New working year in the Youth Clubs of the Fund "Sukhumi" started on January 16 with interesting meetings. The topic "Early Marriages" motivated the participants for an open discussion. They talked about stereotypical thinking, the role of parents and society. They gave examples of how a family created at an early age failed, how a 17-18 year old girl was left alone with a child. They underlined not only health or psychological, but also education and employment problems.
It was noted that young people should have responsible attitude towards marriage, and such discussions contribute to it.
Online meetings were held with students from 10 public schools. One part of the Youth Club members has already held informational meetings with peers on the topic of early marriage, and the second part plans to talk about this topical issue.
Poti, Kutaisi, Terjola, Kobuleti, Etseri (Samtredia municipality), Nosiri (Senaki municipality), Koki (Zugdidi municipality), Khajalia (Lanchkhuti municipality), Gurianta (Ozurgeti municipality), Pakhulani (Tsalenjikha municipality), Pakhulani (Tsalenjikha municipality) - the geography of the Youth Clubs is diverse.
In January, 6 online group meetings of psychologist and lawyer were held for the beneficiaries of the Women Support Centers from Khoni, Senaki, Tskaltubo, Kobuleti, Khurcha(Zugdidi municipality), Pakhulani (Tsalenjikha municipality) - 35 people from 28 to 67 years old took participated.
The conversation was about how to manage negative emotions, and why it is so important in the situation of pandemic and domestic violence.
Couples and individual beneficiaries from different regions of Western Georgia also receive psychotherapeutic and legal consultation. This free service, is a great assistancefor them.
The life of the forum theater in January is held online, but quite actively. Facebook page of the Fund "Sukhumi" presents videos and photo collages prepared by young actors. A new section has begun - all actors of the forum theater will record a personal video.
The rehearsal period is actively continuing. The plan for February is already developed. The forum theater group hopes to meet with the audience soon ...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
For teenagers, it was surprising that "nicknames" often are the cause of conflicts. According to them, if another name comes from a surname, for example, Antiya - Anto, Mebonia - Mebo, this is not hurtful, but if it indicates a flaw, it can cause a conflict.
Regular online workshops on: "Skills for peaceful resolution of conflicts" were held with members of the conflict management group.
The conflict expert of the Fund "Sukhumi" introduced them to these skills. They learned what rules they should use to avoid conflict escalation. They were sent a list of skills in messenger groups.
Work with boys was held online in January. Group and individual meetings were held with the schools of Terjola, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, Kutaisi, Senaki, Poti, Lanchkhuti, Ozurgeti and Kobuleti municipalities.
Most of the meetings were held on the Zoom platform, which made it possible to show videos and hold discussions.
“I chose videos on the topic of violence and bullying to better demonstrate the essence of the problem,” mentiones the trainer - Beka Potskhveria. - The boys actively discussed these actual problems and the facts reflected in the videos. According to them, a tolerant society will better combate bullying and violence.
From the day of its foundation to the present day, the Fund "Sukhumi" has been continuously involved in confidence-building between conflict divided societies, peacebuilding and positive transformation of the conflict. Long lasting cooperation with partner organizations operating in Abkhazia and the study of the peacebuilding experience of various countries have laid the foundation for numerous partnership projects aimed at increasing the role of women and raising trust in the process of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. Numerous researches and surveys were undertaken within the frames of joint projects. Policy papers, analysis, methodological guidelines dedicated to peace and security and innovative perspectives on conflict transformation were published and spread.
Through the trainings, information meetings and discussions, the Fund "Sukhumi" actively works with population (women - IDPs, youth) in the direction of rethinking the past, destroying the enemy image created by the conflict, reducing tension and spreading a culture of peace.
Fund "Sukhumi" developed and launched community-based Gender Responsive Early Warning System (GREWS). Using the gender indicators, the organization constantly monitors the situation of IDP and conflict affected women and girls, as well as the level of their
Since 2001, Fund “Sukhumi” actively works on issues of domestic violence against women, though raising awareness of population and promoting zero tolerance against domestic violence. A rehabilitation Day Center for Victims of Violence functions under the aegis of the Fund "Sukhumi", where victims of violence are provided psychological assistance, legal advice, professional courses and assisted in further employment.
Through systematic monitoring, the organization studies and analyzes the effectiveness of legal and social protection mechanisms against domestic violence, assesses the quality of provided services by the actors of the referral system and level of their coordination.
Fund “Sukhumi” also assesses the quality of existing support services for the victims of domestic violence and how they meet the needs and priorities of the beneficiaries. All findings and recommendations are reflected in the reports and policy documents of the organization and communicated to different stakeholders and decision-makers at the local and national level. The “Women Support Centers” established by the Fund “Sukhumi”, are constantly collecting information about local problems and needs, mobilizing and informing citizens, and engaging them in the advocacy process.
Working with youth is one of the priority areas of the Fund "Sukhumi". The activities carried out by the organization, imply the provision of non-formal education to young people and the development their specific skills and competencies. It mainly pertains to promoting unacceptability of violence against women and spreading the culture of non-violence and tolerance, building capacity in conflict management and prevention, which is implemented with the active cooperation with the schools and educational institutions.
There is little space in the country that can be used by young people for informal education, communication and entertainment; this is a serious challenge in the regions, especially for the youth, living in villages.
Conflict Management Groups and Youth Clubs were functioning under the auspices of the Fund "Sukhumi" in 12 municipalities of Western Georgia for three years. On their basis, Youth Centers are created, which contribute to the development of youth, raising their leadership and creative capacities. In this regard, the Fund has extensive experience: under its leadership, the School of Leader Girls has functioned for many years, which has empowered and motivated many IDP girls and became a stepping-stone for their personal and professional growth and success.
It is proved that in the early age, young people develop archetypes of behavior that can affect both their life and society. Therefore, the Fund "Sukhumi" pays particular attention to work with youth, especially with boys - to contribute to the formation of non-violent behavior and self-awareness.
One of the main activities of the Fund "Sukhumi" is promoting gender equality and creating a favourable ground for women’s participation in local planning and budgeting, as well as in being represented in decision-making positions.
Organization is engaged in educational, consultative, monitoring and advocacy activities to improve laws, policies and practices that strengthen the vulnerable groups and promote equality between women and men, and their equal participation in various areas of public life.
