On 21–23 October 2026, DVV International Georgia organized a workshop in Borjomi aimed at strengthening cooperation between Adult and Community Education (ALE) Centres and local self-governments, as well as exploring joint initiatives to address local needs.
The workshop was led by Irakli Mkheidze, a lawyer, and Pavle Tvaliashvili, a workshop facilitator. Participants included representatives of ALE Centers and the respective local self-government bodies.
During the workshop, participants discussed the importance of adult education and lifelong learning, practical examples of cooperation between local self-governments and ALE centres, and opportunities for developing partnerships.
Irakli Mkheidze presented 12 models of cooperation between local authorities and non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entities. The presentation covered the legal foundations and practical mechanisms for cooperation, including the use of municipal property, the financing and procurement of educational services, programme-based and project-based co-financing, and opportunities for implementing joint initiatives. The examples discussed during the workshop helped participants explore how existing municipal resources and funding mechanisms could be used to support the activities of ALE Centers and address local needs.
A significant part of the workshop was devoted to group work. Workshop representatives jointly explored potential opportunities for cooperation, identified shared interests, and developed preliminary project proposal ideas. Particular emphasis was placed on designing initiatives that respond to local needs and have realistic prospects for implementation.
The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences, explore practical cooperation mechanisms, and identify concrete areas for joint action. Its key outcome was not only the acquisition of new knowledge but also the establishment of a foundation for future partnerships between education centres and municipalities, contributing to improved access to adult education and local development.