From November 21 to 29, 2024, Tbilisi State University (TSU) organized a series of synchronized training sessions under the Erasmus+ DeSIRe project, titled “Development of Soft Skills in Universities of Armenia and Georgia in Line with the Requirements of the 21st Century Labor Market.” These sessions were conducted to enhance key soft skills vital for academic and professional development. Each session targeted specific audiences, including students, academic staff, and a mixed group, and was delivered through on-site and online platforms.

Three meetings were held both for students and academic staff, where representatives from TSU conducted sessions on topics: “Key Entrepreneurial Skills”, “Reflective Thinking and Evaluating Skills”, “Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)”, and “Media and Digital Literacy Skills”.

Associate Professor Rusudan Sanadze conducted session on “Key Entrepreneurial Skills”. This training focused on developing entrepreneurial competencies such as innovative thinking, resource management, and risk-taking. Using case studies from leading global companies, participants explored practical applications of these skills. Students left the training with a clearer understanding of how entrepreneurial soft skills contribute to professional success in the modern labor market.
“Reflective Thinking and Evaluating Skills,” was delivered for academic staff and students by Associate Professor Tinatin Davitashvili. This session explored reflective thinking models, including descriptive, critical, and analytical approaches, to improve self-assessment and decision-making processes. Practical templates were provided for integrating reflective practices into teaching and administrative duties. Faculty members were equipped with tools to foster continuous professional growth, enhance their teaching methodologies, and improve learning outcomes.

A session on “Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)” was conducted by Associate Professor Irma Grdzelidze. This training highlighted the importance of creating inclusive environments within academic institutions. Through interactive discussions, participants examined strategies for promoting equity and understanding diverse perspectives. Group activities and case studies encouraged collaboration and empathy, fostering a shared commitment to inclusivity. Participants gained valuable insights into how institutional strategies can support diversity and enhance the academic culture.

The final session, “Media and Digital Literacy Skills,” was conducted by PhDc Sopio Idadze. This training addressed the growing challenges of the digital era by emphasizing the importance of media literacy and ethical digital behavior. Participants engaged in practical exercises, such as identifying misinformation, evaluating content critically, and creating responsible digital content. These activities aimed to equip attendees with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly and effectively, enabling them to become informed media consumers and proactive digital citizens.
Each session was attended by 48 students and 18 academic staff. Totally, four sessions were attended by 192 students and 72 academic staff.

The training sessions achieved significant outcomes, with participants demonstrating an increased understanding of critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration. The interactive nature of the
sessions encouraged engagement and highlighted the practical applications of the topics covered. The simultaneous execution of these sessions not only optimized resources but also fostered interdisciplinary learning and collaboration among students and faculty.

In conclusion, the training sessions at Tbilisi State University marked an important step in developing soft skills tailored to the needs of the 21st-century labor market. By addressing diverse topics through targeted and interactive formats, these sessions reinforced TSU’s dedication to cultivating a skilled and inclusive academic community. Plans for future sessions will build on this success to ensure continued impact and progress.