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Bacho TsiklauriA schoolboy, the only student in a rural school
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- A Lone Student in a Rural School
- A Dwindling School Population
- The Village of Makarta
- Bacho's Education
- A Monotonous Morning
- Lonely Lessons
A Lone Student in a Rural School
In the remote village of Makarta, a young boy named Bacho Tsiklauri is the sole student in the local elementary school. Despite his surname beginning with the letter "C," which typically provides a reprieve during roll call, Bacho invariably finds himself being the first and last student to answer questions in class.
A Dwindling School Population
The reason for Bacho's unique academic situation lies in the dwindling population of Makarta. With only 30 inhabitants remaining, the number of school-aged children has plummeted. For Bacho, the transition to a different grade or school is impossible, as he represents 100% of the student body.
The Village of Makarta
Makarta lies approximately 100 kilometers from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. While much of the journey can be traveled on a decent highway, the final 20 kilometers are a bumpy gravel road. Upon arriving in the village, one can observe the preponderance of abandoned houses, a testament to the exodus of residents seeking better opportunities.
Bacho's Education
Bacho's education is overseen by two dedicated teachers: Lia Tsiklauri, who teaches Georgian and Mathematics, and Inga Chokheli, who teaches English. His mother, Lela Machkhashvili, and older brother, Dato, provide him with support at home.
A Monotonous Morning
Bacho begins his day by helping his mother prepare breakfast and reviewing his homework with her assistance. While Dato sets off for school earlier on foot, Bacho waits at home until one of his teachers arrives around 10 am. Accompanied by his father and dog, he then makes the short journey to school, which is housed on the second floor of a private house.
Lonely Lessons
After a brief attendance check, Bacho proceeds to recite his homework for the entire class. Despite his solitary status, he exhibits a remarkable resilience in answering all questions posed by his teachers. The teachers acknowledge Bacho's academic prowess, but with his impending transition to middle school, the primary school of Makarta faces an uncertain future.
