The project Strengthening Civil Society for an Inclusive and Green Post-COVID Recovery, implemented by CENN with the financial support of the European Union, has been successfully completed.
The project’s closing event, held at the Wyndham Grand Tbilisi Hotel, brought together EU Delegation representatives, partner organizations, supported beneficiary groups, and young leaders who championed community-based programs throughout the initiative.
The event was opened by the project manager, Nino Tevzadze and Head of EU Cooperation, Mr Nicholas Cendrowicz, who gave a welcoming speech.
“The project Strengthening Civil Society for an Inclusive and Green Post-COVID Recovery, over the four years, helped make social services more accessible in eight municipalities of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions. The project strengthened local organisations and supported vulnerable groups.
Today, we will hear about all these results, but I would like to highlight the civic engagement and social services campaigns, which reached 4,700 people. Hundreds of families, teachers, caregivers, and young people benefited directly and thousands more indirectly, from this project. Behind every number stands a face, a story and a real step forward.
So, thank you to each individual and organisation. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the project’s implementing partners. Thank you for your passion, your creativity, and for demonstrating that real change starts at the local level, with people who care about their local communities.
I would like to firmly state that the European Union is not stepping back in Georgia. Despite this very challenging political moment, we remain committed to supporting Georgia’s civil society, local communities, and all of those people who work every day to protect democratic values. Our support will continue,”- Nicholas Cendrowicz.
CENN Executive Director Laurent G. E. Nicole also addressed the audience by reflecting on the project’s approach and impact.
“I am delighted to host you at the closing event of the EU-funded project ‘Strengthening Civil Society for an Inclusive and Green Post-COVID Recovery’.
The aim of today’s event is to present the main results of the project, which have been achieved over the past four years in close cooperation with partners and local stakeholders. We can confidently state that the project has achieved significant, sustainable results thanks to its participatory and research-based approaches. New social services have been developed that go beyond meeting immediate needs – they’re creating pathways for genuine development and empowerment.
I want to extend our gratitude to all implementing partners – CTC, Kvemo Kartli Media, and Pirveli Europeli – and the European Union for enabling such a transformative initiative,” – Laurent G. E. Nicole.
Following the main presentation, the event flowed into dynamic thematic panels featuring the service providers and passionate authors of the project-supported youth initiatives.
The first panel celebrated successful projects that have directly contributed to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in the target regions. Key achievements highlighted included: the establishment of day care centers for the elderly and children with special needs; specialized training for kindergarten staff to enable the early recognition of autism signs; initiatives driving the socio-economic empowerment of women, as well as single parents and parents of children with disabilities. Discussions deeply explored the goals, achieved results, and, crucially, the sustainability of these impactful services, while also addressing implementation challenges.
The second panel shone a spotlight on youth initiatives that have spurred positive, community-wide changes across various directions. Supported projects focused on: gender equality and boosting women’s economic empowerment through new employment opportunities; strengthening civic participation and supporting youth in both civic engagement and accessing formal and non-formal education opportunities. Presenters passionately shared the concrete results of their initiatives, emphasizing the tangible positive changes they have created in their communities.
The formal proceedings concluded with summarizing remarks by project manager Nino Tevzadze, leading to an informal networking session that allowed for continued collaboration and celebration.
About the European Union
For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/
The EU funds numerous projects aimed at boosting civic participation, empowering civil society organisations and promoting the inclusion of various groups, namely women, youth, and ethnic minorities. These efforts are key to building a more inclusive and equitable Georgian society, underlining the EU’s commitment to its democratic and socio-economic advancement.
About the project
The project was a 4-year intervention in the Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. CENN implemented the project together with partner organizations Consultation and Training Center (CTC), Kvemo Kartli Media (KKM) and First European (FE).
See project summary catalogue on the link.
