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

Tbilisi. On July 28, at the Swissotel Tbilisi hotel, the screening of the films that passed the second stage of the three-minute film competition on the theme of rural women and the awarding ceremony of the three winning films was held. The first prize went to the work entitled Teachers from Shuapkho, authors - Nino Apakidze and Tamta Chkhaidze, second place - Selfless Work of a Single Mother for her Daughter's Education, author - Phari Ismailova, third place - Faraway Memories beyond the Mind, authors - Luka Karchkhadze , Sandro Kuparashvili. For the third time, Taso Foundation is holding a competition of three-minute films on the topic of women living in rural areas. Up to now, within the framework of the competition, about a hundred films have been created on the mentioned topic. The winning and selected films will be distributed gradually through our media channels. Source: TASO Foundation

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti.42 families at the Torsa IDP settlement regained access to drinking water thanks to the EU and UNDP support.  This initiative was implemented in cooperation with the Rural Communities Development Agency, as part of the #EU4Dialogue project. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Tbilisi.CHCA is thrilled to share the outcomes of recent meeting within the project, "Building the Inclusion of Vulnerable and Marginalized Communities in Georgia", where guiding principle is "Leave No One Behind" (LNOB).   The primary focus of meeting was to delve into the upcoming project, which is dedicated to improving the lives of those who are in need.   Through this initiative, we aim to develop comprehensive guidelines for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across various fields, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to effectively support vulnerable communities.  Additionally, we discussed plans to conduct tailored trainings for CSOs, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a tangible difference. More... Source: CHCA

Tbilisi.Learn more about social entrepreneurs in a video prepared by the Education Development and Employment Center. What is social entrepreneurship and what opportunities does it create for entrepreneurs?  What is a social enterprise?  More... Source: Education Development and Employment Center

Tbilisi.The Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) organized a training of trainers for selected representatives from twenty educational institutions in Georgia. The training aimed to promote the first volunteer digital web platform www.volunteer.ge, to encourage interested individuals to join the volunteer system and enable them to implement volunteer initiatives using the platform.  During the training, participants were introduced to the goals and rules of the platform www.volunteer.ge, which will enable them to carry out various volunteer activities with students in their regions. The training was conducted by the executive director of EDEC, Natia Namicheishvili, and web administrator, Nata Kapatadze.  The training 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). More... Source: The Education Development and Employment Center

Imereti.On March 1, 2024, Rights Georgia, with the support of the USAID Rule of Law Program, held an informational meeting with pupils from various schools in Chiatura at the Chiatura Legal Aid Center. The meeting was held in a discussion format. Participants emphasized the importance of preventing violence against women and providing qualified legal assistance.  They also discussed the protection of minors who are victims of domestic violence and their need for psycho-emotional support. Special attention was paid to the discussion about the causes of femicide and gender stereotypes. More... Source: Rights Georgia

Samcxe-Javakheti.On February 29, 2024, a meeting with representatives of the private sector held in Akhaltsikhe within the framework of Society Biliki’s project Development of Local Employment Policy – Improvement of Disabled People's Rights”. At first, Victor Baramia, the representative of the European Foundation, welcomed the participants of the meeting, and then Marika Mgebrishvili, the head of Society Biliki spoke about the activities carried out within the project and the future plans. Social entrepreneur Nino Giorgadze shared the experience of successful practices and social responsibility of the business sector with the participants of the meeting. The project “Development of Local Employment Policy – Improvement of Disabled People Rights” is supported by the project "Advocacy for the Implementation of the Law on the Rights of People with Disabilities", which is implemented by the Coalition for Independent Living in cooperation with the European Foundation and the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley. More... Source: Society Biliki

Tbilisi. Georgian Down Syndrome Association is  commencing the 13th campaign in relation to World Down Syndrome Day. Every year, on March 21st, Georgian Down Syndrome Association, as organizations that are working on issues related to Down syndrome, collaborate on international platforms to create a global message that serves as a focal point for the community, people with Down syndrome, their family members, supporters, and the civil, private, and public sectors to plan their work processes and the upcoming year. As a vital cog in the worldwide wheel, the Georgian Down Syndrome Association is part of this year's worldwide message and challenges everyone to work together in order to end stereotypes with joint efforts. More...  Source: Georgian Down Syndrome Association

Kakheti.In partnership with the EU and Georgia’s Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, UNDP supported Lagodekhi Municipality in rethinking its citizen service area. Introducing a new approach with a one-stop-shop service concept, citizens can now access a wide array of municipal services all in one convenient location. From social and legal aid to infrastructural and architectural consultations, the new service area supports the Lagodekhi community every step of the way. This initiative has become a reality thanks to the EU-funded programme "EU for Integrated Territorial Development" #EU4ITD, marking a milestone in enhancing public service delivery in Georgia’s regions. More... Source: UNDP Georgia

Kvmeo Kartli. EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, visited the Marneuli municipality and the village of Samshvilde, and met the diverse communities of Georgia’s regions. Diversity, inclusivity, and equality are values that play a great role in Georgia’s EU path. The Ambassador was welcomed by the Mayor of Marneuli, Kenan Omarov and the Marneuli Municipality Council Chair, Amiran Giorgadze. In Samshvilde village, the Ambassador visited the EU-supported "Orbis Bude" social enterprise that promotes sustainable tourism and fosters inclusivity through employment More... Source: European Union in Georgia

Racha.On February 12, 2024, the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC), in partnership with the NGO Abkhazintercont (AIC), held an information meeting within the framework of the project "Citizens for Local Development", the purpose of which was to introduce the project to local self-government and civil society representatives.  The representatives of Oni Municipality City Hall, City Council, Gender Council, civil organizations, and other interested persons attended the meeting. The project team also met Sergo Khidesheli the Mayor of Oni municipality, and Bachana Markoishvili, the chairman of the city council, who pledged their support to the project.  The goal of the project "Citizens for Local Development" is to promote the solution of acute problems in two communities of Oni and Tkibuli municipalities (Sakao and Tsukhati), with the partnership of local self-government, private and civil sectors and the active involvement of the rural community.  The project "Citizens for Local Development" is implemented with the support of the USAID Local Government Program, which is implemented by the Education Development and Employment Center with the partnership NGO Abkhazintercont. More... Source: Education Development and Employment Center

On January 25-26, IDFI, held working meetings with the private sector in the cities of Kutaisi and Batumi to discuss the availability of open government data of significance to the private sector. The events were held within the framework of the project implemented with the support of the USAID Economic Governance Program – Open Government Data study, which aims to reveal the needs, capacities, and potential that private companies have to create new services, increase efficiency, and facilitate economic growth through the use of data. More... Source: Institute for Development of Freedom of Information

CHCA is gearing up to offer Homecare Services in Samegrelo! Starting from January 18, CHCA kicked off a certificate training course aimed at elevating the skills and expertise of our nurses and caregivers.  This comprehensive program will span over 10 intensive days. The training initiative is facilitated by the organization "Human and Nature" and is accredited by The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Health, Labour and Social Affairs of Georgia. More... Source: CHCA 

Tbilisi.The Soviet Past Research Laboratory (Sovlab) condemns the placement of an icon entitled Holy Matrona of Moscow blesses Stalin in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.  The presence of this icon in the Holy Trinity Cathedral on the eve of the 103rd anniversary of the occupation of Georgia by Soviet Russia that started precisely on the initiative of Joseph Stalin, is an insult to the memory of the victims of Soviet Russian totalitarianism. Sovlab calls on the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church to clearly state its position on the figure of Joseph Stalin. If this position is negative, we call on the Patriarchate to ensure that the icon is removed from the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Source: Soviet Past Research Laboratory

Imereti.On December 21, a Social Services Hotline Information Campaign  was held in Tskaltubo district. Highlights from the Meeting: Collaborative efforts for community welfare,  Understanding the Social Services Hotline operation, Understanding the Social Services Hotline operation, Open dialogue on providing essential services. Project Overview and Objectives Structure and Functioning of the Social Services Hotline Detailed Steps in Service Delivery and Information Dissemination. Community Engagement: Community leaders actively involved in expanding the outreach of the hotline, ensuring efficient information dissemination to those in need. This initiative falls under the EU4Dialogue project, reflecting a commitment to fostering dialogue and positive change.

Tbilisi. Toma works hard every day to defend the rights of individuals with disabilities in Adjara.  He has carried out many activities to make his hometown more wheelchair-friendly. He opened a social café where he provides employment for persons with disabilities and works to foster their social integration. Toma is an exemplary civic activist who brings together the local youth to make a change. The Ambassador of the Netherlands, Meline Arakelian, awarded Toma with the prize at an award ceremony on 13 December. More... Source: Embassy of the Netherlands in Georgia

Mtskheta-Mtianeti.On December 15, a conference on Displacement in Georgia was convened to foster sustained, multisectoral assistance for internally displaced persons and Ukrainian refugees living in Georgia. Opening words were given by Eero Johnson, the director of the Estonian Refugee Council, Riina Kaljurand, the ambassador of Estonia in Tbilisi, and David Kaikatsishvili, the head of IDPs and Migrant Policy Department, Ministry of IDPs From the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub, in cooperation with the Estonian Refugee Council and with the financial support of the Estonian International Development Center (ESTDEV), implements the program "Supporting civil society and empowering refugee voices in Georgia" More... Source: Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub 

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

Tbilisi.On 22 November, at Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel (29 Shota Rustaveli Ave. Tbilisi), UNDP and “Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) – Georgia”, with support from Sweden and the European Union, will unveil a comprehensive study shedding light on the challenges encountered by labour migrant women upon their return to Georgia. The research will be presented as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, showing a shared commitment to addressing and preventing all forms of gender-based discrimination. More...  Source: UNDP 

Tbilisi.On November 14, TDI organized an event dedicated to the International Day for Tolerance, as well as the TDI's 10-year anniversary. At the event we reviewed the main trends, needs and challenges regarding freedom of religion or belief, the rights of religious-ethnic minorities and migrants in Georgia.  More... Source: TDI 

Tbilisi. UNDP announces the release of the "Guidelines on Meaningful Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Decision-Making Processes", developed with support from UNDP Georgia and the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD MPTF) This groundbreaking document highlights international and local standards, practical methods, and considerations tailored to diverse needs and influencing factors.  It serves as an invaluable resource for public agencies, as well as the private, and civic sectors, toward ensuring meaningful participation and engagement of people with disabilities. More... Source: UNDP Georgia