Youth Engagement and Development Center of Akhmeta was a newly established organization when a youth initiative group decided to install bike parking racks at schools.

“We considered that Akhmeta had great potential for development of a cycling culture due to its landscape. Besides, we had a desire to develop a well-established cycling culture in Europe here as well and thus facilitate a healthy lifestyle of youth”, - Vakhtang Kadagidze, Youth Project Manager states.

Initially, the idea was supported by “Orbeliani Georgia”. With the financial support of this organization, there were installed bike parking racks at five schools of Akhmeta, Kistauri, and Birkiani. At the second stage, with the financial support of the Tusheti Development Fund, 5 more bike parking racks were arranged at Kvemo and Zemo Alvani schools and sports fields. At this point, they can be found at ten locations in total. As Vakho points out, only bike parking racks and relevant materials were purchased with the grant funding, whereas their installation became possible with the voluntary involvement of members of the organization, school administrations, and students.

“As a result of the implementation of the idea, the interest of young people in cycling culture has increased, more students go to school by bike, new bike parking racks served as a kind of motivators and encouragements for them. Besides, it should be noted that the number of bicycles at the Zemo Alvani school # 1 increased so much that the school administration added new bike parking racks on its own initiative”, - notes Vakhtang.

The center obtained funding from both organizations through participation in an open competition, successfully implemented projects, and earned donor appreciation too. Youth Engagement and Development Center of Akhmeta aims at the development and empowerment of young people living in the municipality. At this stage, the organization is in the process of rearrangement and works on its future plans.