In 10 municipalities of Western Georgia, youthful energy has flared up again – a new era, new groups, and new ideas have begun! In frames of the project, groups of young participants have been formed, who will undergo a series of trainings on conflict management and violence prevention over the next six months.
The initial meetings were characterized by warmth, trust, and activism. For young people, this space has become a place where they can speak frankly and then act – against violence together with their peers.
During the discussions, young people share their experiences, learn peaceful conflict resolution, respectful communication, and ways to recognize and prevent violence.
"I understand that change starts with me. I want my friends to understand the importance of peaceful relationships and mutual understanding," said one participant.
The young people want to use the knowledge they have gained in their daily lives, creating an environment where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and violence has no place.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How important are the informational meetings held at Women Support Centers? How do women use the information they receive? What difficulties do they face, and what support do they need? - Women who participated in the meetings answered these and other questions.
- Receiving and using information serves to violence prevention. Therefore, we strive to disseminate all information and provide it to those who truly need it, - was mentioned during the meetings.
Participants also discussed women's needs. Migration, youth unemployment, and high levels of aggression in society are pressing issues for them.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
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)
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)
During informational meetings, mobilizers of Women Support Center identified six new cases.
In all cases, the risk and probability of violence development is high. The mobilizers were actively involved in the process, using preventative measures.
Contact with a psychologist has a positive impact on the women. The women seek solutions. The mobilizers helped several beneficiaries find employment, and the risk of social conflicts in these families has been reduced.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - EvangelischerEntwicklungsdienst (Germany)
- How the problem of domestic violence is identified, how women's needs are identified and advocated, and how cases are identified and managed – these issues were discussed by mobilizers of Women Support Centers at an online meeting.
Participants focused on challenges and problems. In their opinion, the process of identifying cases of violence has become more complex, but the need to continue working in this area is clear. Therefore, informing women and implementing preventive measures will be actively continued.
Participants also discussed technical issues, such as how to reflect monthly work, results, and challenges in the reports.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
"The topics are very relevant and will definitely be useful in life."
"In our age, it's necessary to talk about these topics."
"I observe conflicts and try to resolve them."
The six-month training course has concluded, and these are the feedbacks of participants.
The final meetings were successful in all ten municipalities. Pre-selected presenters spoke with the participants. Young people spoke frankly about the conflict and violence training, the importance of the course for adolescents, its impact, and the changes it has made.
The leaders worked hard on their presentations, and despite the difficulties, the meetings were well-organized.
New groups were also successfully formed. New training course will begin in October.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A psychologist held meetings at the Women Support Centers in Vani, Tskaltubo, and Kutaisi. The topic was "How to Cope with Anger When Communicating with Children."
The topic turned out to be relevant and interesting. According to mothers, they have difficulties when coping with anger when interacting with their children. Everyone agreed that anger is generally a healthy, human emotion. Regarding anger management with children, it's a complex process. Children quickly absorb their parents' emotions, and if we manage anger correctly, we also teach them self-control. Women actively participated in the work.
The psychologist gave the women several practical tips: conserve your resources; it's difficult for a constantly tired person to control anger; find time for yourself...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)