The members of Tskaltubo women initiative group analyzed the problems that can be advocated with local resources. They also worked on advocacy plans, which increase the possibility of solving problems. The members of the youth clubs existing in Tskaltubo public schools No 1 and No 4 evaluated the progress of the mini-projects. They talked about how the audience received the scenes of violence presented with elements of forum theater. According to their assessment, the audience thought with them, discussed and looked for a solution.
The members of both women initiative groups of Khoni selected current problems and worked on drawing up an advocacy plan. The members of the group defined concrete advocacy activities and responsible persons. The members of Khoni Youth Club are actively working within the framework of mini-project. Through the forum theater method, they talk to the audience about the cruelty of violence and its harmful consequences.
Women initiative group of the village Didinedzi - Zugdidi municipality worked on advocacy of the problems identified within the framework of theresearch "Assessment of the quality of human security and gender needs of the population". Didinedzi Youth Forum Theater participants held performances in public schools of Orulu and Koki. The presentations were well received by the audience. Young actors sent the society short and concrete messages against violence. It was shown how a pupils with special needs can be included in various activities together with all other pupils. After the performances, a discussion was held on the issues raised. The youth club held another performance of the Forum Theater in the community of Didinedzi, in front of the village community. The actors presented two scenes on the topic of the conflict.
Within the framework of the project "Bridging the Gaps -People to - People Initiatives for Conflict Resolution", a training was held with the members of the women initiative group of the village Koki - Zugdidi municipality. The topic of training was "Evidence-based advocacy". The women discussed the factors hindering the proper implementation of the advocacy process at the local level, identified problems, defined target groups and stakeholders; Draft of the advocacy plan was developed. The youth club of the village Koki held a forum-theatre performance on the topic of media literacy within the framework of the project "Verify information". The project is supported by USAID. In the modern era, it is very important for young people to believe that they can change the reality around them. Forum-theatre is aimed at proving this belief.
The women initiative group of the village Pakhulani - Tsalenjikha municipality worked on advocacy of the problems identified within the framework of the research "Assessment of the quality of human security and gender needs of the population". According to the current problems, an advocacy plan was prepared, specific activities were scheduled.
On May 25-27, leaders of women initiative groups gathered in Istanbul. Training on "Evidence-based Advocacy" was held for them. Women from different regions and communities were involved in the work process. They practically participate in the advocacy of various problems, that's why the training was especially interesting for them. The participants reviewed the tree of problems, improved their knowledge about goals, tasks, formulation of expected results, types of advocacy and related issues. They selected priority issues from the problems in their community and worked in groups. They independently drew up a sample advocacy plan and showed presentations. During the training, the leaders of the initiative groups acquired new knowledge, skills, experience, got to know each other better and drafted plans for future.
The first meeting was held in Terjola. The first group of self-assistance was formed.
The project, which started with the support of the Equality Fund (Canada), includes lot of interesting things, and one of them is the creation of women's self-assistance groups in 10 municipalities.
In May, groups were formed in Terjola, Senaki, Chokhatauri, Samtredia, Tkibuli, Vani and Kobuleti. The women who gathered in these municipalities already understood the mission of the group, that they should facilitate the exchange of information about the services available for violence victims in the country. They can also advocate their problems. Municipal groups will do a lot of useful things together.
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
We have good news - Ukrainian Maria Dobrovolskaya gave birth to a healthy boy in Kutaisi. They are already home, mother and baby feel well.
Another innovation: we were addressed by a volunteer of the program “Sonyashnik”, according to which 5 Ukrainian teenagers from 15 to 18 years old will be able to have an interesting time in a summer camp. The Women Fund "Sukhumi" helped them gather a group for free rest in the camp.
Currently we have 523 people in our database. 43 people were added in May.
This month, our support was shown in many ways:
- Food was provided to 30 families (63 people)
- 6 families received assistance in paying for housing
- We supported 6 families in paying utilities
- One Ukrainian woman was paid part of the cost of the operation, everything went well and she is getting better.
- Free psychological assistance for refugees from Ukraine continues
Maria Dobrovolskaya is 22 years old. She lived in Kyiv, during two months of war she was there and experienced all the horrors of the war. For a concrete period of time, the girl moved to Vinnitsa to her grandmother and then left for Poland. She worked for several months in Katowice and Lodz. In Katowice she met a Georgian man, got married and they came to Georgia together.
At first they were in the husband's family - in Svaneti, where they received the Ukrainian daughter-in-law warmly. Maria was pregnant when they moved to Kutaisi. Like many refugees from Ukraine, Maria's family was also assisted by the Women Fund “Sukhumi”. After the birth of the child, representatives of the Fund visited the mother and child, congratulated them with great joy and brought the necessary gifts for the child: clothes, hygiene products, diapers, food...
The young mother thanked the guests for their assistance and support, which is so important in such a difficult time.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
