About Us
Youth for Samegrelo Development NGO
Founded in December 2015 by Eduard Partsvania and Nana Shedania, the mission was to empower through non-formal education by providing choices and opportunities for skill-based learning, mentorship, and creating a community. In order to target youth populations, motivation is key – What are young people doing in our region? What do they want to do, but can’t? Are they seeking higher education and employment in our region, or leaving for bigger cities? It was these questions that allowed for the development of projects and initiatives geared towards securing a sustainable future for the region. Each project is carefully evaluated to ensure that after the project is complete – there is still room for growth and expansion on the topic, and that the resources are still available for further development.
Leadership, volunteerism, and a healthy appetite for learning can be developed at a very young age, and it is essential that youth have access to opportunities that pique their interests. It is a time in their lives to explore and do, soaking up each experience and learning about who they are and what is their purpose.
The NGO is supported by the working activities of the social cafe, with 2 employees and a team of volunteers.
What is a social enterprise?
Youth for Samegrelo Development NGO focuses on necessary social objectives as its primary purpose. The income generated from the bar during evening hours supports sustainability of keeping the space open for free during the daytime, and focusing on projects geared towards positive impacts for youth in the region. Target population is not just inclusive to youth, but specifically towards Internally Displaced Person/s (IDP) from Abkhazia, Ukrainian refugees women, and other minorities.
Mission
A child does not choose where they will grow up, but location can impact the amount of struggles or opportunities their home provides, despite the strongest efforts on the family's part. Youth in Zugdidi feel torn between bigger cities and their home; they face either leaving behind the social support of their family and friends or somehow manage the lack of interesting life choices staying in their home city. To support young people by giving them increased access to education, mentorship, leadership opportunities, recreational activities and creation of a social nexus,. The overreaching goal is that youth do not have to face this dilemma and can have both the social, emotional and financial support of their family, friends and neighbors, as well as interesting activities and career development choices - right here in Zugdidi.
Vision
A space where everyone feels welcome, can seek connection with other like-minded individuals, and effort and dedication can connect with projects as a valuable commodity. Projects should be sustainable in nature- that is, the end result does not end the project itself - the project goals should continue to better the region and the people living in it.
Values
Many hands make light work, and when work can be considered creative, inspirational and inspiring, it is enjoyable to work with colleagues who quickly become your friends. In these projects, age plays no role as with similar values of kindness, empathy, playfulness and compassion, anything is possible with a little hard work and persistence.
Our Team
