Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) hosted representatives of the Georgian Down Syndrome Association and the social enterprise “Babale.” The aim of the meeting was to provide students with real practical experience in an inclusive environment, introduce volunteering opportunities, and deepen future cooperation.

The event was hosted by Maka Maglakelidze, Head of the Institutional Culture Development Department. Among the invited guests were Keti Arjevanidze, Head of the Education and Development Department of the Down Syndrome Association; Nino Sikharulidze, Expert of the “Babale” Career Guidance and Employment Program; Gigo Shiukashvili, Founder of the Gigo Foundation; and Mariam Berikelashvili, Self-Advocate.

The meeting discussed in detail short- and long-term volunteering programs, as well as the joint plans of the Academy and the Association, which provide students with new opportunities for professional growth.

According to the experience of the Down Syndrome Association, volunteering is one of the most important practical and human experiences for students.

“While in Babale, it is clearly visible how equality is created in everyday relationships, how support works, and what impact a professional’s attitude has on young people who are trying to deepen their own abilities,” said Keti Arjevanidze.

According to her, direct interaction in an inclusive environment gives students the ability to see a person beyond diagnosis and to deepen their communication, empathy, and observation skills.

“For students, this experience is one of the greatest sources of personal and professional growth. They learn to correctly assess real needs and develop the skills that are necessary in any medical specialty. In this process, they not only help others but also become more responsible, sensitive, and professionally developed people themselves,” said the Head of the Education and Development Department of the Down Syndrome Association.

The meeting paid special attention to the importance of empathy in medical personnel. The experiences of parents showed that incorrect provision of information or incompetent communication can have a serious impact on both the patient and their family.

“For me, being a parent and being a doctor carry almost the same responsibility. Often, when you go to the doctor, they tell you not to take your child, that he does not recognize you, that he will not be able to talk… Many do not have the correct information at all. There was a case when a child with Down syndrome was harmed due to an inappropriate approach in a clinic. Therefore, a doctor should prepare for correct communication from the very first year and should know how to receive a patient calmly, with detailed explanations and full responsibility,” noted Nino Sikharulidze, an expert in the Babale Career Guidance and Employment Program.

According to her, meeting with students at Babale significantly contributes to this process. “I like that they come to Babale — they have direct contact, they gain more knowledge, they want to study the issues independently. This means that in the future, doctors will no longer have the attitude that nothing helps anyway. Everything can be changed with the right approach. That is why I think our meetings are a very good step. Students are satisfied with their visit to us and with getting to know our teenagers. When trust is built, everything changes — that is exactly the result we want with doctors,” said Nino Sikharulidze.

The meeting ended with a discussion. It is important that TMA will continue to promote inclusive education in the future by introducing joint activities for teenagers and students, which helps strengthen professional competencies, social responsibility, and empathy.