EU-funded project strengthening civil society concluded in Georgia

A project on ‘Strengthening civil society for an inclusive and green post-COVID recovery’, implemented by the Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) with the financial support of the European Union, was successfully completed in December. 

The project’s closing event, held in Tbilisi on 17 December, brought together representatives from the EU Delegation to Georgia, partner organisations, supported beneficiary groups, and young leaders who championed community-based programmes throughout the initiative.

Over four years, the project “helped make social services more accessible in eight municipalities of the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions. The project strengthened local organisations and supported vulnerable groups,” Head of EU Cooperation Nicholas Cendrowicz said in his welcoming remarks.

Key achievements highlighted at the event included the establishment of day care centres for the elderly and children with special needs; specialised training for kindergarten staff to enable the early recognition of autism signs; and initiatives driving the socio-economic empowerment of women, single parents and parents of children with disabilities. 

Cendrowicz also highlighted 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.”

Cendrowicz added that the European Union was 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,” he said.

The project was a four-year intervention in the Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions. CENN implemented the project together with partner organisations Consultation and Training Centre (CTC), Kvemo Kartli Media (KKM) and First European (FE).

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Press release