Skills for Life
As newly displaced Georgians slowly moved from shelters to new housing, it became clear the biggest long-term need for IDPs is employment and training.
AFG, with the financial support of several organizations and grants from the U.S. Embassy in Georgia., Rapidan Foundation and Clarence and Anne Dillon Dunwalke Trust, AFG launched an ambitious pilot training program for IDP young people and adults, called Skills for Life.
The project’s principal goal is to support the economic and social reintegration of Georgia’s war affected population into the local community through education and vocational training.
It provides Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in two new settlements, Khurvaleti and Tsminda Tskali, with practical skills for self-sustainable and income generating activities. By mitigating the psychosocial impact of the August ’08 conflict with Russia, the project helps IDPs overcome their barriers of isolation.
Courses and training included rehabilitation and vocational education in a variety of careers including English language instruction, computer skills, construction skills for men, landscaping, nursing , cosmetology, massage, stylist-for women, small and medium business administration , ceramics and enamel cloisonné making.
In addition, the project is helping IDPs become self-sufficient: it encourages their entrepreneurial initiative and decreases the number of unemployed people in the country.
“When I visited our IDP classes at Gori Technical University in August 2009, I was especially touched by the classroom full of IDP women in their 40s and 50s who had been encouraged to take our computer classes by AFG. The women were reluctant because they felt they could not learn this new skill at their age,” Marusya Chavchavadze, AFG’s executive director/US Office, Marusya Chavchavadze, said.
“Although they were traumatized by the loss of their former lives as farmers, they were trying to carve out a new life for themselves. To their amazement, they told me they were enjoying the computer classes.”
AFG’s accomplishment:
Short Term results: During 2009, around 200 IDPs have been trained. 32 men received training in construction skills such as tile master, mason, plasterer, concrete specialist, painter, steel worker, sanitary technician and welder /provided in cooperation with the USAID Vocational Training program; 41 IDPs took courses in English (beginners and business English), computers (Microsoft Office, PP, Internet) and Small and Medium Business Administration /at Gori Technical University in their Higher Professional Education Programs; 20 women received training in cosmetology, beautician and massage courses /at the Gori Women’s Business Incubator; 1 man is enrolled at the School for Decorative Gardening in landscaping; 1 woman is enrolled at the Mercy Center Hospice in nursing; 70 youth studied English, computers and cloisonné /at Society Biliki in Gori; 20 youth studied potter making/ at George Pachkoria’s studio workshop at Isani Temporary housing center.
Many participants exhibited their work at a gallery on Shardeni Street in Tbilisi and been even able to sell their art work.
“I am really enjoying my apprenticeship with Hairdresser Training Course. Working with Larisa is great, because I can see what can be achieved when you work hard,” Eka Otiashvili, a participant in the beautician course.
Long term results and sustainability of project
AFG believes it is important to expand the Skills for Life pilot project into a long term project offering vocational training to additional IDPs. We need additional funding to expand this successful program.
To continue educating and helping IDPs create a sustainable future for themselves, AFG is asking for funds to finance our training of IDPs in several different skills. In addition, we would like to provide grants to a small self-sustainable cloisonne workshop in Khurvaleti and to the ceramic pottery workshops at Isani IDP centers. We would also like to develop a Business Counseling Center to collect date on the current employment situation, and job placement programs to assist IDPs in finding employment.
“We plan to continue our studies and enlarge our knowledge. We wish our project continued, we hope to serve our people and our country in developing democracy,” Mariam Giunashvili, IDP project participant.
IDP Assistance - War Relief Fund
