My main impression in Georgia is of the coexistence of traditional agricultural patterns with the demands of modern life. Cattle may graze freely across the highway, people may make vodka, or may raise animals in a traditional way (and sell the results along the side of the road) and, at the same time, they may also own the latest expensive SUV and have satellite television.
The main challenge for a volunteer is to find a compromise between the lifestyle Georgia imposes and what one is comfortable with. The small shops and bazaars in the country towns sell a sufficient variety of products and foodstuffs to cope with most needs; and in Tbilisi there is very little which cannot be easily obtained although it sometimes needs some searching out. Other items must be brought from home or sent for.
There is a certain serenity to the way things go ahead which is probably the psychological effect of living in an ancient landscape and seeing life carried on in a humble and collective spirit by friendly and dedicated people, who nonetheless have considerable difficulties to contend with. To live here is to share both the difficulties and the contentment of a pastoral routine intersecting with strenuous attempts to modernize.
The secret is probably to keep a very open mind, to negotiate sufficient solitude and space to grow with the experience, and to aim for a few outside interests as well as a passion for the ongoing task of trying to improve and enliven the school experience for the country's ebullient and charming children. There are occasional set-backs and blows to one's morale, but in general there is great support from everyone encountered, and it is gratifying to be greeted by many people, including all one's students, when one ventures out shopping in the immediate locality.
Every now and then one is able to make trips to other places (and sometimes free trips are offered) and this, combined with lively support of various kinds from one's peers and, naturally, from the always charming and constructive Project, ensures sufficient variety to keep going and indeed to survive - for the most part - with some degree of enthusiasm.
Finally, a great and glorious landscape is never far away, and this has a settling effect on the mind and psyche. The climate can be capricious; but the overall mix - while lacking the intensity, colour and vibrancy of an oriental placement - has nonetheless an understated exoticism and lucidity which should make for a memorable year (or two) in service of a great and hospitable emerging small country.
It is a lovely, though shattered, country at the minute. What it may be in the future will probably surprise and delight many people. You are invited to take small but important part in what everyone hopes will be a miraculous transformation.
Martin Smith
Footprints’ Teacher in Georgia
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