BBUILDINGUILDING A YYOUNGOUNG CCONSTITUENCYONSTITUENCY FFOROR PPEACEEACE The successful implementation of the Building a Young Constituency for Peace across the South Caucasus and Turkey project was made possible through the generous support of the following donors: INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
EPF has been working on youth issues since early 2005, and currently has a youth integration program called Youth Bank, focused on providing opportunities for local youth to engage as active citizens in developing their communities in Georgia, including Abkhazia. The Youth Bank (YB) idea is to create groups of 7 to 10 young people in a given community (Youth Banks) and empower them with training and resources to solicit, fund, and oversee small youth-led initiatives designed to address the issues faced by their respective communities. Thus, grant-making serves as a mechanism with which the participants not only improve their self-esteem, but also learn about leadership, team-work, fair decision-making, problem-solving, communications, financial and narrative report-writing, event management, etc.
On March 1, 2012, EPF began the implementation of the 12-month-long project called Building a Young Constituency for Peace across the South Caucasus and Turkey. The project was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, with co-funding provided from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The goal of the project was to contribute to peace and stability in the South Caucasus and Turkey by creating an environment of respect among young people and civil society groups across communities, conflicts, and borders. The project covered the following locations: Georgia (including Abkhazia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
EPF Georgia selected existing Youth Banks1 located in the following 12 communities to participate in the project: Akhaltsikhe, Aspindza, Batumi, Chokhatauri, Dedoplistskaro, Gori, Khobi, Khoni, Marneuli, Martvili, Tkibuli, and Zugdidi, and concluded an agreement with its partner, Save the Children (which, in turn, works with the Gali-based NGO Alert) and established five new Youth Banks in Gali, Upper Barghebi, Ochamchire, Sokhumi, and Gudauta.
1. Currently, the YB Program covers the following towns and communiƟ es: Akhaltsikhe, Akhalkalaki, Akhmeta, Aspindza, Becho, Chokhatauri, Dedophlistskaro, Gardabani, Gori, Khobi, Khoni, LanchkhuƟ , Marneuli, Martvili, KazreƟ , Ninotsminda, Rustavi, Tkibuli, Tserovani, and Upper Adjara.
1 Once the Community Foundation of Northern Ireland (CFNI) trained the members of 17 Youth Banks in the fundamentals of youth-led grant-making, including research techniques, interviewing, project selection, publicity, financial reporting, and monitoring and evaluation, they all started the grant making cycle by conducting community needs assessments to determine the focus areas of their activities and issued a request for proposals from their peers. Seventeen YBs funded 74 youth-led initiatives through the subsequent grant cycle.
In addition to establishing constructive relationships among the participants, two exchange visits were organized for YB committee members. The exchange visits allowed participants to learn about other Youth Banks’ community projects and work methodology, discuss cultural differences, and establish people-to-people contacts. Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations were hosted by Georgia, and Turkish and Georgian delegations were hosted by Armenia.
The exchange visits were followed by a conference in Istanbul, where YB members from Georgia (including Abkhazia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey summarized the results of the project and developed joint project ideas for further cooperation.
2 YOUTH-LEDYOUTH-LED IINITIATIVESNITIATIVES FFUNDEDUNDED BBYY YYOUTHOUTH BBANKSANKS ININ GEORGIAGEORGIA (INCLUDING(INCLUDING ABKHAZIA)ABKHAZIA)
MARCHMARCH 1,1, 2012-2012- MARCHMARCH 1,1, 20132013
3 AKHALTSIKHEAKHALTSIKHE YBYB
The Akhaltsikhe Youth Bank was launched in 2007. Since that time it has implemented five grant-cycles and funded 21 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Akhaltsikhe to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: A SAFER ROAD TO A SAFE SCHOOL
To provide safe conditions for local school students, the project team renovated the bridge connecting the so called Shakhta II district school students to the Vale Public School #3. Previously the bridge did not have railings, which resulted in several accidents with students falling off the bridge. The initiative group installed a railing to make the trip to and from school safer for these students.
2. PROJECT: DETERMINE YOUR OWN FUTURE
To raise the interest of first-time voters on election-related issues, the initiative group produced flyers with messages to motivate first time voters to participate in the Georgian parliamentary election of 2012. In addition, the group organized a public event to distribute the flyers and to call on young people to participate in the elections.
4 3. PROJECT: FIRST TIME VOTERS
To educate young citizens about protecting and advocating for their voting rights at the polling stations, the project team formed a group of 40 young people representing both ethnic majority and minority residents of the region and organized for them training on the rights and responsibilities of voters. The project team then conducted mock elections, so that the trained youth could engage other young people in this learning activity.
4. PROJECT: KNOWLEDGE
To motivate local secondary school students to read more and enhance their education, the initiative group purchased up-to-date youth academic literature for the Vale Public School Library to improve students’ access to contemporary educational materials.
5 ASPINDZAASPINDZA YBYB
The Aspindza Youth Bank was launched in 2009. Since that time, it has implemented three grant-cycles and funded 14 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Aspindza to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: HEALTHY SPIRIT, HEALTHY BODY
To popularize a healthy lifestyle among youth, the initiative group organized a soccer tournament for young people residing in various villages of Aspindza municipality.
2. PROJECT: IF A YOUNG PERSON DOES not get to the books, let’s get books to the young person To motivate young people to read books, the youth-led initiative group produced a book with poems written by Aspindza youth. In addition, they organized a public poetry evening to introduce the book to the community and encouraged them to buy the books. The funds raised were donated to three families living in poverty.
6 BATUMIBATUMI YBYB
The Batumi Youth Bank was launched in 2007. Since that time, it has implemented four grant-cycles and funded 12 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Batumi to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: YOUR VOTE – YOUR FUTURE
The youth-led initiative group conducted a survey to identify how much local youth know about election-related matters. The results were shared with their peers, which was followed by a discussion about elections.
2. PROJECT: THE EARTH IS OUR HOME
The initiative group organized intellectual games for 9th and 10th graders enrolled in Batumi Public School #9 on environmental issues. The winners of the competition were awarded books and certificates.
7 CHOKHATAURICHOKHATAURI YBYB
The Chokhatauri Youth Bank was launched in 2011. Since that time, it has implemented two grant-cycles and funded eight youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Chokhatauri to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: IMPROVE THE SCHOOL CHEMISTRY LAB
The youth-led initiative group purchased chemistry lab supplies (chemicals) and a demonstration table to improve the learning conditions of the chemistry class students of Chokhatauri Public School #1.
2. PROJECT: MODERN LIBRARY
The youth-led initiative group purchased up-to-date textbooks and scholarly literature to provide the Chokhatauri Public School #2 Library with modern books.
8 3. PROJECT: I LOVE MY SCHOOL
The youth-led initiative group purchased a lawn mower to take care of the school football stadium grass field and organize football tournaments there.
4. PROJECT: HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AT SCHOOL
The youth-led initiative group purchased sports supplies for Chokhatauri Public School #1 and established football, volleyball, and basketball teams there to popularize a healthy lifestyle in their community.
9 DEDOPLISTSKARODEDOPLISTSKARO YBYB
The Dedoplistskaro Youth Bank was launched in 2009. Since that time, it has implemented four grant-cycles and funded 18 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Dedoplistskaro to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: EDUCATION AND LITERACY
To motivate youth to read books, the initiative group purchased academic literature for Zemo Machkhaani village and organized presentations for local youth.
2. PROJECT: FM 111.1
The youth-led initiative group established a school radio in Dedoplistskaro Public School #1 to broadcast debates on different issues for a young audience.
10 3. PROJECT: WHAT? WHERE? WHEN?
To motivate youth to read books, the youth-led initiative group organized intellectual games for the 9th and 10th graders enrolled in 10 villages in the region of Dedoplistskaro. The participants were awarded certificates, while the winners of the competition received books as prizes.
4. PROJECT: COGNITIVE FUTURE
The youth-led initiative group renovated the Civic and Intellectual Club of the village of Arboshiki and purchased up-to-date academic literature to improve the students’ access to contemporary educational materials.
11 GALIGALI YBYB
The Gali Youth Bank was launched in 2012. Since that time, it has implemented one grant-cycle and funded five youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Gali to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
The youth-led initiative group organized a one-day long street campaign in Gali to raise young people’s awareness of disability and distributed pocket calendars, showcasing the importance of supporting children with special needs.
2. PROJECT: LIFE WITHOUT DRUGS
To raise young people’s awareness about the negative effects of drug addiction, the youth-led initiative group organized a street campaign in the main district of Gali.
3. PROJECT: SAVE NATURE
The youth-led initiative group mobilized local youth to plant trees in central park of Gali and promoted environmentally friendly attitudes and practices among local youth through printing and distributing flyers on environmental issues.
12 4. PROJECT: GIFTS FOR GALI KINDERGARTEN
To improve the kids’ access to contemporary books, toys, etc., the youth-led initiative group organized a charity event and collected various educational materials for the kindergarten in Gali Town.
5. PROJECT: LET’S PROTECT NATURE
To motivate local youth to keep Gali clean, the youth-led initiative group organized a painting contest for the young people residing in Gali, depicting messages about the importance of caring for nature.
13 GORIGORI YBYB
The Gori Youth Bank was launched in 2009. Since that time, it has implemented four grant-cycles and funded 16 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Gori to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: BOOKS ARE THE GUARANTORS OF OUR FUTURE!
To motivate youth to read books, the initiative group purchased academic literature for the Zemo Khviti village library and organized books presentations for local youth.
2. PROJECT: GREEN ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHY GENERATION
The youth-led initiative group mobilized local youth to clean up the Verkhvebi IDP settlement located in Gori. In addition, the initiative group members planted trees and flowers there.
14 3. PROJECT: RENOVATED SCHOOL YARD FOR THE FUTURE
To promote the involvement of youth in caring for the environment, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to clean up the yard of Tirdznisi village school and constructed a mini park/square there. In addition, they planted trees and flowers and installed handmade benches in the school yard.
4. PROJECT: KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN!
To motivate local youth to keep Gori clean, the youth-led initiative group organized a photo contest for the young people residing in Gori, depicting polluted and cleaned up parts of the municipality. The committee then selected the ten best photos and invited amateur photographers to attend a two-day training on environmental issues. In addition, the initiative group mobilized young people to clean up the public park of Gori.
15 GUDAUTAGUDAUTA YBYB
The Gudauta Youth Bank was launched in 2012. Since that time, it has implemented one grant-cycle and funded five youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Gudauta to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: WE REMEMBER THEM
To make a memorable day for elderly, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers and visited a home for the elderly.
2. PROJECT: ENJOY LIFE WITHOUT DRUGS
To promote a healthy lifestyle among youth, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to raise the awareness of people residing in Gudauta about the negative effects of drug addiction.
3. PROJECT: OUR ENVIRONMENT
The youth-led initiative group organized various activities in Gudauta to set an example for local residents to care for the environment.
16 4. PROJECT: DON’T FORGET OUR ANCIENT SITES
The youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers and erected information stands about the historical significance of various monuments.
5. PROJECT: WARM WINTER
To improve the conditions of school students in Guadauta, the youth-led initiative group equipped a classroom at the Gudauta public school with a heating system.
17 KHOBIKHOBI YBYB
The Khobi Youth Bank was launched in 2011. Since that time, it has implemented two grant-cycles and funded 11 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Khobi to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: CHEMISTRY IS EVERYTHING FOR US
The youth-led initiative group purchased a range of common chemistry laboratory equipment for Khobi Public School #1 to enable students to conduct various experiments and, thus, get a good grasp of chemistry.
2. PROJECT: MEDEA
The youth-led initiative group promoted health education among the local youth by engaging a medical doctor from Torsa village to conduct first aid training for youth peer trainers. The trained youth then prepared informational leaflets and conducted similar trainings for different groups of students in various public schools of Khobi. At the end of the trainings, a marathon was organized to promote healthy lifestyles.
18 3. PROJECT: EDUCATION
The youth-led initiative group organized intellectual games for the students of Khobi Public Schools.
4. PROJECT: LABYRINTH
To promote the involvement of youth in caring for the environment, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to construct a mini park/square in Pirveli Maisi village schoolyard. They planted trees and flowers and installed garbage bins there.
19 KHONIKHONI YYBB
The Khoni Youth Bank was launched in 2011. Since that time, it has implemented two grant-cycles and funded eight youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Khoni to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: EDUCATION: THE ROAD TO A MORE SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
To motivate youth to read books, the initiative group purchased academic literature for Khoni Public School #4 and organized book presentations for local youth, teachers, and public authorities.
2. PROJECT: LET’S GET TO KNOW KINCHKHA
To promote and popularize the sights, traditional crafts, and cuisine of Kinchkha village, the youth- led initiative group organized a presentation in the Cultural Center of Khoni. The event involved participants from the village, local authorities, and other interested people. During the event, the initiative group also presented a book on Kinchkha.
20 3. PROJECT: CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT
To promote the involvement of youth in caring for the environment, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to construct a mini park/square in Matkhoji village public schoolyard, where students have the opportunity to enjoy their breaks. They also repaired benches and planted trees and flowers there.
4. PROJECT: EDUCATION
The youth-led initiative group set up a library in Khoni Public School #4 with book shelves, designed with a special message in mind in the form of a tree trunk and branches. The shelves were lined with an ivy plant. The group also made a reading table and chairs from tree trunks and purchased up-to-date academic literature to improve the students’ access to contemporary educational materials.
5. PROJECT: YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FUTURE
The youth-led initiative group conducted a day-long training for the students of four villages of Khoni to introduce them to the electoral rights and duties of voters, election- related issues (electoral procedures, voters’ lists, etc), election monitoring, and observers’ rights. The training was accompanied by a set of visual charts that displayed information about the types of elections, principles of elections, principles of active citizenship, advocacy, and the election-day procedures. At the end of the training, the youth-led initiative group organized mock elections. 21 MARNEULIMARNEULI YBYB
The Marneuli Youth Bank was launched in 2009. Since that time, it has implemented five grant-cycles and funded 19 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Marneuli to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: PROTECT NATURE
To provide a good example of caring for the environment, the youth initiative group mobilized the local community members to clean the Tamarisi village kindergarten and public school yards. The youth-led initiative group then planted trees there.
2. PROJECT: HELP CHILDREN TO IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE
To help socially vulnerable children to study math and improve their math skills, the youth-led initiative group organized math tutoring.
22 3. PROJECT: ELECTION MONITORING
To increase the awareness of first- time voters about their electoral rights and responsibilities, the initiative group formed a group of 15 young people and trained them to introduce first-time voters to the election procedures and rights and responsibilities of voters and the polling station staff. The youth-led initiative group then produced and distributed 300 flyers in Marneuli Municipality with messages to motivate young people to get interested in the election process.
4. PROJECT: ELECTIONS WILL NOT CHANGE EVERYTHING, BUT WITHOUT THEM NOTHING WILL CHANGE
To equip first-time voters with skills and knowledge about election related issues, the initiative group organized mock elections for Marneuli youth. The youth-led initiative group engaged young people in an elections exercise activity to introduce first-time voters to election procedures and the rights and responsibilities of voters and polling station staff. In addition, the youth- led initiative group produced and distributed flyers in Georgian and Azerbaijani languages with messages to motivate youth to participate in the elections.
5. PROJECT: YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE WITH A GOOD BOOK
To motivate youth to read books, the youth-led initiative group purchased 50 books from a series of “50 Books to Read in Your Lifetime” produced by the publishing house Palitra and registered them in Marneuli Public School library.
23 MARTVILIMARTVILI YBYB
The Martvili Youth Bank was launched in 2011. Since that time, it has implemented one grant-cycle and funded five youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Martvili to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: THE BOOK – OUR TREASURE!
To motivate youth to read books, the initiative group purchased academic literature for the Salkhino Village Library and organized books presentations for local youth
2. PROJECT: LET’S KEEP CENTURY-OLD TREES FOR OUR NATURE!
To protect century old trees of village Salkhino, primarily from sun scald, the initiative group whitewashed the tree trunks.
24 3. PROJECT: PROTECT THE NATURE!
To promote the involvement of youth in caring for the environment, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to construct a mini park/square in Didi Chkhoni village public schoolyard, where students have the opportunity to enjoy their breaks. They also planted trees and flowers there and whitewashed old tree trunks.
4. PROJECT: GREEN ENVIRONMENT – HEALTHY GENERATION
The youth-led initiative group constructed a mini square in the yard of the Salkhino Village Cultural House. They planted trees, as well as installed benches and handmade garbage bins there.
5. PROJECT: TSACKHURA IS OUR PRIDE
To motivate youth to keep Martvili clean, the youth-led initiative group mobilized local youth to clean the banks of Tsachkhura River. They also promoted environmentally friendly attitudes and practices among locals through printing and distributing flyers on the importance of environmental protection.
25 OCHAMCHIREOCHAMCHIRE YYBB
The Ochamchire Youth Bank was launched in 2012. Since that time, it has implemented one grant-cycle and funded five youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Ochamchire to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: TEREMOK
The youth-led initiative group purchased various puppets and instruments and formed a mobile theatre to increase the interest of local youth in cultural events.
2. PROJECT: SAY NO
To raise young people’s awareness of the negative effects of drug addiction, the initiative group organized a street campaign in Ochamchire.
3. PROJECT: LAMPPOST
To enhance the security of the schoolyard of Ochamchire Public School #4, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to fix the outdoor lighting there.
26 4. PROJECT: LET’S REACH OUT OUR HANDS TO EACH OTHER
The youth-led initiative group organized a campaign in Ochamchire to raise the awareness of local youth on disability and distributed pocket calendars, showcasing the importance of supporting the children with special needs.
5. PROJECT: LAKOMKA
To enable youth to develop financial-marketing skills, the youth-led initiative group purchased a cotton candy machine and with half of the income they organize charity activities for Ochamchire kindergarten kids.
27 SOKHUMISOKHUMI YBYB
The Sokhumi Youth Bank was launched in 2012. Since that time, it has implemented one grant-cycle and funded five youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Sokhumi to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: I CHOOSE LIFE
To raise awareness of youth in Sokhumi about the negative effects of drug addiction, the youth-led initiative group organized a painting contest on the environment for young residents.
2. PROJECT: SAY NO TO SMOKING!
To raise the awareness of youth in Sokhumi about the negative effects of smoking, on this topic the youth-led initiative group organized an essay contest for the young people residing there.
3. PROJECT: THE LIGHT OF HOPE
The youth-led initiative group purchased medicines and gifts for the elderly to support their re-socialization into the society.
28 4. PROJECT: WE ARE AGAINST DRUGS
To raise the awareness of youth in Sokhumi about the negative effects of drug addiction, the youth-led initiative group organized various activities by mobilizing local youth.
5. PROJECT: DRUG ADDICTION: THE ROAD INTO THE ABYSS
To promote a healthy lifestyle among youth, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers and distributed flyers in the streets about the negative effects of drug addiction.
29 TKIBULITKIBULI YYBB
The Tkibuli Youth Bank was launched in 2011. Since that time, it has implemented two grant-cycles and funded 10 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Tkibuli to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: ONE DAY FOR THE FUTURE
The youth-led initiative group mobilized local youth to clean up the dirtiest street in Tkibuli, Tkvarcheli Street. In addition, the initiative group members planted eucalyptus trees there.
2. PROJECT: LET’S STUDY TOGETHER
To improve the educational opportunities for students with special needs of in the village of Gelati, the youth-led initiative group equipped a classroom with developmentally appropriate books and toys that enabled all students to learn effectively and participate equally in class.
30 3. PROJECT: ELECTIONS AND US!
To introduce the electoral rights and duties of voters and election-related issues (electoral procedures, voters’ lists, etc) to the youth of the village of Orpiri, the youth-led initiative group organized seminars with the participation of a professional trainer. As part of this process, flyers and posters were produced and disseminated in the target communities providing election- specific information to both youth and adults residing in Orpiri.
4. PROJECT: EQUALITY
To improve the educational opportunities of students with special needs in Orpiri, the youth- led initiative group purchased developmentally appropriate books and classroom decorations and supplies that enabled all students to learn effectively and participate equally in classroom activities.
5. PROJECT: LIFE WITHOUT DRUGS!
The youth-led initiative group conducted training for students of the public school in Gelati village on the harms of drug addiction and abuse. In addition, the initiative group organized a round table with a narcologist and a screening of the Georgian film Street Days.
31 ZEMO-BARGEBIZEMO-BARGEBI YBYB
The Zemo-Bargebi Youth Bank was launched in 2012. Since that time, it has implemented one grant-cycle and funded five youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Zemo-Bargebi community to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
To promote a healthy life-style among youth, the youth-led initiative group organized tennis, basketball, and chess tournaments for youth residing in Zemo Bargebi.
2. PROJECT: CHILDREN
To improve young people’s access to contemporary books, toys, etc., the youth-led initiative group purchased up-to-date books and musical instruments for the Zemo- Bargebi kindergarten.
3. PROJECT: LIFE WITHOUT DRUGS
To raise awareness of youth about the negative effects of drug addiction, the initiative group organized a street campaign in Zemo Bargebi.
32 4. PROJECT: GREENING THE SCHOOLYARD
The youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to construct a mini park/square in the school yard where various flowers and trees were planted to promote the involvement of youth in caring for the environment and to create a meeting space for the community.
5. PROJECT: WE ARE WITH YOU
The youth-led initiative group organized a one-day long street campaign in Zemo Bargebi to raise awareness among local youth about disability.
33 ZUGDIDIZUGDIDI YYBB
The Zugdidi Youth Bank was launched in 2007. Since that time, it has implemented five grant-cycles and funded 18 youth-led initiatives to enable young people from Zugdidi to participate as active citizens in the development of their communities.
1. PROJECT: INFORMAL EDUCATION FOR OUR PEERS
To raise the awareness of IDPs on gender related issues, the youth-led initiative group organized two-day long trainings in Potskho village and Shota Meskhia Zugdidi University. The training participants were awarded certificates of participation.
2. PROJECT: LET’S SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT!
To challenge the Zugdidi residents to care for the environment, the youth- led initiative group organized a demonstration, as well as distributed flyers and encouraged local residents to participate in the “Earth Hour.”
34 3. PROJECT: TOGETHER FOR PEACE
To improve the conflict management skills of IDP and socially vulnerable youth, the youth-led initiative group, with support from the American Corner, organized a training on conflict management.
4. PROJECT: GREEN CITY
To promote the involvement of youth in caring for the environment, the youth-led initiative group mobilized volunteers to construct a mini park/square in the yard of Public School #3, where students and their parents have a place to enjoy their breaks.
5. PROJECT: VOLUNTEER DOCTORS
The youth-led initiative group promoted health education among local youth, through engaging paramedics and emergency room doctors to conduct first aid trainings for youth peer trainers. The trained youth then prepared informational leaflets and conducted similar trainings for different groups of students in six public schools of Zugdidi.
35 THE PROJECT IN GEORGIA INCLUDED: EURASIA PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION, SAVE THE CHILDREN, AND THE NGO ALERT.
Eurasia Partnership Foundation’s (EPF) mission is to empower people to effect change for social justice and economic prosperity through hands-on programs, helping them to improve their communities and their own lives. Over approximately 20 years of working in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, EPF has become a leader in the implementation of cross-border and trilateral programs in the South Caucasus, aiming to address shared regional challenges and build confidence across borders.
Save the Children’s (SC) mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. SC began its partnership with Georgian families and communities in 1993 and has since successfully implemented projects in child protection, formal and non-formal education, social and economic development, civil society strengthening, women’s health, STI/HIV- AIDS intervention, and emergency preparedness as well as response and assistance to ensure that children are safe, protected, and better able to attain their rights.
Alert had been working in Abkhazia since 2001 and has significant experience in confidence-building within Abkhazia. Alert has implemented numerous projects focused on socio-economic development in the region through the community participatory approach. Alert’s priority is to empower women and children’s participation in every project.
36