With our thoughts we are often either in the past or in the future, but in reality everything happens only “here and now”. Mindful person pays attention to the present moment and lives fully.

Mindfulness means full concentration of attention “here and now”.

Mainly this method was used at the training held in Batumi and with our help, 6 Ukrainian women from Kutaisi went to participate in it.

During the training, interesting issues were raised: how to overcome anxiety, how to calm down and love yourself, etc. The women learned a number of exercises. They were satisfied with the training, since this is everything that each of them and their family members need before returning home.

Similar trainings will be conducted with other groups.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

In September, support for Ukrainian refugees was actively carried out. The organization has developed a new method of assistance. Instead of a prepared package (food, hygiene products and household chemicals), supermarket vouchers were purchased and vouchers for different amounts were distributed to the beneficiaries.

This month, 8 new people were added to our database (totally 331 people). 180 vouchers were purchased for them and assistance was provided to 110 families (15 families – for the second time).

Ukrainian refugees were also provided with other assistance in accordance with their needs: we paid rent for 6 families; three families received money for utilities; one oncology patient was financed with 647 GEL for tests, and the other one, purchased medicines worth 286 GEL.

Our support service also cares about the psychological condition of Ukrainians: one of the beneficiaries attends courses of polymer clay at a day rehabilitation center, and she really likes the format of the courses. 6 women took part in psychological training held in Batumi. The psychologist of our organization, Manana Gotsiridze, continued to conduct individual consultations for a month.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

“Violence against children and neglect of children” - psychologist of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” Eka Khaindrava held meetings on this topic at Women Support Centers of Samtredia, Kobuleti, Senaki, Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi. The target groups were mainly teachers of kindergartens and schools. Individual meetings were held with schoolchildren.

During the meetings it was noted that, after physical signs, a child's behavior is the second main indicator of violence. Most children, who have experienced violence, are passive. Their nutrition may be disrupted, in many cases they do not know how to play, cannot control themselves, and sometimes they have delays in development.

This information is important for teachers to help children.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

During these meetings we hear information that we all need! We talk about our problems and feel that we are not alone. When solving any problem, there are people who care about us – this was the assessment given by participants at information meetings in Women Support Centers.

According to them, all existing services are important, so information about them should be available to all beneficiaries so that they can use them in case of need.

Psychologists from the Fund “Sukhumi” actively worked in Women Support Centers; their work is important during both prevention and assistance. In parallel with the information, 10 new cases of violence were identified. Work on these cases is carried out using the resources of our organization.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

During the meeting with the members of Khoni youth club, the leader - Anna Kurasbediani demonstrated a presentation on the topic "August 12 - International Youth Day". The audience received information about the history of this day. The second presentation was about the participation of Khoni youth club members in various projects. During the meeting, they talked about the challenges and youth needs in the municipality. The members of both women initiative groups evaluated the annual work, talked about future prospects and discussed the next stages of the advocacy plan.

An important place in the recommendations of the research of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" - “Assessment of Effectiveness of the Municipalities’ Preventive Measures to Combat Violence Against Women/Domestic Violence”, is occupied by the coordination of responsible local governmental branches and the exchange of information.

This time the information exchange meeting was held at the Educational Resource Center of Khobi Municipality.

Representatives of the Fund “Sukhumi”, together with employees of educational institutions, the department for the protection and support of children's rights and members of the Gender Equality Council, discussed a number of topical issues related to violence against women/domestic violence, violence prevention, the area around adolescents, the psychosocial and other needs of their families.

The meeting showed the importance of  interdepartmental cooperation.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)

We can do everything for the development of Georgia, youth power is important! Members of Koki (Zugdidi municipality) youth group joined the International Youth Day with this attitude. They talked about their own role in the development of the country and the power of youth. An interesting meeting was held by the members of Koki women initiative group. The participants evaluated the annual work, opportunities, their own resources and talked about future prospects.

Future plans, evaluation of annual work, women's role in the country development - these issues were discussed by the women initiative group of the village Didinedzi - Zugdidi municipality. Didinedzi youth initiative group also joined the celebration of International Youth Day. The young people prepared a special presentation and once again talked about their role in the progress of the country. International Youth Day was celebrated for the first time on August 12, 2000.

A meeting of online format was attended by members of the Gender Equality Council and representatives of the City Hall of Vani municipality.

The representative of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” introduced the meeting participants to the guide "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs" - prepared by the European women network WAVE. The part of the guide where the successful practice of the Fund “Sukhumi” was discussed, was important For them. It was noted that the organization deservedly appeared into the publication, since it has great experience in this area.

The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights

The meeting, held in Tskaltubo, was attended by representatives of the City Council and the City Hall. "Prevention and response to gender-based violence in war and post-war conditions - experience and recommendations of women’s NGOs" - the audience read this publication issued by the European Network WAVE.

Participants got acquainted with the work of women's organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia. The fact that Georgia is represented by the successful practice of the Women Fund “Sukhumi” was especially important for them.

The project is implemented with the support of the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights