2024 is the year of the 35th anniversary of the twinning. Looking back, we feel proud of the way we have worked together and what we have done in 34 years of friendship to forge it. There are a lot of happy memories to recall about these years. Our links gave us a strong feeling for people of Newport and Wales and increased interest in Welsh culture. The citizens of the both cities made an invaluable contribution to developing and enhancing links between the two cities. We developed strong belief in each other, mutual understanding, personal friendships and collaboration in many walks of life. It should come as no surprise that our links became an inspiration, and that the unique friendship between Newport and Kutaisi is recognized as an international model of Twinning.

Now we have the confidence to forge a great future for the Twinning in 2024 preserving all what we value in it. Let's continue working together for the development and prosperity of friendship between people of Kutaisi and Newport.

All best wishes to our friends and all people of the twinned cities.

The content of this Newsletter is devoted to the latest events of the Twinning in 2023.

On November, 14 British Ambassador to Georgia, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia Mark Clayton visited Kutaisi. He met the Chair of Kutaisi Newport International Association David Megrelishvili and the active members of the Association in a restaurant for the dinner organized specially for them. The meeting was attended by: Lyalya Kobeshavidze, an editor-in chief of the Newsletter, Maia Alavidze – Responsible secretary of KNIA, Mamuka Mikadze, PhD in Medicine, Natia Zviadadze - Head of the English Center at Akaki Tsereteli State Univerity, Manana Julakidze – Principle of a private school “Ghone Kveknisa”, Irina Kobakhidze – Responsible head of the English Language Center under the umbrella of KNIA, Lika Mkhatvari – Executive director at Bridge for social Inclusion, and Nestan Khutsidze - Principle of school N23.

The meeting was held in a warm and quiet atmosphere accompanied by the classical music. Association members proudly talked to the Ambassador about the great achievements of the association; some toasts were dedicated to the founders of the association Madonna Megrelishvili and Rosemary Butler and to the 34th anniversary of twinning.

The British Ambassador was very sociable and he was listening to each member of the Association with great interest and enthusiasm. They also mentioned the uniqueness and an important role of the projects carried out by the Associations during the years which made the relationship between two countries distinguished. Some important projects were also planned at the meeting that will make above-mentioned relations stronger.

At the end of the meeting the Association members took memorable photos with the Ambassador.

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 1st between Akaki Tsereteli State University and the Newport Kutaisi Twinning Association, the high-achieving students, Nino Tortladze, Kristine Dzagnidze and Levan Kvinkadze, have been selected to pursue their studies at the University of South Wales. Kristine Dzagnidze and Levan Kvinikadze commenced their studies on the 18th of September. The university life started with a comprehensive two-week induction period, during which the students were introduced to the academic and social aspects of their new environment. The induction was followed by an intensive study period, which involved a deep dive into course materials, engaging lectures, and interactive learning experiences. Emphasizing their educational experience, Kristine Dzagnidze and Levan Kvinikadze remarked that studying there is a captivating means of acquiring knowledge and refining their capabilities as future professionals in the sphere of education.

On the 19th of September, the Georgian students received a warm welcome from Jamie James, the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education. The meeting proved to be a meaningful and informative. Initially, the Dean emphasized the significance of the NKTA and its pivotal role in establishing a lasting connection between the two charming cities, Kutaisi and Newport. Following this, the students shared insights and perspectives on the nuances of learning at the University of South Wales. The conversation then gracefully transformed into an exploration of the rich tapestry of Georgian and Welsh cultures. What began as a simple greeting evolved into an engaging conversation.

On the 26th of September, Shirley Egley, the Chair of the Newport Kutaisi Twinning Association, and Nigel Hallett, the Treasurer of the Association, warmly hosted the students. The informal conversation extended beyond mere pleasantries. The Chair and Treasurer recollected a rich and lasting history of the Association. The students, in turn, expressed their deep appreciation and delight for the university experience. As the dialogue unfolded, discussion included the realms of history, culture, and sports, with a special focus on the shared passion for rugby between the Welsh and Georgian people. Plans for future visits to Cardiff and Pontypridd campuses of the university and trips across various parts of Wales were eagerly discussed as well. Thus, a beautiful exchange of stories and experiences solidified the connection between the Georgian students and the welcoming hosts from the Twinning Association.

On the 30th of October, a meeting was convened with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ben Calvert, and his Cabinet. In attendance alongside the students were the Chair, Shirley Egley, and Nigel Hallett, the Treasurer from the Association. The meeting took place in a splendid office offering panoramic views of the Welsh hilltops and the verdant city surroundings. Discussions centered on the education system and the students' experiences at the university. The Vice-Chancellor and his team were notably impressed, finding themselves pleasantly astonished by the students' profound insights and deep understanding of matters regarding the education system, the history, culture and traditions of Georgia.

The following day saw a warm and gracious welcome extended by the Mayor of Newport, Trevor Watkins and the Deputy Leader of the Council, Deborah Davies. The Deputy Leader, with enthusiasm, took great care in unravelling the fascinating history of Newport, vividly portrayed on the murals that adorned the walls of the Newport City Council. Following the tour within the City Council, the Georgian students were welcomed into the Mayor’s Office, where their attention was immediately drawn to a Georgian dagger prominently displayed on a table in the corner—a truly emotional sight. The students talked about the experience at university, and the aspirations for the future. At the meeting, the co-founder of the Twinning Association, Derek Butler, eloquently recalled that all of these relationships had their roots thirty or so years ago, and it was very moving for him that the bonds in these relationships still remained profoundly intense and meaningful. As the meeting drew to a close, symbolic presents were exchanged, and the Georgian students left their signatures in the guest book, symbolizing the continuation of a relationship that initiated more than three decades prior. Following the meeting, Derek Butler extended an invitation to the students for an informal chat at a local pub. In the charming ambiance, discussions included a myriad of topics, ranging from history, culture, and politics to the shared passion for rugby. The day passed by so swiftly that it felt like mere moments.

On the 2nd of November, the Georgian students, Kristine Dzagnidze and Levan Kvinikadze, were invited as delegates representing the NKTA at the 36th Annual Georgian Studies Day held at the University of Westminster, in London. During this significant event, they delivered a presentation highlighting the achievements and future aspirations of the Newport-Kutaisi Twinning Association. The meeting proved to be exceptionally engaging and interesting. The atmosphere in the hall was truly uplifting, and it was gratifying to hear attendees express their admiration for Georgia—a relatively small country yet home to numerous talented individuals in science, arts, music, the film industry, and sports.

The Newport-Kutaisi Twinning Association exemplifies the genuine spirit of friendship and collaboration. Its past and present serve as a testament to these values.

We are proudly sharing the article from the USW webpage:

First Minister praises strong links between Newport and Georgia during visit to USW

The University of South Wales (USW) welcomed the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, to its Newport Campus yesterday (Thursday 30 November) where he met with students from Georgia.

The First Minister’s visit acknowledged the University’s links with Georgia, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi, which offers scholarships for three students to study a full-time Masters degree at USW. Newport has been twinned with the Georgian city of Kutaisi since 1989.

He met with two students, Kristine Dzagnidze and Levan Kvinikadze, who are studying MA courses in the Professional Learning in Education subject area, based at USW’s Newport Campus, to hear about their time at the University.

Kristine, who is an MA Education (Innovation in Learning and Teaching) student, said: “Benefiting from this scholarship is very important to me as without it, I would not have been able to pursue an education here in Wales. I come from a family of educators, and so studying at USW, which is widely acclaimed for its Teaching courses, is a wonderful opportunity. After graduating I hope to work in the Ministry of Education and Science in Georgia, where I can apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my studies.”

Levan, who is studying on the MA Leadership and Management (Education) programme, added: “I feel privileged to have met the First Minister of Wales today, and am grateful for the opportunity to study with this scholarship, which allows me to concentrate on my education and personal development. I am a mathematician, and I hope to gain international experience which I can further develop back in my home country.”

During his visit, the First Minister also presented a Georgian rugby shirt to the University, which he was gifted during the Rugby World Cup in France earlier this year.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It was a pleasure to meet Kristine and Levan and learn about their experience of studying at the University of South Wales. Presenting the rugby shirt to them brought back fond memories of the exciting match between Wales and Georgia at the Rugby World Cup and the mutual respect and warmth between the two nations, on and off the pitch.

“Education builds bridges and can help bring nations closer together, even if they are geographically far apart. I look forward to the links between Newport and Kutaisi and the two universities being strengthened even further through the Memorandum of Understanding.”

On April 6, 2022, the first successful working meeting took place between Kutaisi #23 Public School and Newport Llanwern High School, which was attended by honored members of Kutaisi-Newport Twinning Association: Colin Mason and Maia Alavidze. The meeting was very productive and the beginning of the new project between two schools. Both schools expressed their willingness to cooperate, thus laying the foundation for the future relationship between the two schools.

Meetings are held permanently every two months and various issues are discussed such as important places and landmarks of both cities. They also have pen pals and send some letters to each other. Students from both schools share video presentations with each other and the first live session was held on March 23, 2023. Students got to know their peers from Wales, talked about the traditions of both countries, tourist places, and shared interesting and favorite activities with each other. The live session was productive and another step forward in bringing both schools closer together and realizing future plans. The feedback given by honored member of Newport Kutaisi Twinning Association Colin Mason was impressive:

“Hello all,

It was lovely to see the students talking to each other, they were all so excited. The Llanwern children were very shy. Hopefully as they get more used to the process they will gain confidence. Your students were really confident, I don't think that Jemma realized how good your students' English is!”

In the current academic year, three working meetings were held with representatives of the Newport group and activations were planned. The first wave of letters has also been received by pupils at a school in Wales and they are sending their replies this week. After the Christmas holidays, the students of both schools will have an online meeting and introduce each other, and new project” Get to Know Newport and Kutaisi” is also starting.

It is welcome that the project is in an active phase and in the nearest future it is planned to visit the representatives of Newport Llanwern High School in Kutaisi, #23 public school in order to deepen the future relationship.

And last but not least we would like to say a huge thank you to our dedicated, special friends, NKTA members for their invaluable hospitality.