On July 9, the fourth and final meeting of the Regional Alliance for Social Services Development was held within the framework of the European Union-supported project “Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive and Green Post-COVID Recovery.”
The meeting aimed to facilitate coordination between civil society and service provider organizations regarding approaches and activities that promote the improvement of quality and accessibility of municipal social services.
The Regional Alliance for Social Services Development commenced its work in January 2025. The alliance brings together stakeholders engaged in the social sector from 8 municipalities of Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti: Bolnisi, Gardabani, Dmanisi, Tetritskaro, Marneuli, Tsalka, Akhaltsikhe, and Ninotsminda.
The alliance’s objective is to develop effective approaches in response to challenges that emerged as a result of research, meetings, field work conducted within the project framework, as well as the experience of individual alliance members.
During the alliance’s working process, two primary challenges were identified: low awareness regarding social programs and the sustainability of social services created with third-party support.
Based on research conducted within the project framework and considering the alliance members’ work experience in the sector, it is evident that the population lacks adequate information about social programs available in municipalities, which impedes access to services.
Additionally, maintaining social services created with third-party support through various initiatives and ensuring their sustainability presents a challenge. Consequently, at critical stages, beneficiaries face the risk of being left without services where the preservation and sustainability of already implemented services is not considered a priority by local government.
Taking these challenges into account, the alliance’s final meeting focused specifically on coordinating joint approaches and activities in the areas of public awareness and service sustainability.
The project “Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive and Green Post-COVID Recovery” is a 4-year intervention funded by the European Union and has been ongoing since January 2022. The project is implemented by the organization CENN in partnership with Kvemo Kartli Media (KKM).