The “1anoba” (unity) platform was created on March 23, 2020 in response to problems entailed by COVID-19. In the framework of a three-month activity, “1anoba” has already helped hundreds of socially vulnerable people with special needs. 

The platform brings together volunteers, business companies, public, donor organizations and the state. In the Georgian reality, “1anoba” is a good example of cross-sectoral cooperation. Enthusiastic volunteers, who are specially trained and help vulnerable groups on a daily basis, make a great contribution to the effective implementation of the activity. Nikoloz Mnatobishvili is one of the volunteers registered on the website of “1anoba”: “I would like to thank creators of the foundation for giving us the opportunity to participate in this good work. People need our help a lot during this time and when I see their happy faces, it makes me feel emotional too. I hope the foundation will further develop and help more people even after the pandemic”. 

This is not the first volunteer experience for Nikoloz. He has also participated in cleaning of the Vere Valley together with a group of volunteers from the City Hall after the June 13 developments. Besides, he and his friends have repeatedly helped a family, having various needs, as well as an orphanage with their own resources. 

“1anoba” helps people with disabilities, elderly people up to 70 years of age and single mothers who have been granted status by the state. The platform shares an emotional letter of one of the beneficiaries, which won’t really leave you indifferent: “I decided to purchase food stocks for a short term and noticed a known granny at the cashier- she was counting coins to buy one bread and butter. At some time, this granny used to help her mother, she used to bring milk to my brother. I come from a large family. My conscience bothered me, so I came to her and handed over the products I had purchased. She was refusing for a while, but I didn't give up either, I gave my products to her. And when I got home, I lied to children that I had lost money. Today I was thinking, maybe I could survive somehow until I get a social assistance and at that time they called me from “1anoba” saying: - “Hello Ma’am, we are bringing food products to you”. I was lost, could not speak for a while, I barely managed to say our address. I cannot express my gratitude to you in words, I saw God in you”, - T.R., a platform beneficiary. 

Nino Zambakhidze, Co-Founder of “1anoba”, Chairperson of the Georgian Farmers’ Association, talked to the representative of csogeorgia.org, the web portal of civil society organizations, about the idea of the platform, performed activities and future plans.

Interviewed by Tekle Karosanidze

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