The new season of "Mestumre" has officially kicked off! This year, we’ve gathered 127 incredible volunteers who are ready to brighten the lives of elderly people across Georgia. For the next 6 months, these volunteers will be companions and conversation partners to residents in 8 elderly care homes across the country, helping to create connections and memories that matter. Each volunteer will undergo a full month of training with MAC Georgia’s psychologists and occupational therapists, ensuring every moment spent together is meaningful and fun!  Source: MAC Georgia

"Youth4 Community" is one of the projects funded by the USAID Civic Education Program. It aimed to popularize volunteer activities among young people living in 5 municipalities of the Imereti region and increase civic engagement at the local level through volunteer clubs. At the final meeting, the members of the volunteer club prepared a summary presentation about their activities - what they did within the project, what challenges they faced in the process and what experiences they gained.  It is important to note that they plan to continue the activities of the clubs even after the end of the project.  Source: USAID Civic Education Program

On September 11, in the allocated spaces in schools of Marneuli Municipality, where bilingual alternative kindergartens for national minorities will soon open, the process of equipping them with toys, books, and other developmental materials for children has begun. The purchase of equipment for preschool education centers is carried out within the framework of the project "Child Development, Safety, and Well-being. Diversification and Improvement of Preschool Services in the Marneuli Region." The project is implemented by the Polish organization EDUKATOR in partnership with the National Network for the Protection from Violence. Project co-financed within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.  Source: National Network for the Protection from Violence

A love of reading opens the door to adventures, learning new things and a whole host of key language skills such as speech development and vocabulary building. Spending time with books also creates special moments for you to bond with your child and enjoy each other’s company.  Just 10 to 15 minutes a day with a book is enough to spark your curious little one’s interest. Read on for our top tips on fostering a love of literature.  More… Source: UNICEF

Imereti. A workshop was held on July 5 in Kutaisi for young people living in the region. The event was organized by the Education Development and Employment Center. The workshop focused on promoting the culture of volunteering among young people and conducting an open dialogue about civil activism. It also featured discussions on formal and informal volunteering, the connections between volunteering and civil activism, as well as literacy and its role in the development of civil society. The meeting was chaired by the writer Giorgi Kekelidze. Source: Education Development and Employment Center

Kvemo Khartli. Two cohorts of the Civic Development School brought together over 70 young people aiming to empower and educate youth from the Kvemo Kartli region.  Through public lectures and thought-provoking discussions over six months, the school addressed crucial topics, such as human rights, equality, diversity, media and digital literacy, eliminating discrimination and violence.  Civic Development School was established by Red Bridge with support from UNDP and Norwegian Embassy in Tbilisi, in partnership with National Library of Georgia.  More… Source: UNDP

50 Young Climate Ambassadors from 26 municipalities across Georgia joined the 4th Green Summer Camp to gear up with vital climate education. Since its launch in 2022, the Green Camp has empowered youth to foster local #ClimateAction in their communities.  More… Source: UNDP

Tbilisi.35 years ago, the world recognized that children have rights, including the right to express opinions and participate in decision-making. Georgia joined the Convention 30 years ago, in 1994.  „The importance of children's active participation is emphasized in the Child Rights Code of Georgia. Children have the right to freely express their opinions on matters that impact them. It's crucial to consider these views while making decisions that affect their lives“.  Source: UNICEF Georgia

Tbilisi.On April 25, 2024, within the framework of the "Civil Society Initiative" project supported by the European Union, a regional volunteering forum organized by the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) and Shida Kartli regional hub – Society Biliki. The aim of the forum is to popularize the culture of volunteering among the youth of the Shida Kartli region, to promote communication between volunteer organizations and people interested in volunteering, as well as to increase the awareness of regional public organizations among the population, to inform the population of the region about their activities, implemented projects, and to increase trust in civil society organizations. The event held within the framework of the project “Civil Society STAR Initiative: CSOs as Sustainable, Transparent, Accountable and Resilient Development Actors in Georgia“(2021-2025). The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The works of Shida Kartli Regional Hub are run by Society Biliki.  More... Source: Society Biliki

Guria.On March 24, Education Development and Employment Center organized a workshop for young people living in Guria. he workshop was organized within the framework of the European Union (EU) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) funded project “Civil Society STAR Initiative: Sustainable, Transparent and Accountable Civil society Organizations (CSOs) for the Development of Georgia” (2021-2025). The project is implemented by the Consortium led by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and composed of the following CSOs: Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG), Civil Society Institute (CSI), Center for Training and Consultancy (CTC), Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC), and Institute for European Politics (IEP). More... Source: Education Development and Employment Center

Tbilisi. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (MFA), through its Department of European Neighborhood (EUN), in partnership with UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional office, proudly announces the launch of the "Women’s Increased Leadership for Resilient and Peaceful Societies" programme.  The four-year initiative, set to unfold across Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, is a decisive step towards enhancing conflict prevention, mediation, and the fortification of democratic resilience in three countries with a special focus on their EU accession journey.  The project in Georgia aims to enhance human rights and resilience in communities affected by conflict, targeting young women for inclusion in peace and rights activism, and improving economic opportunities for the most marginalized, such as IDP and conflict-affected women. The initiative represents a significant commitment to advancing gender equality, reducing disparities, and fostering sustainable development in Georgia and the broader region.  Source: UN Women Georgia

Tbilisi.Within the framework of the project supported by European Union in Georgia, more than 150 professionals - social workers, judges, lawyers - participated in the workshops organized by UNICEF aimed at promotion of efficient implementation of Article 26 of the Code on the Rights of the Child and the establishment of uniform practices.  Article 26 of the Code regulates the issue of separation of a child from the family and considers it permissible only when the life, health or safety of the child is in immediate danger, and even then the decision must be taken with the approval of the court. Professionals and invited specialists shared with each other information and experience on basic concepts, principles, approaches and ways of cooperation in order to establish a uniform practice and protect the best interests of the child. More...

Tbilisi. UNICEF Georgia distributes an informacion card about how to talk to your children about hate speech. More... Source: UNICEF Georgia

Happy International Day of Education!  UNDP  firmly believe that education transforms the world, laying the groundwork for peaceful, just, equal, and sustainable societies.  Lado Apkhazava, Georgia's first National Teacher Prize winner, emphasizes the importance of education and freedom. These core values empower young people with the skills and mindset to overcome future challenges! More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Samtskhe-Javakheti. In the minority villages of Akhalkalaki municipality, public schools have established digital hubs with the EU support. Now, local young minds can actively participate in online trainings, conferences, and various educational events, opening doors to new opportunities and knowledge.  See more in the video Source: EU

Tbilisi. UNICEF Georgia publishes an article about hate Speech. Whether in person or online, almost all children and young people will encounter hate speech at some time.  As a parent, it’s important to talk to your child about hate speech, to help them recognize it and know what to do when they encounter it. More.. Source: UNICEF Georgia

Tbilisi.On December 13-15, another discussion was held within the framework of the current project - "Community Youth Engagement in the Regions". The lecture-discussion on the topic "General overview of Post-Soviet states" was led by Rondeli Foundation researcher Mamuka Komakhia, and the lecture-discussion "Advocacy and lobbying" was led by lawyer Sulkhan Saladze.  Community Youth Engagement in the Regions is being launched in September 2023 by Rondeli Foundation with the support of the US Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia which aims to increase civic awareness among public school pupils of Mountainous Adjara and Adigeni Municipality and increase their capacity through non-formal educational activities. More... Source: Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies

Imereti.On December 12, 2023, in Kutaisi, under the organization of Education Development and Employment Center, the public discussion of national programs for the development and involvement of youth in the regions of Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti for 2023-2026 was conducted.  The aim of the initiative was to promote the implementation of a new development strategy and to familiarize the participants with the planned activities and initiatives outlined in the programs.  The focus includes enhancing the well-being and potential of youth, strengthening their health and well-being, boosting their economic empowerment, fostering participation in public and democratic processes, and improving the management system for new political initiatives. The ideas highlighted as a result of the workshop will be submitted to the Youth Agency for reflection in the 2024-2025 action plan. More... Source: Education Development and Employment Center

According to the report published by UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, around 23% of children with disabilities in Georgia have felt discriminated against or harassed. Creating an inclusive society free from discrimination is paramount to a better future for children and their families.  The report... Source: UNICEF

Tbilisi. The Council of Europe has launched a new campaign against child abuse. "Support Children". In the online space, teenagers are often targets of obscene conversations, intimate photos and victims of blackmail or extortion with video material. Remember - such actions are a crime and are punishable by law! Let's talk to children, Be supportive! Encourage honesty! and together we can beat internet crimes. More... Source: Council of Europe 

Kvemo Kartli. Organized by the Civil Integration Fund, within the framework of the "Civil Society Initiative" project, a seminar on "European Union for Georgia" was held in Marneuli Youth Center. The meeting discussed - what it means to be a murderer of Europe and why our country should aspire to join the European Union. The seminar was chaired by Mikheil Mirziashvili, chairman of the board of the Center for Development and Democracy. The Meeting was carried out within the framework of the EU and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) funded project "Civil Society STAR Initiative".  Source: Civil Integration Fund

The National Statistical Office of Georgia, with the support of UNICEF, held a presentation of the Statistical Portal on Children and Youth. The Portal provides users with the opportunity to explore and analyze statistical data about children and youth in one place, using interactive infographics and modern visualization elements. It also presents indicators of sustainable development related to children and youth, statistical publications, relevant legislation, links, and other important information. More... Source: UNICEF Georgia