Retreat is a working meeting, a psychological and physical recharge, a vacation that will be pleasantly remembered by everyone.
The Fund “Sukhumi” staff spent three days with their families at “Borjomi Palace” Hotel (mostly there were children: kind, beautiful, and talented).
There were excursions to the Rabati Fortress, the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the Cathedral of St. George in the village of Sadgeri, and walks through Borjomi Park and the streets.
While working with psychologist Inna Ayrapetyan, the participants sought answers to the following questions: What is our current state? What factors negatively impact us? What can we influence? What can we change? Where can we find new strength and resources?
Of course, we "discovered" many internal resources, created and deciphered their "internal" and "external" masks, mastered new "self-defense" techniques, better understood each other, thought, cried, and laughed...
At the end, the children surprised us: they showed a scene from the forum-theater, danced, and recited poetry...
We realized: the resources are within us, in our families, and also in the beneficiaries, in those whom this organization helps, whom it tries to support for almost 30 years...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women with difficult experiences come to the rehabilitation center: unresolved trauma, long-term stress, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and difficult social situations. However, behind these difficulties lies the ability to fight and faith in a better future.
In order to strengthen their faith, we offered the women a polymer clay master-class led by the trainer - Maka Jishkariani. The creative process was more than just a craft—it was a therapeutic experience, allowing them to discover their own abilities and activate their inner resources.
The workshop participants showed great interest. Each of them demonstrated natural talent and a great desire to better learn this direction.
The works created by them were filled with color, emotions and the hope of something new. This day became another step towards the changes.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The final meetings of the six-month training course held in 10 municipalities have finished. At the final meetings, youth club members reviewed the old material, made interesting presentations, demonstrated their leadership and trainer skills, summarized their experiences, and discussed the impact of the training process and the changes they experienced.
At the end of the meetings, most club members were awarded certificates for active participation, and the most outstanding participants were awarded the status of trainer.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The problem of violence against women becomes even more pressing when the online space is added to it, offering even greater opportunities for violent control.
At meetings organized by Women Support Centers, special attention was paid to the threats posed by digital technologies. It was noted that violence is shown not only in the physical environment. This is a serious challenge online as well.
The meetings focused on the importance of accessing support services for victims of violence so they can protect themselves from such threats and receive the necessary assistance in a timely manner.
Participants noted:
"Women have poor information about digital violence, which exacerbates their feelings of insecurity."
"These meetings are very useful. We can use this awareness to combat this problem."
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Spring is in our rehabilitation center—in the air, in the flowers in the courtyard, in the women's moods.
It's not visible in the photos, but we know how happy the women are; they share this with us, they appreciate our care, and express their gratitude.
In one photo there is Eka Kvachakidze, the psychologist, whom the women trust most, share their problems and feelings with her, and receive the advice they need.
In the second photo a project coordinator Lela Jalagonia and project assistant Khatuna Gogua are talking to the women. Women are more modest with them, but they say they enjoy being at the center, the environment, the way they are treated, and that the children are also very happy...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A woman shouldn't speak about her problems in public; she shouldn't speak publicly about family conflicts...
This is a stereotypical attitude toward violence. In such a situation, society becomes indifferent to women's problems.
Forum Theatre breaks these stereotypes...
Performances and active discussions clearly demonstrate to everyone that violence against women is a widespread problem and that women need protection, and that violence needs to be eradicated...
Forum Theatre held performances at Kutaisi Youth Center and in the central park. According to the audience, this way of presenting the problem is of great importance and serves to prevent violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The video From Research to Action shows how the needs identified through the research conducted by the Women’s Fund “Sukhumi” were transformed into concrete civic initiatives. In this process, the voice of the community itself was especially important - each initiative was developed based on the needs, experiences, and visions of local residents.
The video illustrates how research was turned into action, and how the community became the main driver of change. The common goal of the initiatives was to mitigate the consequences of migration through local engagement and to create a support environment tailored to people’s needs.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
How actual is the problem of domestic violence in communities?
How informed is the public about victim support services?
How do they respond to cases of violence?
Where can they find information about existing services?
Active discussions on these issues were held at informational meetings initiated by the Women Support Centers of Khurcha (Zugdidi Municipality), Tskaltubo, and Tsalenjikha.
Paraprofessionals actively work with mobilizers to strengthen social work. In parallel with case identification, referrals are underway. Three women and their children will receive psychosocial support at our rehabilitation center.
Social work facilitates access to services, which is especially important for women at risk.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The aim of informational meetings held in Kutaisi and Senaki was to raise awareness among women and introduce them to resources that ensure the safety of women under the risk.
Participants received information about the forms and types of violence against women, as well as support services for victims of violence. They learned which hotlines are effective and why it is important to be aware of these services.
They noted that receiving such information is important, as people often do not realize that they can also become victims of online violence.
"We often don't realize that online harassment, stalking, or sharing personal information is a form of violence. Now we know whom to address for help."
According to the participants, such meetings help raise awareness in communities and promptly respond to cases of violence.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
When a woman has knowledge, support, and opportunity, she creates change that affects the entire community.
This video tells real stories of women from Georgia who learned new professions, started their own businesses, and took steps toward economic independence with the support of the Fund “Sukhumi.”
A strong woman should not be an exception, it should be the norm.
The project is implemented with the support of Brot für die Welt – Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)