Familiarization with the results of the research conducted by the Fund "Sukhumi" was held in Kutaisi, in the office of the "Generation of Books". Parents, specialists, experts, psychologists, journalists, heads of private and public kindergartens who participated in the meeting exchanged information and emphasized actual issues:
- What is the level of family and community involvement in processes taking place in preschool institutions according to the quality standard?
- What hinders equal participation of both parents. Why is it not possible to increase the level of fathers' involvement and what incentive initiatives do preschools use to solve this problem?
- How balanced is the equal participation of parents of children with disabilities/special needs in the upbringing process?
- How high is the level of cooperation and coordination with service providers and child protection departments?
During the discussion, participants heard about the challenges as well as successful practices and confirmed that in response to the research findings, it is necessary to strengthen the involvement of the family and community, as defined by the quality standard, which will primarily increase the benefits for the child and positively balance the child-oriented environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Informing women about services and programs to help victims of domestic violence is still relevant: during the month, 150 people received the necessary information at Women Support Centers and distributed it in different communities. Thus, the participants of the meetings contribute to the prevention of violence.
As a result of monitoring, 10 families under the risk were identified. Active cooperation with these families is underway. Four of them became users of the services of the Women Fund "Sukhumi". The psychologist continues to work with them, and the other cases are referred as needed.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Women and girls make beautiful handicrafts. In early February, they began studying at the Day Rehabilitation Center of the Women Fund "Sukhumi" - they touched polymer clay for the first time, but already know a lot and love working with it.
Maka Jishkariani shares her knowledge and experience with new students and is happy with their diligence.
Everyone knows that these are not just classes, but real therapy. This process reveal the women's creative abilities and hobbies. After training, they can start a small business, realize their ideas and dreams.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
- What is the quality standard of family and community involvement in the processes taking place in preschool institutions? How high is the gender impact? What prevents the equal inclusion of both parents? What problems hinder the creation of a full-fledged environment? - Information exchange on these issues was held at a meeting in kindergarten #17 in Kutaisi, which was attended by representatives of public and private kindergartens, psychologists, children's rights specialists and parents.
- Low involvement of immigrant parents, lack of communication with fathers and their inclusion, unequal participation of parents of children with disabilities/special needs in the upbringing process, weak coordination with service providers and actors working in the field of children's rights - these and other issues were emphasized by the participants of the meeting. Along with the results of the research, the speakers discussed the resources and opportunities that can be used to address the identified challenges.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Another information exchange meeting on the findings and recommendations reflected in the research on assessing the gender impact of the family and community participation component of the “Preschool Education Quality Standard” was held in kindergarten #7 in Kutaisi.
Preschool administrators, teachers, educators, methodologists, special education teachers and parents actively discussed the challenges that hinder family and community participation in the educational process.
Participants confirmed the importance of implementing positive practices that ensure the full participation of both parents. In their opinion, a variety of activities, increased staff competence, and partnerships with service providers will improve the quality of interaction between the family and the community with children's institutions, which will contribute to the creation of a full-fledged child-oriented environment.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The second information exchange meeting, organized by the Women Fund "Sukhumi", was held in kindergarten #25 in Kutaisi. Heads of various preschool institutions, teachers, methodologists, special educators, speech therapists and methodologists were familiarized with the research on assessing the gender impact of the family and community participation component of the "Preschool Education Quality Standard". The research experts presented the findings, best practices and existing problems, which are outlined in the final report, and clearly demonstrated the impact of the standard on students, parents, the community and staff of preschool institutions. Suggestions for improving the service were presented.
During the discussion the meeting participants spoke about the importance of equal participation of both parents in the upbringing and education of children, parental pedagogy, and improving partnership work with preschool institutions. They expressed regret that the experience of specialists in this field has not been sufficiently studied. Its use, expansion of dialogue with parents and other service providers will contribute to more effective implementation of the "Preschool Education Quality Standard". Children and their families will be provided with a full-fledged service that meets modern standards.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The Women’s Fund “Sokhumi” continues raising awareness on digital security by organizing workshops across different municipalities in Georgia.
From February 4 to 7, digital security trainer Linda Chikhladze held sessions in Tskaltubo, Samtredia, and Chokhatauri, engaging local women's support groups in discussions on online risks and protective mechanisms.
During the workshops, participants:
- Learned about technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and its impact;
- Studied personal data protection techniques – strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and privacy tools;
- Became familiar with legal protections against online violence;
- Discussed the importance of mutual support and women’s empowerment.
Training on “Business Planning and Management of Small/Micro Business” was held for 16 beneficiaries of the Day Rehabilitation Center at the Women Fund “Sukhumi” (trainer: Elguja Deisadze, Associate Professor at Kutaisi University).
The following topics were covered during two days: business planning and the basics of writing projects, the methodology of a systematic approach to the formation and organization of a new business, as well as the development of necessary skills for drawing up a business plan.
The participants had developed a business idea. Therefore, the training process was targeted, and the trainer gave specific recommendations.
At the end of the training, the participants: presented a business project, assessed business risks and filled out a business project application.
The assessment of the training participants:
"This was necessary and useful training."
"We discussed important topics."
"I learned a lot, and this opens up new opportunities for me".
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The Women Fund “Sukhumi” has completed the gender impact assessment of the "family and community participation" component of the preschool education quality standard. An information campaign has been launched to exchange information and expand the dialogue with the target groups of the research.
The first meeting was held in the kindergarten #13 in Kutaisi, and was attended by preschool teachers, methodologists, special educators, speech therapists and methodologists.
The meeting participants had the opportunity to discuss the positive results of the “family and community participation” component based on the research findings, as well as the challenges in terms of equal participation of both parents and communication with the community. According to the participants, the main findings and recommendations identified during the research will contribute to the effective implementation of the “Quality Standard of Preschool Education” and the creation of a positive environment focused on the interests of the child.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
