Special guests from Germany – representatives of our donor organization "Bread for the World": Dorothea Wolf, Claudia Hinderer, and Alina Hirschmeier visited the Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”
At the beginning of the visit, we presented our work in the following areas: Women Support Centers, Youth Empowerment Centers, Rehabilitation Center, Day Centers, Forum Theater, Peacebuilding Component, Monitoring and Advocacy, and Informational sector.
The Youth Forum Theater presented a performance in English in the courtyard of our office, which delighted the guests.
The guests were familiarized with the activities of the Day Centers in Kutaisi and Senaki, interacted with participants of polymer clay and sewing courses, and praised the women for their diligence and beautiful handicrafts.
In Senaki, they met with activists from the Women Support Center, and in Tskaltubo, they participated in training with youth.
All this made a great impression on our donors. They noted that, despite the difficulties and challenges, the Fund “Sukhumi” continues to successfully work with women and youth, which is gratifying and commendable.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Members of Senaki mutual assistance group actively participated in a survey conducted in the IDP settlement, which included 129 people.
One of the main topics at the meeting with group members was the discussion of the survey results. The research identified actual issues in the IDP community. Support for civil initiatives to address these issues is planned. Participants received information on how to formulate a problem, define goals and objectives, and present it as a civil initiative.
The project is being implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
In October, women from one of Samegrelo municipalities visited our rehabilitation center.
They worked with a psychologist, a lawyer, and a social worker. The psychologist met them frequently and held sessions, so she can tell us more:
"Through daily communication, their inner personality gradually opened up. They said they had never spoken out loud about the problems they had carried within for years. One of them had been conditioned to obey since childhood, and now, as an adult, she clearly understands the harm this unspoken obedience has caused, but she can't change anything..."
I listened to her story, and she felt relieved. She didn't want the conversation to end because she was listened."
The women left notes. Fragments from their letters:
"The place where I rest is a spiritual paradise"...
"I think how wonderful life would be if I lived differently"...
"This is a place where I could think about a happy future and, I think, I will definitely free myself from the memories of the past. I love you"...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The "students" began their training with great interest.
At the request of activists of Senaki Women Support Center, a day center was opened. There are participants who have begun to study sewing and cutting.
The training is held in Senaki Community Educational Center (located in the IDP settlement – the former military town of Senaki).
The basic course will last two months, after which the women will have new employment opportunities.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women are working in a bright, sunny room, and at times they create real “miracles”...
Instructor Maka Jishkariani generously shares her knowledge, experience, and many secrets with them.
A new course on working with polymer clay has opened at the Kutaisi Day Center.
Interest, diligence, and enjoyment can be felt from the very first lessons. In two months, at the final meeting, the students will organize an exhibition of their works and say that they will apply the knowledge they have gained in practice...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women's mutual assistance groups have begun implementing initiatives.
The groups presented 18 initiatives, eight of which were funded by our organization.
In early October, the initiative authors received materials and tools, and they will begin their work.
Project Assistant Nino Chabukiani notes: "Implementing the initiatives is a great support for people from vulnerable groups. It contributes to women's economic empowerment and is a significant incentive for them and their families. Therefore, everyone who received funding is grateful to our organization. The groups have become even more motivated to work. Those who did not receive funding are now preparing for the second stage."
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
At Tskaltubo mutual assistance group meeting, the survey results were discussed. The community completed 126 questionnaires.
The data collected reflects the most pressing needs of IDPs in four settlements (Kopitnari, the former Statistical Office building, 9 April Street, and Abkhazia Street).
The group members decided to hold meetings with the public to better identify priority issues and develop civic initiatives.
In the second part of the meeting, participants discussed the rules of application submission process for civic initiatives. They will strive to formulate ideas based on community needs in order to receive funding.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center and Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
Kutaisi women's mutual assistance group - "Women’s Voice" met again. This time, they discussed the survey.
Kutaisi is one of the municipalities where the Women Fund “Sukhumi” conducted a survey on the needs of IDPs, focusing on infrastructure, public spaces, and access to services.
103 respondents (69 women and 34 men) participated in the survey.
Members of the women's mutual assistance group will present the results of the IDP survey.
The main goal of the survey is to identify needs in the community and then fund initiatives to address critical issues.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent", the Women's Information Center, and the Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
Evaluation of the survey process, achievements and challenges, and discussion of a sample initiative form - this was the topic and goal of the mutual assistance group "Community Power" meeting in Khoni.
In the IDP settlement on Abkhazeti Street, 108 IDPs - 80 women and 28 men were interviewed on the following community needs: infrastructure, public spaces, and access to services.
Primary data is available for all three areas. The group members will present the results of the IDP survey. Then, by mutual agreement, they will select a priority issue and begin the necessary preparations for funding the initiative.
The project is implemented by a coalition of non-governmental organizations: the Association of IDP Women "Consent," the Women's Information Center, and Women's Charitable Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”.
