delivered by Khatuna Iosava, a public relations expert and a lecturer at Caucasus University since 2015. In her lectures, students learn about the role and functions of the media in society and how to distinguish between authentic and fabricated news. This year, a new instructor, Nino Maghradze, has joined the Renewable Energy module. Nino is a Senior Business Analyst at Caucasus Clean Energy Holding (CCEH), the investor company behind Bakvi HPP. Her lectures cover topics such as the scientific principles behind renewable technologies like solar, wind, and hydropower. She also discusses practical examples, including renewable energy projects in Georgia.
“For high school students, the Sustainable Energy course introduces the fundamental concepts of renewable and fossil fuel-based energy sources. Emphasis is placed on the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable development approaches. Additionally, we discuss the importance of energy efficiency and innovations that contribute to reduced energy consumption. Students gain insights into the challenges of global climate change and learn how transitioning to sustainable energy can address these issues. I hope this course inspires local engagement and demonstrates how renewable energy can benefit their communities while creating opportunities for a sustainable future,” says Nino Maghradze. Megi Kapanadze, an 11th-grade student at Mtispiri Public School, has been attending Bakvi HPP training sessions for two years. She notes the transformative impact of the program on her personal and academic development. “With the help of our trainers, the learning process is dynamic and productive. They not only help us develop knowledge and skills but also teach us about effective communication and improving our interactions with others. The knowledge I have gained here has sparked my interest in environmental and renewable energy topics. It has also guided me in choosing my future profession. I can confidently say that the training sessions organized by Bakvi HPP, as well as the people leading this program, have helped me find answers to questions about my career path,” says Megi Kapanadze. The impact of the training program on local youth has been significant. For example, in 2024, two students decided to pursue higher education in environmental studies. They are now first-year university students, alongside Jaba Bolkvadze, a third-year student specializing in electrical engineering at Tbilisi Technical University. All three benefit from Bakvi HPP’s student grant program. “In addition to providing knowledge about environmental protection, renewable energy, and its efficient use, I believe the most significant achievement of this program is sparking an interest in energy-related professions among students in Mtispiri and Chkhakaura. Some have already connected their future to this field, which is incredibly gratifying. Bakvi HPP’s grant program supports students interested in environmental or engineering professions by covering 80% of their tuition fees. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who wish to pursue higher education and gain expertise in these exciting fields. Each year, we refine our methods and programs. It brings me immense joy that such a project exists in these schools, driven by the dedicated team of Bakvi HPP. They deeply understand the importance of sustainability in achieving effective project outcomes. Three years have passed since the program’s inception, and several cohorts have already benefited from our work,” states Khatuna Iosava, the program organizer and trainer.