During the information meeting, an active member of the initiative group spoke about the forms of civic participation, its necessity and problems of community. An acute problem for internally displaced persons living in Kutaisi, in the administrative building of a former tractor factory, is damp walls, which pose a threat to the health of residents and the building itself.

The meeting reviewed a statement, which will be supported by signatures and handed over to local authorities to take appropriate measures.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

The meeting participants were happy to note that the problematic gutters were replaced with new ones, and small windows were installed in the basements from almost all sides... However, the damaged façade of the building still remains an acute problem.

A working meeting was held with IDP women living in the building of a former clinical hospital on Otskheli Street in Kutaisi.

Members of the Women Initiative Group share their experience with the village residents and note that in order to preserve property it is necessary to work as a team and equally share responsibilities.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

 - What did the project work give us, what did we plan, what results did we receive and what didn't work - these questions were answered by the members of Senaki youth group at the last meeting. According to them, working on the project developed their skills, increased self-confidence and activism. The most important result was the popularization of the topic of peace. Young people will try to implement peace initiatives in the future. The members of the Women Initiative Group specified the details of the advocacy plan and the persons responsible for the activities. In the coming months, they will try to advocate the problems that the group members have already identified.

The members of the youth initiative groupof the village Didinedzi - Zugdidi municipality once again emphasized the importance of youth involvement in peace processes. The young people realized that their role in the process of establishing peace is great. They will work in the direction of peace also next month. The members of Didinedzi women initiative group discussed the resolution of the issues that emerged during the advocacy process. Based on the advocacy plan, the initiative group will try to solve the problems using specific activities.

During the meeting the members of the youth initiative group of the village Koki - Zugdidi municipality talked about the implemented mini-projects. The leaders of the group made short reports, presented the completed works and discussed the results. The members of Koki women initiative group talked about the progress of solving the problems identified in the advocacy process. They will actively try to continue working in this direction in the coming months.

A working meeting of the IDP community was held in Kutaisi, in house No. 4 on 13/4 Ioseliani Street. The women informed that the issue of the problematic roof was gradually being resolved, work had begun, but the external façade and damp walls still remained a problem for them.

This time members of the initiative group, who acquire knowledge of advocacy issues after our trainings, share their experience with community members to increase civic responsibility.

Meeting participants talk about the need for unity, teamwork and preservation of common property.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

A series of information meetings, held by active members of the initiative group, continues in Kutaisi.

The construction of a mini - stadium is a problem that was identified by the IDP community living in the building of a former pharmacy on Tabukashvili Street. Women trained at the Women Fund “Sukhumi” work on this issue. They also have information about forms of civic engagement and share it with others. They have prepared a letter to submit to the City Hall and are waiting for a response. Women know that they can change their social conditions.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

The second stage of the project “IDP women and girls – actors of the elaboration of needs-based local policies in Kutaisi” continues successfully.

“We managed to solve one problem, and this is the merit of the project: we equipped the entrance of the residential building, made it clean and safe. Now we are starting to advocate for the installation of benches,” mentioned IDPs living in the building of the former musical college.

Members of the initiative group who were trained in frames of our project tell others about the need for civic responsibility.

The meeting participants actively discuss actual topics and are now advocating for the issue of installing benches in the area adjacent to 58 Chavchavadze Avenue. 

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

Members of Kutaisi initiative group actively conduct information meetings in their community.

Now we speak about the settlement “cottages” - on Guram Gabiskiria Street, where housing and infrastructure problems were identified and advocacy began: they are already waiting for a response from the relevant departments regarding the arrangement of the road surface and water supply system.

These stages were carried out within the framework of our project. Therefore, they believe that teamwork brings better results and success.

Women living in the IDP settlement are well aware of forms of civic engagement and are trying to become more active in order to change their lives for the better.

The project is implemented with the support of  USAID local governance program

The members of Kutaisi Youth Club passed training on the topic "Mediation as a Ritual of Reconciliation". The participants received information about mediation, different types of mediation and the importance of mediation, performed practical exercises related to conflict management and mediation of process. USAID representative - Giorgi Khechinashvili attended the meeting. The leader of the club introduced the activities and results of the project "Youth for Peace" to the club members and the udience. The meeting was hosted by Public School No. 6 of Abkhazia named after Zhuli Shartava. Within the format of the exchange meeting, Kutaisi and Khoni Women Initiative Groups shared information and experience with each other, talked about the problems and needs advocated by them. According to the participants, such meetings provide a good opportunity for club members to get to know each other better.