წაიკითხეთ ეს ქართულად.

When Distance Learning Programme (DLP) students put their learning into practice with children with disabilities, remarkable things happen.

Things that may seem simple combine, enabling the children to better fulfil their potential and improve their quality of life. The results we see:

  • Hard to reach children are motivated to engage.
  • Exploring musical instruments and sound opens the door to new non-verbal communication skills.
  • Children can express themselves so those around them can know them better.
  • Sharing musical instruments and participating in structured musical activities develops social skills and peer awareness.

Succeeding in these areas builds confidence and resilience, which impacts their lives more widely.

A personal approach

A crucial part of this learning comes when students receive in-person guidance, feedback, and practical support during the Intensive Study Training (IST). This October, Jenny Laahs will travel to Tbilisi to deliver this vital component of the programme, alongside Tamar (Tako) Jordania, Leader of the Georgian DLP.

Over Saturday and Sunday (25th–26th), participants will take part in interactive workshops, case studies, collaborative exercises, and focused discussions during the IST, building on their monthly tutorials and assignments. We are delighted that Eliso Gvasalia will join across all three days, supporting the training as translator.

We look forward to meeting this year’s cohort, learning alongside them, and seeing the new insights and innovations they bring into their work with children with disabilities in Georgia!

Henry, Makeda, and Alexia have greatly enjoyed coordinating this year’s project alongside Jenny, Tako, and Eliso. They look forward to seeing the lasting impact of this collaboration in the months ahead, as the Distance Learning Programme continues to reach more practitioners and care settings across Georgia.

Making the most of our visit

In response to requests from some of our Georgian partners, Jenny will also use her visit to deliver a one-day Support Activity on Friday 24th. This session will provide students with space to reflect on their work, troubleshoot challenges, and receive guidance as they continue to embed their learning.

We know that getting started is only half the challenge; keeping going is the key to long-term impact, and this activity helps practitioners sustain change that can transform not just individual lives, but the culture of care within settings, regions, and across the country.

As Jenny Laahs said following a previous support session in Tbilisi, sessions like these help to strengthen practice and deepen confidence in their use of music.

“All participants rated their experience as “very useful”, and all highlighted the benefits of meeting in pairs so they could learn from reflecting on each other’s work as well as their own.”

You can revisit Jenny’s report on last year’s practical DLP work in Georgia here:
🔗 From theory to practice: Georgian practitioners begin their next steps