As part of the EU-funded project “Empowering Civil Society for Inclusive and Post-COVID Recovery,” the closing event of the third cohort of the Civic Participation Program (CPP) was held.
The six-month training program involved 24 young people aged 18-30 from the Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. After participating in a civic education camp last summer, the participants developed various project ideas addressing local challenges. With the support of thematic experts, these ideas were refined, and five successful projects received a funding of 1,500 GEL each.
At the closing ceremony, program participants from five municipalities – Bolnisi, Marneuli, Borjomi, Akhalkalaki, and Ninotsminda – shared their project outcomes, achievements, and challenges with the audience.
Borjomi
The project “Books and Activism” was implemented in the villages of Balanta and Chikhura in Borjomi Municipality. It aimed to enhance literacy and awareness of educational opportunities among youth aged 14-20. The project included training sessions and the distribution of informational brochures on education and career development. Additionally, books were donated to local library.
Bolnisi & Marneuli
The project “Strengthening Civic Responsibility among Youth in Bolnisi and Marneuli Municipalities” focused on raising civic awareness. Around 20 young people participated in meetings that helped enhance their civic responsibility. To further expand the impact, an online campaign was launched.
Akhalkalaki
The “Youth Power” project was implemented in five villages of Akhalkalaki Municipality to raise awareness among 14-30-year-olds about formal and informal education opportunities and encourage their participation in available programs. The project combined an online informational campaign with on-site training sessions. To further engage the youth, educational competitions were organized. In total, over 70 young people participated in the project, while the online campaign reached around 150 people.
Ninotsminda
The “Let’s Care for Ninotsminda’s Environment” project was the only environmental initiative in this cohort. The key motivation behind the project was the need to address unsustainable resource management practices and environmental pollution. The project team conducted awareness-raising sessions in the villages of Zhdanov and Dilifshi to educate local youth on environmental issues. Additionally, they organized clean-up and tree-planting campaigns.
Akhalkalaki & Ninotsminda
The project “Equal Steps Forward” was carried out in villages of Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda, aiming to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equal participation in social and civic activities. Training sessions were held with over 30 participants aged 13-20. To further disseminate information, a social media page was created as part of the initiative.
At the closing event, participants from the previous two cohorts also presented their initiatives, sharing insights about their journey after completing the program. These young changemakers, with support from donors, crowdfunding, and other approaches, continue implementing the initiatives they started within the program. They provided valuable, experience-based advice to the latest cohort.
At the end of the event, all participating youth received certificates recognizing their efforts.
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 Empowering Civil Society to Promote Inclusive and Post-COVID Recovery is a four-year-long intervention, financed by the EU and launched in January 2022. The project is implemented by CENN with partner organization Kvemo Kartli Media (KKM).