The final meetings at the Youth Empowerment Centers were held with some changes. There were problems, but despite this, the youth were maximally involved in the training process. They noted that they learned a lot during the course, and their educational and technical skills improved, which will be useful for them in practice.
It was especially important for the youth to receive certificates confirming the completion of the course. New groups are in the process of actively formation.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Violence around us, our reactions to the rapist and the victim, mechanisms for protection and violence prevention - these and other issues are discussed by young actors and director Magda Chikhladze with the audience after the Forum Theatre performances.
The discussion reflects the attitude of society. And especially what else should be done to solve problems related to violence.
The Forum Theatre staged performances in Kutaisi and "forced" the audience to think about current issues.
In order for more people to see the performances staged by the Forum Theatre, it was decided to make a film. Work on the future film is currently underway.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The Women's Fund “Sukhumi” opened basic cutting and sewing courses in Tsalenjikha.
The course began in February and will last two months.
Teacher Nana Kalandia allocated a place in her house and everything necessary for training has already been prepared - sewing machines, fabrics, threads...
The women make patterns, sew and work on designs with interest.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A meeting on the topic: "Kindergartens, family, community - social partnership for the well-being of children" was held in Kutaisi.
The participants heard information about the research "The main aspects of family and community participation in the educational process of preschool institutions", conducted by the Women Fund "Sukhumi".
The discussion emphasized the importance of exchanging information and coordination between structures working in the field of protecting children's rights and providing various social services.
"There are many problems, but by increasing the participation of all of us, parents and the community, we can overcome the obstacles that prevent the creation of a full, positive environment for children," emphasized the participants. The meeting was attended by parents, teachers, and children’s rights defenders, employees of special service centers, kindergarten managers, industry specialists, and experts.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A round table on the topic "Kindergartens, family, community - social partnership for the well-being of the child" organized by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", was held in Kutaisi, in the Center for Children's Rights,
The meeting was attended by parents, teachers, journalists, and childrens’ rights defenders, representatives of social services, kindergarten managers, specialists and experts of the region.
The participants were introduced to the research “Key aspects of family and community participation in the educational process of preschool institutions”, with the main conclusions that are identified in the direction of family and community participation in the educational process of preschool institutions.
The participants of the round table exchanged information on the positive impact of the family and community participation component, interesting practices and challenges they face in this area. According to their assessment, such meetings will contribute to increased coordination and cooperation, improving social partnership between parents and entities working in the field of children's rights.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” has conducted a new study on the experience of cyber-attacks and online violence among school students, exploring its gender dimensions and impact. The research involved 192 students from ten municipalities in western Georgia, revealing that 25% had personally experienced online violence. TikTok and Facebook were the most common platforms for girls, while boys primarily encountered such incidents in online games. The most widespread forms of violence included offensive rumors, mocking comments about appearance, and sexual harassment, which was particularly prevalent among girls. Online violence has a serious psychological impact on students, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Despite this, the study found that 30% of respondents do not seek any help, which may be linked to stigma and a lack of adequate support.
The research strongly emphasizes that preventing and addressing online violence requires a systemic approach, including strengthening education, increasing parental and educator involvement, and improving legal regulations to make the online environment safer for students.
The five-month training course has been completed in all ten municipalities.
Ways of peaceful conflict resolution, relationships between children and parents – these topics were discussed by the trainers together with the youth.
The young people actively discussed the topics, openly expressed their opinions and shared their own examples with the audience. They noted that skills of peaceful conflict resolution are necessary in life. It is also important to have open relationships with parents.
The youth received information about the final meeting in March, and also learned details of the grant project announced by the Fund “Sukhumi” for the training participants.
Despite the difficult situation, the trainings were held without interruption.
In March, the trainers of the Fund “Sukhumi” will see the results of five months of work.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Since February, a group of para-specialists has started working in 10 municipalities of Western Georgia. These are: Vani, Terjola, Samtredia, Khoni, Tskaltubo, Senaki, Khobi, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Chokhatauri. The group members passed relevant training and are applying the information they have received in practice.
Para-specialists hold individual meetings in communities, study women's needs and provide information on women's economic empowerment programs and various services.
At the same time, group members provide consultations on identified cases and give them the right direction.
The work of para-specialists is aimed at preventing cases of domestic violence, informing and empowering women.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Familiarization with the results of the research conducted by the Fund "Sukhumi" was held in Kutaisi, in the office of the "Generation of Books". Parents, specialists, experts, psychologists, journalists, heads of private and public kindergartens who participated in the meeting exchanged information and emphasized actual issues:
- What is the level of family and community involvement in processes taking place in preschool institutions according to the quality standard?
- What hinders equal participation of both parents. Why is it not possible to increase the level of fathers' involvement and what incentive initiatives do preschools use to solve this problem?
- How balanced is the equal participation of parents of children with disabilities/special needs in the upbringing process?
- How high is the level of cooperation and coordination with service providers and child protection departments?
During the discussion, participants heard about the challenges as well as successful practices and confirmed that in response to the research findings, it is necessary to strengthen the involvement of the family and community, as defined by the quality standard, which will primarily increase the benefits for the child and positively balance the child-oriented environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
"What Do Women Survivors Say?" reflects on the harsh realities experienced by domestic violence survivors in Georgia, sharing their personal stories, challenges, and the systemic barriers they face in seeking safety and independence. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 2024 alone, 8,744 restraining orders were issued, with the vast majority of victims - 6,634 cases - being women. Despite legal progress, many survivors refrain from seeking help due to social stigma, economic dependence, and a lack of accessible support services. Based on research by the Women’s Fund “Sokhumi,” this document assesses the effectiveness of existing assistance programs and underscores the urgent need for stronger, more sustainable mechanisms to support women in rebuilding their lives.