Translation of SERAT findings into concrete steps to advance CSE in Georgia

The 2018 revision of the National Educational Curriculum in Georgia made the first attempts to integrate selected CSE topics into two school subject standards - biology and civic education. The Ministry of Education and Science recognizes that the changes introduced in the National Curriculum and school subject standards in 2018 are not sufficient and is therefore committed to gradually expanding the coverage of topics in the formal education system and strengthening the process through informal education. To support this initiative and assess the current quality of school-based sexuality education in the country, an analysis was conducted using SERAT. Overall, the legal and policy context in relation to many CSE components is quite well developed in Georgia. The curriculum development process is very participatory, with the involvement of teachers, parents, students and experts. While the general curriculum for CSE focuses on equity and equal rights for all, gender-specific topics, especially on sexuality, are not covered. Using SERAT, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia clearly identified the gaps within the National Curriculum and started the process of revising the two subject standards (Biology and Civic Education) to ensure the coverage of more topics within the framework of the formal education system per UNESCO standards. The Ministry initiated a project School Doctor's Hours with the technical assistance of UNFPA CO Georgia. The project envisages conducting informational sessions with the children enrolled in the elementary education. Finally, Civil Society representatives started actively using the findings of SERAT either in their advocacy efforts or while designing projects on CSE. SERAT findings greatly informed the process of designing the comprehensive communication campaign entailing work on the policy, community and individual levels, while simultaneously working with the traditional and new media for changing public discourse on CSE.