Abrupt refusal to fund higher education tuition fee for students from Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi municipalities, living in villages along the conflict dividing line caused numerous socio-economic problems for them and their families. The recent emergency report of Fund “Sukhumi” highlights the main challenges caused by the cancellation of the “students grant” on the population, as well as provides specific recommendations to reduce the negative impacts.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
On June 27-29, a training on “Gender Sensitive Local Social Policy” was held in Borjomi.
The training was attended by representatives of 10 municipalities of Western Georgia (Senaki, Zugdidi, Terjola, Tsalenjikha, Kobuleti, Samtredia, Vani, Bagdati, Tkibuli, Chokhatauri). The following issues were discussed: violence against women and domestic violence, as well as gender policy and local gender needs. Practical work – elaboration of model action plan and their presentation was carried out.
On the last day, representatives of Zugdidi, Chokhatauri, Senaki and Bagdati municipalities exchanged the best practices, experience, innovative programs in social directions, as well as in the field of health care, violence prevention and victims assistance.
My expectations were justified, I received a lot of new information, I wish such events in the future also...- this is how the members of Kutaisi youth initiative group expressed their opinions at the end of the training. On June 10, a training on “Analysis of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict” was held for the group.
On June 18, a meeting of Kutaisi Women Initiative Group was held, during which the participants listened to the results of a quantitative research of assessing the level of human security and gender needs. They chose a problematic issue from the recommendation proposals and will begin to work on advocating it. Plans have already been outlined and the members of the group are ready to get involved in the advocacy process.
The Fund “Sukhumi” actively cooperates with the partner international organization Kvinna till Kvinna to advocate the needs of IDP and conflict affected women and girls.
Project Coordinator Regina welcomes the advocacy initiatives of the Fund, which is identified on a bottom-up basis by women community active groups themselves, using the GREWS, and evidence-based information.
The initiative of the representative of the donor organization to be involved in international advocacy was good.
According her request, a package on the needs of IDP and conflict affected women and girls was prepared, which was based on the meetings in women's communities, research of the Fund in Zugdidi Municipality, and covers women’s vision regarding the measures needed to address them.
The preparation phase of the new component of the project, which envisages the introduction of the online platform "Voter Advice Application" (VAA) to Zugdidi voters, has been completed. The project team will clarify the final details of future activities during the consultations.
A questionnaire, which should be placed on the platform was prepared and agreed with the consultant. The location of the meetings, the target groups was defined, the specifics of the meetings during pandemic restrictions are envisaged.
The Fund “Sukhumi” has gained good experience in introducing similar platform during the parliamentary elections, which will help us in the implementation of the project.
A totally 50 meetings will be held within the framework of the project. The first meetings are scheduled for the end of June. Consultations with political parties will soon begin in order to familiarize them with the platform.
The tenth meeting of Vani Working Group was dedicated to the reports of the representatives of the partner organizations "Support 2020" and "Citizens' Activism for Effective Governance and Justice". They concerned the dynamics of their small projects - what activities do they carry out, what changes do they see in comparison with previous project and what challenges exist in connection with the reform. It was noted that the need to inform the citizens is still on the agenda. It is also important to improve their skills regarding e-services, which can be addressed through the involvement of the representatives of the Mayor - work in this direction is already underway.
It was also said that the changes agreed during the previous meeting were already reflected in the group action plan and were approved at the City Council meeting.
Representatives of Racha - Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti self-government resource center “Regional Hub of Racha - Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti - Abkhazinterkont" and the Fund of Women Entrepreneurs held a round table on the topic "New visions in the process of public administration reform to meet the needs of the population".
The facilitator of the meeting Kristina Murusidze spoke about the goals and results of the project. A needs assessment report was presented. Participants heard information about the activities of the working group. The representative of the City Hall presented the vision of the municipality to overcome the problems identified in the research. The meeting appeared to be interesting for the audience, that turned into an active discussion.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Ambrolauri City Hall and City Council, NGO sector, mass media and various spheres of society.
The work is carried out in the framework of the project “A common forum for CSOs from Guria, Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi for PAR Roadmap monitoring”.
The Fund "Sukhumi" Puppet Theater held two performances in June.
The first performance was held on June 1 - International Children's Day - in the yard of the Fund “Sukhumi” office.
The second one was held on June 20 - International Day of IDPs - in Kutaisi Boulevard.
The audience liked "Turtledove" - a new version of the Georgian fairy tale. Interesting decorations, strange dolls, music, sounds ...
The work of the director Magda Chikhladze and young actors showed good results: joy and interest of small audience, positive evaluation of parents. "Turtledove" teaches children love, friendship, support, tolerance.
Mobilizers of Women Support Centers held information meetings in different communities. The meetings inform the population about the issues related to violence. Participants listen to information: what does the law on domestic violence envisage, whom to address in case of violence, what response mechanisms exist. They get acquainted to victim assistance services.
Meetings were held in Vani, Bagdati, Chokhatauri, Tsalenjikha, Tkibuli municipalities.
Specific cases of violence were identified at informational meetings. The response continues in accordance with the content of the cases, with the involvement of a psychologist and a lawyer of the Fund "Sukhumi".
Psycho-legal mechanisms for the response to violence cases, victim assistance services - informational meetings on these issues were held in Terjola, Samtredia, Kobuleti, Zugdidi and Senaki municipalities.
During the meetings with the representatives of different communities, the Fund "Sukhumi" also identifies the cases of violence. The response mechanisms are different: a consultation of psychologist and a lawyer is used. Authoritative parsons are involved in solution of conflict situation. These tools increase efficiency.
Information about the new website "Digital Resource Center of the Services for Violence Victims" http://gbvdigitalresourcecenter.ge/ was spread during the meetings. This page provides full information on victim support services.
Participants note that informing the population is important and will help prevent violence.