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UNICEF in Georgia Newsletter - 2020
This Newsletter captures a year of achievements by UNICEF Georgia, despite the immense challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions.
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Introduction
This Newsletter captures a year of achievements by UNICEF Georgia, despite the immense challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions. The UNICEF team mounted an immediate response to the pandemic itself, and adapted at speed to maintain long-term programmes for children, building on – and adapting – the robust platforms that were already in place to ensure continuity. In addition to the emergency response, highlights from the year include the entry into force of Georgia’s Code on the Rights of the Child, new web portals to provide child-friendly data on child rights, provision of services to disadvantaged children and families and digital transformation to amplify the voice and community participation of adolescents.
Letter from the Representative
2020 was a year unlike any other, with one global crisis – the Covid-19 pandemic – dominating our work and our lives. It turned our lives upside down and even basic social interaction became a challenge.
Like every other organization, UNICEF Georgia had to adapt to the ‘new normal’ of working from home and online, while trying to respond to the biggest public health emergency in living memory. At the same time, we had to ensure that the pandemic did not dismantle decades of hard-won progress, and find ways to maintain UNICEF’s long-term support for the most vulnerable children and families. Despite the relatively low COVID-19 prevalence and mortality rates in Georgia during the spring and summer of 2020, the country has been hit hard by the pandemic later. Its complex socio-economic impact has huge ramifications for social welfare and child protection as many households slip, or descend even further, into poverty.
While the pandemic has disrupted life for all of us, these children and families have been exposed to its most severe impact. The challenges they were already facing were exacerbated by restrictions that isolated them from essential services and support. Meanwhile, the disease itself has preyed on those living in the most over-crowded, marginalized and disadvantaged households.
This Newsletter shows how UNICEF met the immediate needs of those at greatest risk as a result of the pandemic, while supporting the ongoing initiatives that will help Georgia to ‘build back better’ in a post-COVID world. While the COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges and caused major disruptions in service provision, it created opportunities for us to address existing issues like inadequate water and sanitation services, accelerate actions to respond to violence against children given traditional structures were removed and modernize service provision like establishment of a child hotline and development of online services and resources. We also took advantage of the pandemic to expand our access to children and we reached remote areas and ethnic minority groups in Akhalkalaki and in Pankisi gorge.
We understood that only by enhancing solidarity, compassion and adaptability could we continue to deliver for children, young people and their families. I give heartfelt thanks to all my UNICEF colleagues for their hard work and dedication as by supporting and caring for each other we could adhere to our core values. Thanks to all of our partners across the country for meeting unprecedented challenges with courage and commitment. Solidarity and compassion were especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic as the change we want to bring to society should be based on values. And when these values are respected, we can drive better results and ensure that the changes are positive and sustainable.
Like every other organization, UNICEF Georgia had to adapt to the ‘new normal’ of working from home and online, while trying to respond to the biggest public health emergency in living memory. At the same time, we had to ensure that the pandemic did not dismantle decades of hard-won progress, and find ways to maintain UNICEF’s long-term support for the most vulnerable children and families. Despite the relatively low COVID-19 prevalence and mortality rates in Georgia during the spring and summer of 2020, the country has been hit hard by the pandemic later. Its complex socio-economic impact has huge ramifications for social welfare and child protection as many households slip, or descend even further, into poverty.
While the pandemic has disrupted life for all of us, these children and families have been exposed to its most severe impact. The challenges they were already facing were exacerbated by restrictions that isolated them from essential services and support. Meanwhile, the disease itself has preyed on those living in the most over-crowded, marginalized and disadvantaged households.
This Newsletter shows how UNICEF met the immediate needs of those at greatest risk as a result of the pandemic, while supporting the ongoing initiatives that will help Georgia to ‘build back better’ in a post-COVID world. While the COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges and caused major disruptions in service provision, it created opportunities for us to address existing issues like inadequate water and sanitation services, accelerate actions to respond to violence against children given traditional structures were removed and modernize service provision like establishment of a child hotline and development of online services and resources. We also took advantage of the pandemic to expand our access to children and we reached remote areas and ethnic minority groups in Akhalkalaki and in Pankisi gorge.
We understood that only by enhancing solidarity, compassion and adaptability could we continue to deliver for children, young people and their families. I give heartfelt thanks to all my UNICEF colleagues for their hard work and dedication as by supporting and caring for each other we could adhere to our core values. Thanks to all of our partners across the country for meeting unprecedented challenges with courage and commitment. Solidarity and compassion were especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic as the change we want to bring to society should be based on values. And when these values are respected, we can drive better results and ensure that the changes are positive and sustainable.
Ghassan Khalil
UNICEF Representative in Georgia
COVID-19 Response
Vulnerable families reached with humanitarian support
UNICEF raced to meet the critical needs of vulnerable families across Georgia as the COVID-19
pandemic took hold, reaching more than 14,000 people with food and hygiene supplies. The most
vulnerable families were prioritized, including female-headed households, households with many
children, and families with a child with a disabilities, as well as ethnic minority populations
and those living near the Administrative Boundary Line. In addition, 450 pregnant women and
children who were self-isolating in Adjara benefited from multiple micronutrient supplements.
Those reached included Mariam Ioseliani, a young girl who has lost her hearing, and who lives in Nikozi in Gori region with her mother Ketevan and her brother and sister. When the Loseliani family received their essential supplies, a delighted Ketevan said that “the things they [her children] love were all in the box”.
UNICEF’s humanitarian interventions in Georgia Proper were implemented in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Office, the State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civic Equality and the Ministry of Health of Adjara Autonomous Republic.
Those reached included Mariam Ioseliani, a young girl who has lost her hearing, and who lives in Nikozi in Gori region with her mother Ketevan and her brother and sister. When the Loseliani family received their essential supplies, a delighted Ketevan said that “the things they [her children] love were all in the box”.
UNICEF’s humanitarian interventions in Georgia Proper were implemented in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Office, the State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civic Equality and the Ministry of Health of Adjara Autonomous Republic.
Supplies to keep vital services going
UNICEF provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to more than 550 healthcare workers and
supported the procurement and delivery of 2,500 COVID-19 diagnostic tests for use in maternity,
neonatal and paediatric health facilities. UNICEF supported the Government in assessing
infection prevention and control (IPC) in all (84) maternities with the support of USAID.
Based on the findings, each maternity was provided with recommendations and subsequent
on-job trainings to improve IPC, reaching approximately 580 healthcare workers.
Support went beyond supplies for healthcare, however, with funds from USAID’s ‘Preventing and Responding to COVID-19 in Georgia’ project enabling the procurement and distribution of supplies for kindergartens, probation services and social agents as part of the Government’s efforts to prevention infections.
UNICEF provided hygiene and personal protective materials to 336 kindergartens in Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Adjara regions of Georgia, including sanitizing liquids, hand sanitizers, anti-bacterial soap and digital thermometers. Equipped with these supplies, kindergartens could continue to provide preschooling in a safe way.
Hygiene and IPC supplies were also shared with the National Agency for Crime Prevention and Probation of the Ministry of Justice for distribution to social workers, psychologists, and probation officers across the country through the regional bureaus of the National Probation Agency and the Juvenile Referral Centre. As a result, children involved in diversion and mediation programmes could visit probation offices in safety to receive the services they need.
UNICEF also provided recreational and rehabilitation materials to the penitentiary service for children in pre-trial detention and convicted children deprived of their liberty, as well as hygiene supplies for children and the staff of relevant penitentiary establishments.
Hygiene and personal protective materials were provided to the State Care Agency by UNICEF to protect social workers, caregivers, frontline workers, service providers, children living in state care institutions and other vulnerable groups across Georgia against COVID-19. These materials included face shields, gowns, disinfecting barriers, digital thermometers and sanitizing liquids to protect children, young people and staff. Electronic tablets were delivered to small group homes in the regions to ensure children’s access to remote service provision and education.
Social agents of the Social service Agency(SSA) were provided with PPE so that they could resume their assessments of vulnerable families (with the number of such families increasing markedly during the pandemic). PPE was provided to all agents in all SSA regional representations (over 1,000 social agents).
Support went beyond supplies for healthcare, however, with funds from USAID’s ‘Preventing and Responding to COVID-19 in Georgia’ project enabling the procurement and distribution of supplies for kindergartens, probation services and social agents as part of the Government’s efforts to prevention infections.
UNICEF provided hygiene and personal protective materials to 336 kindergartens in Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Adjara regions of Georgia, including sanitizing liquids, hand sanitizers, anti-bacterial soap and digital thermometers. Equipped with these supplies, kindergartens could continue to provide preschooling in a safe way.
Hygiene and IPC supplies were also shared with the National Agency for Crime Prevention and Probation of the Ministry of Justice for distribution to social workers, psychologists, and probation officers across the country through the regional bureaus of the National Probation Agency and the Juvenile Referral Centre. As a result, children involved in diversion and mediation programmes could visit probation offices in safety to receive the services they need.
UNICEF also provided recreational and rehabilitation materials to the penitentiary service for children in pre-trial detention and convicted children deprived of their liberty, as well as hygiene supplies for children and the staff of relevant penitentiary establishments.
Hygiene and personal protective materials were provided to the State Care Agency by UNICEF to protect social workers, caregivers, frontline workers, service providers, children living in state care institutions and other vulnerable groups across Georgia against COVID-19. These materials included face shields, gowns, disinfecting barriers, digital thermometers and sanitizing liquids to protect children, young people and staff. Electronic tablets were delivered to small group homes in the regions to ensure children’s access to remote service provision and education.
Social agents of the Social service Agency(SSA) were provided with PPE so that they could resume their assessments of vulnerable families (with the number of such families increasing markedly during the pandemic). PPE was provided to all agents in all SSA regional representations (over 1,000 social agents).
Digital transformation to maintain essential services for children
A digital transformation has played a key role in the COVID-19 emergency response to safeguard
essential health, education and social services for children. The Government, with support
from UNICEF, developed online learning materials to reach an estimated 414,000 children
and developed remote and hybrid provision of social services, as well as a specialized
TV programme and Facebook page to support parents of children with disabilities. Almost
5,370 online consultations and/or training sessions were held with adolescents, including
those living in state care, to meet their psychosocial needs. Psycho-social support was
also provided to caregivers in small group homes and foster care.
With the support of USAID, a remote antenatal care programme reached around 26,000 pregnant women; and an online practice for well-baby check-ups is now being developed. A communication platform has been created to help 1,000 rural primary healthcare ambulatories support the effective management of the COVID-19 response and ensure continued health services for mothers and their children.
With the support of USAID, a remote antenatal care programme reached around 26,000 pregnant women; and an online practice for well-baby check-ups is now being developed. A communication platform has been created to help 1,000 rural primary healthcare ambulatories support the effective management of the COVID-19 response and ensure continued health services for mothers and their children.
Risk Communication around COVID-19
Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategy on COVID-19
With UNICEF’s support, the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) developed
the national Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Strategy on COVID-19. UNICEF
supported its implementation to reach people (including ethnic minorities) with information
about COVID-19 prevention measures through regional TV programmes, webinars and social media
conversations, religious communities and youth ambassadors, as well as other media and community
outlets. Two seminars were organized by the NCDC, with support from UNICEF and USAID. The
seminars aimed to inform journalists from national as well as regional media outlets about
the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy was based on a WHO and UNICEF Behaviour Insights study on COVID-19 in Georgia to track knowledge, risk perceptions, preventive behaviour and trust. The most recent version of the study, carried out in December 2020, found that UNICEF’s RCCE activities helped to increase knowledge about COVID-19 prevention measures (81-85 per cent) and adherence to protective behaviour (90 per cent) in Georgia.
The strategy was based on a WHO and UNICEF Behaviour Insights study on COVID-19 in Georgia to track knowledge, risk perceptions, preventive behaviour and trust. The most recent version of the study, carried out in December 2020, found that UNICEF’s RCCE activities helped to increase knowledge about COVID-19 prevention measures (81-85 per cent) and adherence to protective behaviour (90 per cent) in Georgia.
Support for parents in the pandemic
UNICEF launched the Facebook campaign #LearningAtHome to boost home-based learning and support parents
during the first lockdown. Many parents shared the activities with others on their social media networks.
More than 200,000 parents also benefited from the USAID-supported campaign ‘Parenting after Isolation’,
which offered webinars, quizzes, video blogs, reading materials and social media cards to help them support
their children. There were also tips on how to communicate with children during isolation and
help them with home-schooling.
Mzia Sharashidze, a parent who took part in the campaign commented: “As parents, we found ourselves in a very difficult situation during the pandemic, when our daily routine was completely disrupted: when our homes turned into a workplace, and the workplace became a school and a home. It was important for me to be involved in the project. The tips and recommendations I received helped me a lot and I will be able to be an even better mother for my child.”
Mzia Sharashidze, a parent who took part in the campaign commented: “As parents, we found ourselves in a very difficult situation during the pandemic, when our daily routine was completely disrupted: when our homes turned into a workplace, and the workplace became a school and a home. It was important for me to be involved in the project. The tips and recommendations I received helped me a lot and I will be able to be an even better mother for my child.”
TV programmes boost understanding of COVID-19 prevention
The ‘Learn more about COVID-19’ initiative helped nine regional TV channels produce and air more
than 100 programmes with information about COVID-19, protection measures, new regulations
and the latest medical news. In all, 40 of these programmes were produced in minority
languages to ensure national coverage. The programmes were supported by USAID.
Natia Kuprashvili, Head of the Journalism Resource Centre which partnered with UNICEF for this initiative, commented: “The audience had the opportunity to receive updated information and see their place in the context of these problems. We could see that the audience of both the social media and of the TV broadcasters was growing, the viewers were engaging in dialogue with the broadcasters and, truly, the feedback from the audience was great.”
By the end of this initiative, in February 2021, it had reached around 1.3 million viewers each week. Encouraged by this success, several of the broadcasters involved will continue to air their COVID-19 programmes.
Natia Kuprashvili, Head of the Journalism Resource Centre which partnered with UNICEF for this initiative, commented: “The audience had the opportunity to receive updated information and see their place in the context of these problems. We could see that the audience of both the social media and of the TV broadcasters was growing, the viewers were engaging in dialogue with the broadcasters and, truly, the feedback from the audience was great.”
By the end of this initiative, in February 2021, it had reached around 1.3 million viewers each week. Encouraged by this success, several of the broadcasters involved will continue to air their COVID-19 programmes.
Promoting child rights
Code on the Rights of the Child comes into force
The Code on the Rights of the Child entered into force on 1 September 2020. This landmark
achievement changes the way in which Georgian law treats children and ensures their welfare
and protection. UNICEF is supporting the Government to assess national laws in comparison
with the requirements of the Code to inform any legislative amendments that are needed.
UNICEF is also supporting the Parliament and Government agencies to develop a road map
to transform the child protection system and justice system to align with the Code.
“The first of September is a very important date for the children of Georgia,” said Dr. Ghassan Khalil, “the entry into force of the Code on the Rights of the Child will bring many positive and tangible results for children and young people.”
UNICEF has worked to enhance national capacity on the implementation of the Code, including training for 200 representatives of different state agencies, 190 staff from new municipal child protection units and 40 judges involved in family law. In addition, UNICEF provided technical expertise in 2020 to develop standards for judges and lawyers, particularly for cases of separation of children from their families.
“The first of September is a very important date for the children of Georgia,” said Dr. Ghassan Khalil, “the entry into force of the Code on the Rights of the Child will bring many positive and tangible results for children and young people.”
UNICEF has worked to enhance national capacity on the implementation of the Code, including training for 200 representatives of different state agencies, 190 staff from new municipal child protection units and 40 judges involved in family law. In addition, UNICEF provided technical expertise in 2020 to develop standards for judges and lawyers, particularly for cases of separation of children from their families.
Partnerships with religious leaders
In 2020, partnerships with religious leaders from several denominations expanded and deepened
to enhance the promotion of child rights in communities, mobilizing religious communities to
reduce violence against children and address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three workshops with 100 Orthodox Christian priests, Armenian Apostolic Church and Muslim muftis and imams, in addition to a session with representatives of the Lutheran Church, promoted child rights. Leaders from every religious denomination in Georgia gathered at a special conference in February 2020 to discuss their role in promoting and protecting child rights. The conference was also attended by representatives from diplomatic and international organizations, government agencies, civil society and the media. The issues discussed included cooperation with faith-based organizations, 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, achievements and challenges in Georgia, the Code on the Rights of the Child, and child rights in different religions. The conference was organized by the State Agency for Religious Issues and UNICEF Georgia as part of a collaboration on the promotion and protection of child rights through engagement with different religious denominations.
Three workshops with 100 Orthodox Christian priests, Armenian Apostolic Church and Muslim muftis and imams, in addition to a session with representatives of the Lutheran Church, promoted child rights. Leaders from every religious denomination in Georgia gathered at a special conference in February 2020 to discuss their role in promoting and protecting child rights. The conference was also attended by representatives from diplomatic and international organizations, government agencies, civil society and the media. The issues discussed included cooperation with faith-based organizations, 30 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, achievements and challenges in Georgia, the Code on the Rights of the Child, and child rights in different religions. The conference was organized by the State Agency for Religious Issues and UNICEF Georgia as part of a collaboration on the promotion and protection of child rights through engagement with different religious denominations.
Partnership with Administration of All Muslims of Georgia on COVID-19
Three webinars on COVID-19 prevention measures were organized by UNICEF for more than 50
Muslim religious leaders in Kvemo Kartli region in partnership with the National Centre
for Disease Control and Public Health and Administration of All Muslims of Georgia.
After the webinars, videos featuring influential Muslim religious leaders, animations
and social media posts in the Azeri language on COVID-19 were shared through digital
and social media platforms (including WhatsApp and Facebook), reaching almost 30,000
ethnic minority community members.
Promoting child rights in regions populated by ethnic minorities
Working in partnership with the Councils of Elders and Women and local youth, UNICEF organized workshops in the Pankisi
Valley on children’s access to justice, violence against children and child rights, including in emergencies. UNICEF
also distributed food and hygiene supplies to vulnerable households of the Pankisi Gorge, and supplied all schools
with laptops and IT equipment and local Youth Centres and kindergartens with educational resources, toys and books.
Together with local authorities, UNICEF opened a new child-friendly space at the Legal Aid Office in Duisi and organized
a seminar for children about children’s rights.
UNICEF initiated projects in Akhalkalaki, in Southern Georgia, co-facilitating a workshop at the Local Action Group (LAG) education centre that brought together more than 20 representatives of community-based organizations (CBOs). The workshop explored occupational safety, child labour and child rights, including in the context of COVID-19. A workshop with religious leaders in Akhalkalaki focused on violence against children and the promotion of child rights, including in emergencies.
“We had a very interesting meeting today,” said school student Astkhik Karoian, “and I wish for these types of meetings to happen in the future as well. We will definitely come and participate.”
UNICEF also distributed food and hygiene supplies to vulnerable households in Akhalkalaki and supported a six-month project with a local CBO to ensure that children with disabilities could take part in extracurricular activities during the pandemic. In addition to face-to-face lessons and distance learning, fun activities included a puppet-making workshop and a puppet theatre performance.
“We already have a great experience in working and partnering with UNICEF”, said Teresa Chivchan, Head of the Akhalkalaki Education Resource Center. “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this cooperation has become even stronger, as we critically needed support from UNICEF. During COVID-19, we have received numerous gifts and support from UNICEF which were very important and timely for our municipality.”
UNICEF initiated projects in Akhalkalaki, in Southern Georgia, co-facilitating a workshop at the Local Action Group (LAG) education centre that brought together more than 20 representatives of community-based organizations (CBOs). The workshop explored occupational safety, child labour and child rights, including in the context of COVID-19. A workshop with religious leaders in Akhalkalaki focused on violence against children and the promotion of child rights, including in emergencies.
“We had a very interesting meeting today,” said school student Astkhik Karoian, “and I wish for these types of meetings to happen in the future as well. We will definitely come and participate.”
UNICEF also distributed food and hygiene supplies to vulnerable households in Akhalkalaki and supported a six-month project with a local CBO to ensure that children with disabilities could take part in extracurricular activities during the pandemic. In addition to face-to-face lessons and distance learning, fun activities included a puppet-making workshop and a puppet theatre performance.
“We already have a great experience in working and partnering with UNICEF”, said Teresa Chivchan, Head of the Akhalkalaki Education Resource Center. “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this cooperation has become even stronger, as we critically needed support from UNICEF. During COVID-19, we have received numerous gifts and support from UNICEF which were very important and timely for our municipality.”
Incorporating child rights into university education programmes
2020 saw major progress on the incorporation of child rights into higher education programmes in Georgia. This will
raise the awareness of child rights among students, and will motivate and inspire those who aim to work for and with
children. This will, in turn, lay the foundation for the specialization of professionals such as social workers,
lawyers, judges and teachers as required by the Code on the Rights of the Child.
In October 2020, UNICEF and Akaki Tsereteli Kutaisi State University (ATSU) hosted the first international conference on incorporating child rights into university education programmes. The two-day Kutaisi International Conference brought together professors and students, Government officials, international child rights experts and diplomats, as well as international and civil society organizations in Georgia. International and national experts exchanged their views on child rights theory, research, policy and practices. Georgian universities also shared their initiatives to incorporate child rights into university programmes for future child rights advocates in education, law, business, and other key disciplines.
As part of the Conference, UNICEF supported the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at Akaki Tsereteli State University. As well as being a resource hub, the Centre will raise awareness on child rights among specialists, civil society organizations, academia, parents and children.
In October 2020, UNICEF and Akaki Tsereteli Kutaisi State University (ATSU) hosted the first international conference on incorporating child rights into university education programmes. The two-day Kutaisi International Conference brought together professors and students, Government officials, international child rights experts and diplomats, as well as international and civil society organizations in Georgia. International and national experts exchanged their views on child rights theory, research, policy and practices. Georgian universities also shared their initiatives to incorporate child rights into university programmes for future child rights advocates in education, law, business, and other key disciplines.
As part of the Conference, UNICEF supported the establishment of the Child Rights Centre at Akaki Tsereteli State University. As well as being a resource hub, the Centre will raise awareness on child rights among specialists, civil society organizations, academia, parents and children.
Partnership with UNICEF National Ambassador
UNICEF National Ambassador calls for children to be prioritized in COVID-19 response plans
Composer and musician Nikoloz Rachveli, UNICEF National Ambassador in Georgia, continued to advocate for child
rights amid COVID-19 emergency by releasing advocacy videos through social media platforms such as Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram. He spoke about the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic for children and parents,
including isolation, mental health problems, and unequal access to education and other services. He then called
on the government and others to prioritize children in a post-COVID world.
“I wish that in this new world, the rights of every child are protected and that every child has equal access to quality education, proper living conditions and enjoys equal opportunities,” he said. “For this to happen, the government, the private sector and civil society need to cooperate and invest more in the future of children. We also need to listen to children and consider what they want, what they are thinking about, what they dream about, how they imagine their lives to be. Start with your children, the children close to you, and ask them what they are interested in, what they dream and care about. Today is their day!”
“I wish that in this new world, the rights of every child are protected and that every child has equal access to quality education, proper living conditions and enjoys equal opportunities,” he said. “For this to happen, the government, the private sector and civil society need to cooperate and invest more in the future of children. We also need to listen to children and consider what they want, what they are thinking about, what they dream about, how they imagine their lives to be. Start with your children, the children close to you, and ask them what they are interested in, what they dream and care about. Today is their day!”
Social policy
Impact assessments generate concrete results
With national partners, UNICEF commissioned a Microsimulation Model for Estimating the Impact of COVID-19 on
Child Poverty in Georgia. Income shocks were modelled, and simulations mapped the potential impact of cash
transfer programmes on the effects of COVID-19. The findings contributed to the introduction of a universal,
one-off payment for all children under the age of 18 of around $65 to ease the impact of COVID-19 on child
poverty. More than 915,000 children received the cash transfer in 2020, with another 15,000 scheduled to
receive the payment in 2021
Impact evaluation of Georgia’s Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) programme
An Impact Evaluation of the Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) programme in Georgia provided strategic information
to stakeholders involved in the social protection system. The evaluation assessed the impact of the TSA on
children’s poverty, health, behaviour and more, and assessed whether the contributions considered equity and
child rights. The evaluation reviewed primary data from over 7,000 households and secondary data from
administrative data sources. The results will be shared and discussed with partners in 2021.
Real Time Monitoring survey of the impact of COVID-19 on the welfare of families and children
UNICEF and the National Statistics Office of Georgia launched a panel telephone based household survey
that will provide regular information on the different characteristics of Georgian families and children,
including the impact of COVID-19 pandemics on family income, children’s education, child disciplining methods,
etc. The first wave of the survey was conducted in November-December 2020.
Three cities pledge to join the Child-Friendly City Initiative
The three largest cities of Georgia, Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi have declared their intention to join 3,000 other
cities and local communities in over 40 countries in the Child-Friendly City Initiative (CFCI). UNICEF and the
cities signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the steps to becoming Child-Friendly. All three have started to assess
their child rights situation and their findings will inform child-focused policy dialogue with a range of stakeholders,
including children, to make these cities fit for children.
This process is already underway. When asked what should be improved in Kutaisi to make the city more child-friendly, young people have shared a range of views. Mako, for example, would like more informal educational spaces. “I think there are too many empty unused buildings and spaces in this city,” she says. “At least one of these abandoned buildings could be given a function and become a youth centre. Our generation mainly communicates online, so I think these types of spaces are needed, where people with different interests can sit together and communicate face-to-face.”
This process is already underway. When asked what should be improved in Kutaisi to make the city more child-friendly, young people have shared a range of views. Mako, for example, would like more informal educational spaces. “I think there are too many empty unused buildings and spaces in this city,” she says. “At least one of these abandoned buildings could be given a function and become a youth centre. Our generation mainly communicates online, so I think these types of spaces are needed, where people with different interests can sit together and communicate face-to-face.”
New web portals for child-friendly data
Two new web portals: KIDSTAT and TEENSTAT were launched in 2020 to enable children and young people in Georgia to
access statistical data in a child-friendly format. The portals, created by the National Statistics Office of
Georgia with support from UNICEF and funding from Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency,
enabled children and young people to gather and analyse statistical information on topics that interest them and
learn more about their rights.
The portals contain information on population, education and culture, healthcare and environment, business and economy, tourism and agriculture, labour market, wages and child rights, and are available on the Geostat website at the following link: http://juniors.geostat.ge/
The portals contain information on population, education and culture, healthcare and environment, business and economy, tourism and agriculture, labour market, wages and child rights, and are available on the Geostat website at the following link: http://juniors.geostat.ge/
Social inclusion
Support for new social model of disability
UNICEF has long advocated for the use of a social – rather than medical – model when assessing and responding to
a child’s disability, with a social model focusing on what a child can do – rather than their limitations – if
the right support is in place. 2020 saw UNICEF continuing to support the Government in transforming the system
of disability assessment and status determination to bring it into line with the social model. The standardization
of the child functional assessment instrument was completed, and the assessment of a completed pilot project in
Adjara region informed the development of a draft roll-out plan.
See Every Colour – communication for Social Change campaign
The nation-wide communication for social change campaign to address negative attitudes towards children with
disabilities continued visiting different regions of Georgia and held its regional events in Mestia, Ozurgeti,
Ambrolauri, Dusheti and Kazbegi. The campaign was carried out by UNICEF with the support of USAID, with active
engagement of children with disabilities and their parents. The campaign aimed to change public attitudes and
norms through raising awareness, sharing experiences and developing mutual understanding.
The campaign’s goodwill ambassadors, children, parents and people with disabilities participated in innovative interactive games, quizzes, contests and a fun march. Colourful stencils on the cities’ main walls were created by prominent artists to serve as a symbol of the campaign and to raise awareness on the issue. The ideation contests for young people were organized nation-wide.
During its three years the campaign reached more than one million people and contributed to reduced stigma around people with disabilities.
The campaign’s goodwill ambassadors, children, parents and people with disabilities participated in innovative interactive games, quizzes, contests and a fun march. Colourful stencils on the cities’ main walls were created by prominent artists to serve as a symbol of the campaign and to raise awareness on the issue. The ideation contests for young people were organized nation-wide.
During its three years the campaign reached more than one million people and contributed to reduced stigma around people with disabilities.
Child Protection
Continuation of services to the most vulnerable children
As soon as the COVID-19 emergency began in March 2020, UNICEF conducted a rapid needs assessment to identify
the most vulnerable groups of children in Georgia, and the challenges they faced. The most vulnerable were
found to be children with disabilities, children living in alternative care and children in the justice system.
The assessment also highlighted the increased risk of violence against children during the pandemic and the
critical role of the social service workforce during emergencies.
From March to May 2020, social services for children with disabilities were either closed or had transitioned to the remote provision of support. Their parents had to contend with their children’s higher risk of infection, as well as the loss of family income and reduced access to essential supplies, and also had to meet their child’s often complex physical, academic and psychological needs.
The pandemic also increased the risks for children living in small group homes, foster care, and specialized institutions of being exposed to violence, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Lockdown limited their opportunities to contact their families and interact with friends and the outside world.
Social workers had to work remotely except in emergency cases, with most social services closed. While social workers have returned to face-to-face work, the pandemic has highlighted the need to establish and strengthen guidelines and improve the skills of the social workforce during emergencies.
UNICEF mounted a two-fold intervention process to protect the most vulnerable children: strengthening the child protection system through the introduction of a remote or hybrid mode of operation; and direct interventions to the most vulnerable children and their families. For example, UNICEF provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs for the remote provision and transformation of services for children with disabilities. UNICEF’s partner, McLain Association for Georgia, provided direct technical assistance to service providers to help them make the transition to remote service delivery.
UNICEF also launched a special TV programme for parents of children with disabilities in partnership with the Georgian Public Broadcasting, Agency for State Care and Assistance for the Victims of Human Trafficking, and McLain Association for Georgia, which ran twice a week in April and May 2020. The programme – which was translated into sign language and minority languages – was broadcast on the main education channel and was Georgia’s first attempt to mainstream disability issues on TV. A Facebook page ‘Mshoblis Skivri’ also supported parents of children with disabilities through the provision of information on COVID-19-related prevention and care, as well as relevant guidance.
Children in alternative care and their caregivers received mental health and psychosocial support to ease the distress caused by COVID-19-related restrictions and the disruption of daily routines, with a team of psychologists delivering counselling and therapeutic sessions. This was the first time that children and their caregivers in alternative care had ever received such support, and this initiative is continuing, with additional training for state psychologists to ensure sustainability.
Working with local partners, UNICEF developed COVID- 19-related guidelines and the provision of supervision for social workers from the child protection system. Highly-qualified social workers supported those with less experience in dealing with complex cases, and also provided thematic supervision and support. Guidelines on remote social work in emergencies were developed for the State Care Agency, the Crime Prevention and Probation Agency and the Penitentiary Department, and online supervision meetings were conducted with 210 statutory social workers from the child protection and justice system.
In all, the TV programme for parents of children with disabilities reached over 400,000 viewers across the country. Psychological support was provided to 247 children and 170 caregivers in foster care, small group homes and state institutions. And 400 frontline child protection staff were supported during their transition to remote working.
From March to May 2020, social services for children with disabilities were either closed or had transitioned to the remote provision of support. Their parents had to contend with their children’s higher risk of infection, as well as the loss of family income and reduced access to essential supplies, and also had to meet their child’s often complex physical, academic and psychological needs.
The pandemic also increased the risks for children living in small group homes, foster care, and specialized institutions of being exposed to violence, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Lockdown limited their opportunities to contact their families and interact with friends and the outside world.
Social workers had to work remotely except in emergency cases, with most social services closed. While social workers have returned to face-to-face work, the pandemic has highlighted the need to establish and strengthen guidelines and improve the skills of the social workforce during emergencies.
UNICEF mounted a two-fold intervention process to protect the most vulnerable children: strengthening the child protection system through the introduction of a remote or hybrid mode of operation; and direct interventions to the most vulnerable children and their families. For example, UNICEF provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs for the remote provision and transformation of services for children with disabilities. UNICEF’s partner, McLain Association for Georgia, provided direct technical assistance to service providers to help them make the transition to remote service delivery.
UNICEF also launched a special TV programme for parents of children with disabilities in partnership with the Georgian Public Broadcasting, Agency for State Care and Assistance for the Victims of Human Trafficking, and McLain Association for Georgia, which ran twice a week in April and May 2020. The programme – which was translated into sign language and minority languages – was broadcast on the main education channel and was Georgia’s first attempt to mainstream disability issues on TV. A Facebook page ‘Mshoblis Skivri’ also supported parents of children with disabilities through the provision of information on COVID-19-related prevention and care, as well as relevant guidance.
Children in alternative care and their caregivers received mental health and psychosocial support to ease the distress caused by COVID-19-related restrictions and the disruption of daily routines, with a team of psychologists delivering counselling and therapeutic sessions. This was the first time that children and their caregivers in alternative care had ever received such support, and this initiative is continuing, with additional training for state psychologists to ensure sustainability.
Working with local partners, UNICEF developed COVID- 19-related guidelines and the provision of supervision for social workers from the child protection system. Highly-qualified social workers supported those with less experience in dealing with complex cases, and also provided thematic supervision and support. Guidelines on remote social work in emergencies were developed for the State Care Agency, the Crime Prevention and Probation Agency and the Penitentiary Department, and online supervision meetings were conducted with 210 statutory social workers from the child protection and justice system.
In all, the TV programme for parents of children with disabilities reached over 400,000 viewers across the country. Psychological support was provided to 247 children and 170 caregivers in foster care, small group homes and state institutions. And 400 frontline child protection staff were supported during their transition to remote working.
Justice for Children
Provision of online mediation
UNICEF has supported the justice system in providing services for children during the pandemic. In partnership
with the National Agency for Crime Prevention and Probation of Georgia and the local NGO ‘Initiative for Social
Change,’ UNICEF has ensured the provision of quality online services for mediation ever since COVID-related
restrictions disrupted this vital process for children. Mediators faced challenges in providing remote services,
including how best to communicate and building a rapport with beneficiaries via phone and online platforms
UNICEF support covered three areas: the development of guidelines; training and supervision of mediators; and the provision of technical equipment for online mediation. Online mediation now allows all parties to join a video conference via online platforms. It also uses a mixed format, with some professionals joining online, while others attend in person.
“Our experience so far shows that online mediation is quite successful,” says Mediator Tinatin Zedginidze. “We have avoided shutting the programme down and have been achieving the same results as we were getting over the years with the diversion and mediation processes.”
Having proved its worth during the pandemic, online mediation will continue to be used for cases where the parties are a long distance from each other or do not want to be in the same room, as well as for cross-border disputes. This work builds on an already successful partnership, with around 4,000 children and young people already benefiting from the partnership between the National Agency for Crime Prevent and Probation and UNICEF.
UNICEF support covered three areas: the development of guidelines; training and supervision of mediators; and the provision of technical equipment for online mediation. Online mediation now allows all parties to join a video conference via online platforms. It also uses a mixed format, with some professionals joining online, while others attend in person.
“Our experience so far shows that online mediation is quite successful,” says Mediator Tinatin Zedginidze. “We have avoided shutting the programme down and have been achieving the same results as we were getting over the years with the diversion and mediation processes.”
Having proved its worth during the pandemic, online mediation will continue to be used for cases where the parties are a long distance from each other or do not want to be in the same room, as well as for cross-border disputes. This work builds on an already successful partnership, with around 4,000 children and young people already benefiting from the partnership between the National Agency for Crime Prevent and Probation and UNICEF.
Quality education for all
Support for early childhood development and positive parenting
UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Georgian Coalition for Education for All, developed resources
to promote early childhood development and school readiness at home after the closure of preschools in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with the Public Broadcast Channel, 12 TV programmes on ‘Recommendations
for Parents’ were aired every weekend for six weeks. In addition, book-reading videos for young children and
advice on how to support their holistic development were developed for the Ministry website, while printed
brochures on simple tips and games to promote early childhood development, including in minority languages,
were distributed to 300 socially vulnerable families. In all, 37,000 parents or caregivers were reached.
Support for implementation of the Law on Early and Preschool Education and Care and Standards
UNICEF supported the implementation of the Law on Early and Preschool Education and Care and National Preschool
Education Standards in 2020, partnering with the Ministry of Education and Science of Adjara Autonomous Republic
to launch a pilot project in eight preschools. The project supported the implementation of national preschool and
professional standards, involving more than 100 preschool educators, assistants, special educators and directors.
In practical terms, the pilot preschools have made physical changes to nurture learning and development, introducing neutral colours and soft, homely lighting, quiet spaces for reading, science and sensory corners and areas where children can grow plants. Miranda Surmanidze, a kindergarten teacher in Batumi, says: “We really like the transformed environment and we are looking forward to seeing how children react to this makeover.”
In practical terms, the pilot preschools have made physical changes to nurture learning and development, introducing neutral colours and soft, homely lighting, quiet spaces for reading, science and sensory corners and areas where children can grow plants. Miranda Surmanidze, a kindergarten teacher in Batumi, says: “We really like the transformed environment and we are looking forward to seeing how children react to this makeover.”
Support for distance learning
UNICEF provided support for distance learning when schools and preschools across the country had to close in
response to COVID-19 restrictions. UNICEF, in partnership with Education for All Coalition, supported the
Ministry of Education and Science in the developing online learning resources to reach around 414,000 students,
as well as guidelines for teachers and schools, and the training of elementary teachers across 100 schools in
distance teaching techniques.
For children without digital equipment or internet coverage, UNICEF and the Education for All Coalition supported the Ministry of Education and Science in launching a TV-school through Georgia Public Broadcasting with comprehensive coverage. The TV-school covered every level of the national education curriculum, was accompanied by sign-language translation and was also available in Armenian and Azerbaijani.
For children without digital equipment or internet coverage, UNICEF and the Education for All Coalition supported the Ministry of Education and Science in launching a TV-school through Georgia Public Broadcasting with comprehensive coverage. The TV-school covered every level of the national education curriculum, was accompanied by sign-language translation and was also available in Armenian and Azerbaijani.
A renewed partnership for quality education
UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Government of Estonia continue their partnership to bring
the national curriculum of upper secondary school pupils in grades 11-12 into line with international best practice.
The Estonian INNOVE Foundation will support this process for the next 1.5 years.
The partnership will define policy and goals for Georgia’s upper-secondary education to ensure that its curriculum equips adolescents to function effectively in an increasingly competitive national and international environment. The new partnership is a logical continuation of the 2014-2016 partnership, which revised Georgia’s national curriculum for basic education (grades 1-9) to align with international best practice.
The revision of upper-secondary education has been accompanied by the training of teachers from 20 pilot schools across the country in innovative learning approaches. This training included study visits by Georgian education practitioners to experience the Estonian model.
The use of innovative teaching has changed the way lessons are run in the 20 pilot schools, making classes interactive, fun, and interesting. This approach has paved the way for the New School Model of the Government of Georgia.
In addition, full MA programmes for pre-service training were designed and introduced in nine Georgian state universities to support the successful entry of general education teachers into the profession.
The partnership will define policy and goals for Georgia’s upper-secondary education to ensure that its curriculum equips adolescents to function effectively in an increasingly competitive national and international environment. The new partnership is a logical continuation of the 2014-2016 partnership, which revised Georgia’s national curriculum for basic education (grades 1-9) to align with international best practice.
The revision of upper-secondary education has been accompanied by the training of teachers from 20 pilot schools across the country in innovative learning approaches. This training included study visits by Georgian education practitioners to experience the Estonian model.
The use of innovative teaching has changed the way lessons are run in the 20 pilot schools, making classes interactive, fun, and interesting. This approach has paved the way for the New School Model of the Government of Georgia.
In addition, full MA programmes for pre-service training were designed and introduced in nine Georgian state universities to support the successful entry of general education teachers into the profession.
A focus on out-of-school children
UNICEF supported the Ministry of Education and Science to develop teaching and learning resources to boost the
skills of teachers and educators in addressing the special educational needs of out-of-school children and those
at risk of dropping out of school. Resources were developed and piloted in 15 public schools and 6 transitional
centres, and plans are underway to roll this approach out to more schools in the future.
Welcoming the initiative, Mariam Edilashvili, a Special Teacher in the Transitional Education Programme said: “The adapted curriculum is more flexible, interesting and fun. There are more practical exercises here and it develops creative skills. And most importantly, their new knowledge is built on past experiences and prior knowledge.”
Welcoming the initiative, Mariam Edilashvili, a Special Teacher in the Transitional Education Programme said: “The adapted curriculum is more flexible, interesting and fun. There are more practical exercises here and it develops creative skills. And most importantly, their new knowledge is built on past experiences and prior knowledge.”
Advocacy campaign on school reopening
Advocacy for the safe reopening of schools and technical support for home-schooling
UNICEF launched a major global campaign to advocate for the safe reopening of schools and preschools, which reached
2 million people in Georgia and engaged around 50,000 people. The campaign, which triggered public debate and
support, contributed to the reopening of schools in October 2020. Schools closed again in late November,
however, and UNICEF has continued to advocate for their safe reopening.
UNICEF is also advocating for internet access for every child to close a digital divide that is marginalizing vulnerable families still further, as seen in the situation of Naira Ghuzarauli, a mother of seven living in the village of Omalo. The family has had to rely on one mobile phone and one laptop during lockdown, in a village with poor internet connection, and could not download Zoom, which was vital for most online classes.
“It is impossible to receive a proper education when seven children are connecting to one device,” said Dr. Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia. “So, if online education has to be the way, it has to be supported by the connectivity of every family to make sure that children continue to receive a quality education.”
UNICEF is also advocating for internet access for every child to close a digital divide that is marginalizing vulnerable families still further, as seen in the situation of Naira Ghuzarauli, a mother of seven living in the village of Omalo. The family has had to rely on one mobile phone and one laptop during lockdown, in a village with poor internet connection, and could not download Zoom, which was vital for most online classes.
“It is impossible to receive a proper education when seven children are connecting to one device,” said Dr. Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia. “So, if online education has to be the way, it has to be supported by the connectivity of every family to make sure that children continue to receive a quality education.”
Maternal and child health
The expansion of telemedicine
UNICEF continued to promote the use of telemedicine in 2020 to support the effective continuation of primary
health services. The capacity of the Birth Registry, for example, was enhanced to enable the automatic
generation of reports from the system, creating the potential for real-time analyses of perinatal
field performance.
UNICEF supported the introduction of a remote service-delivery model of shared medical appointments with groups of 20-25 pregnant women to continue their antenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 26,000 pregnant women were able to spend time with their clinicians and connect with each other, which they reported as being calming during their social isolation.
UNICEF has also supported the Government in its development of a central communication platform to reach all primary healthcare doctors across the country. The platform will enable them to share information, including updated protocols. By the end of 2020, UNICEF had installed internet to connect more than 1,000 ambulatories in the country. The platform is now delivering training through UNICEF’s partnership with Czech Caritas, and supporting teleconsultations between rural primary healthcare doctors and specialists.
Lasha Tevzadze, a family doctor in the village of Galavani, welcomes the new online platform. “We live in a village and city doctors have a lot of advantages over us, because they have access to more information. But this platform makes us equal. The city doctors have the same online information as I have, and we can now access more information.”
The online platform offers cloud-based video conferencing tools to enable doctors to take part in group discussions and topic-based chats, and to improve their knowledge on evidence-based clinical care standards. Doctors also receive relevant information and guidelines via online livestreams and recorded video trainings. The platform will become a notification centre for doctors, as well as a task-distribution and monitoring tool.
UNICEF supported the introduction of a remote service-delivery model of shared medical appointments with groups of 20-25 pregnant women to continue their antenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 26,000 pregnant women were able to spend time with their clinicians and connect with each other, which they reported as being calming during their social isolation.
UNICEF has also supported the Government in its development of a central communication platform to reach all primary healthcare doctors across the country. The platform will enable them to share information, including updated protocols. By the end of 2020, UNICEF had installed internet to connect more than 1,000 ambulatories in the country. The platform is now delivering training through UNICEF’s partnership with Czech Caritas, and supporting teleconsultations between rural primary healthcare doctors and specialists.
Lasha Tevzadze, a family doctor in the village of Galavani, welcomes the new online platform. “We live in a village and city doctors have a lot of advantages over us, because they have access to more information. But this platform makes us equal. The city doctors have the same online information as I have, and we can now access more information.”
The online platform offers cloud-based video conferencing tools to enable doctors to take part in group discussions and topic-based chats, and to improve their knowledge on evidence-based clinical care standards. Doctors also receive relevant information and guidelines via online livestreams and recorded video trainings. The platform will become a notification centre for doctors, as well as a task-distribution and monitoring tool.
UNICEF supports the Government to embark on school nutrition reforms
In 2020, UNICEF carried out a Nutrition Policy Gap Analysis to examine the regulatory environment in the
field of maternal, young child and adolescent nutrition in Georgia. This sets out eight strategic actions
that can serve as a roadmap for the development of a comprehensive nutrition agenda.
The Government with the support of UNICEF initiated school nutrition programme reform. This included the development of tailored interventions by clustering of 2,085 schools according to their local contexts, an overview of international experiences on school nutrition programmes and cost projections.
The Government with the support of UNICEF initiated school nutrition programme reform. This included the development of tailored interventions by clustering of 2,085 schools according to their local contexts, an overview of international experiences on school nutrition programmes and cost projections.
Supporting in alleviating lead exposure
Lead exposure among children in Georgia
After discovering that 41 per cent of children in Georgia were exposed to elevated lead levels, UNICEF Georgia
offered support to the Government in addressing a problem that was not, initially, part of UNICEF’s
programme in the country.
To tackle the problem, UNICEF developed a conceptual framework spanning three pillars of interventions. Pillar 1 aimed to diagnose the problem by measuring lead levels ina representative sample of children and included comprehensive analyses of the risk factors for lead exposure, such as the child’s socio-economic status or place of residence. Pillar 2 is the investigation of sources and pathways of lead contamination. And Pillar 3 envisages UNICEF’s support to the Government of Georgia for the design of a national response plan to reduce/eliminate lead exposure. It also focuses on building laboratory capacity in the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) for the testing of toxic substances in different specimens, and the establishment of an environmental health surveillance system to provide regular data to decision-makers on pollution, human exposure to pollutants and associated disease burden.
UNICEF has supported the NCDC in creating Georgia’s first analytical environmental health laboratory, which can test for the presence of harmful chemicals in humans and the environment. Modern lab technologies were procured, including two crucial types of equipment: an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, which can determine concentrations of different chemical elements in various specimens; and four XRF analyzers – handheld devices that can test for toxic metal content. Plans are underway to train personnel on the operation and maintenance of this equipment in 2021. NCDC’s environmental health laboratory will be included in the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Lead and Multianalyte Proficiency Programme (LAMP), which will provide quality assurance for the lab’s performance free of charge.
To tackle the problem, UNICEF developed a conceptual framework spanning three pillars of interventions. Pillar 1 aimed to diagnose the problem by measuring lead levels ina representative sample of children and included comprehensive analyses of the risk factors for lead exposure, such as the child’s socio-economic status or place of residence. Pillar 2 is the investigation of sources and pathways of lead contamination. And Pillar 3 envisages UNICEF’s support to the Government of Georgia for the design of a national response plan to reduce/eliminate lead exposure. It also focuses on building laboratory capacity in the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) for the testing of toxic substances in different specimens, and the establishment of an environmental health surveillance system to provide regular data to decision-makers on pollution, human exposure to pollutants and associated disease burden.
UNICEF has supported the NCDC in creating Georgia’s first analytical environmental health laboratory, which can test for the presence of harmful chemicals in humans and the environment. Modern lab technologies were procured, including two crucial types of equipment: an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, which can determine concentrations of different chemical elements in various specimens; and four XRF analyzers – handheld devices that can test for toxic metal content. Plans are underway to train personnel on the operation and maintenance of this equipment in 2021. NCDC’s environmental health laboratory will be included in the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Lead and Multianalyte Proficiency Programme (LAMP), which will provide quality assurance for the lab’s performance free of charge.
Young people
Adolescents and youth contribute to an improved regulatory environment
With UNICEF support, more than 1,700 adolescents and youth aged 14 to 29 contributed to the development of the
National Youth Policy Concept, which aims to improve the regulatory environment for their development and engagement.
The Concept was approved by Parliament in July 2020 and has informed the development of the National
Youth Strategy and Action Plan.
Mental health
Mental health and psychosocial support for adolescents
More than 8,000 adolescents received support for their mental health and emotional wellbeing in 2020. To address
high levels of anxiety and depression among children in Georgia, which were heightened still further by the
COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF supported online consultations for adolescents and parents. In addition,
adolescents took part in online webinars on psychosocial and emotional stability, coping with stress and
behavioural disorders. Tehre were also online training sessions for students and teachers from public schools
in Adjara, Tbilisi and Gori on psychosocial issues.
“The support and training courses are tailored to prevention,” says Salome Meladze, a psychologist from implementing partner ‘Sinergy’ in Batumi. Issues covered include anger management, understanding emotions, and how to cope with stress, as well as gambling, gaming and addiction. “Attendance was great, and we saw high engagement from both Batumi schools and the schools in the mountainous parts of Adjara. There were lots of questions, with 150-200 participants attending each webinar. The feedback we received was also encouraging.”
UNICEF is also supporting a hotline that provided confidential support to 120 adolescents on gambling and addiction in 2020. A study by UNICEF and the Georgia Patriarchate on International Experience of Gambling Prevention Among Adolescents informed Georgia’s National Strategy on this issue.
“The support and training courses are tailored to prevention,” says Salome Meladze, a psychologist from implementing partner ‘Sinergy’ in Batumi. Issues covered include anger management, understanding emotions, and how to cope with stress, as well as gambling, gaming and addiction. “Attendance was great, and we saw high engagement from both Batumi schools and the schools in the mountainous parts of Adjara. There were lots of questions, with 150-200 participants attending each webinar. The feedback we received was also encouraging.”
UNICEF is also supporting a hotline that provided confidential support to 120 adolescents on gambling and addiction in 2020. A study by UNICEF and the Georgia Patriarchate on International Experience of Gambling Prevention Among Adolescents informed Georgia’s National Strategy on this issue.
Adolescents and youth volunteer 10,000 hours of their time
To promote the greater engagement of adolescents and youth in their communities, UNICEF supported the development
of the National Youth Voluntary Strategy and Action Plan and trained 200 adolescents and youths to enhance their
skills in volunteering, community engagement, effective communication and leadership. In all, they contributed
more than 10,000 hours to 150 initiatives, reaching an estimated 1,230 beneficiaries.
Their activities ranged from support for peer education and distance learning to helping homeless and elderly people, as well as vulnerable families. They took part in information campaigns to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and many made and distributed reusable masks, including sisters Tamar and Ana Kopadze, who having made and distributed masks to elderly people in Gori, are who are now planning a ‘clean-up’ scheme to rid the town of disposable masks that have been thrown away.
Their activities ranged from support for peer education and distance learning to helping homeless and elderly people, as well as vulnerable families. They took part in information campaigns to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and many made and distributed reusable masks, including sisters Tamar and Ana Kopadze, who having made and distributed masks to elderly people in Gori, are who are now planning a ‘clean-up’ scheme to rid the town of disposable masks that have been thrown away.
Young people’s digital engagement
Support for digital engagement by children and young people
UNICEF carried out communication initiatives to educate young people about COVID-19 prevention and
provide them with information and support on mental health and violence throughout 2020. Activities
included a range of engaging social media content, including quizzes, animations, gifs, memes and
articles developed in collaboration with young people and shared via the channels they use, including
youth-led social media pages and groups.
Thirteen-year-old Gio Shengelia, for example, shared an animation comparing life before and during quarantine in his ‘Stay Home Diaries’. “I made an animation for UNICEF,” he says “and it shows how things were before quarantine and after the quarantine”. His simple and engaging images encouraged others to wash their hands, wear facemasks and keep a social distance,
The Chatbot – the idea of Gvantsa Pertia, aged 19 and Nutsa Tsamalashvili, aged 22 – won first prize at the UNICEF-organized hackathon, ‘Hack Outside the Box’. This gave them the chance to turn their idea into a reality. They had noticed that it was sometimes difficult to ask friends and family difficult questions, as Gvantsa explains: “We always have questions, and we may not always be able to get the answers from our friends or parents because we feel shy. On the other hand, it’s very easy to chat with someone we’ve never met, either on the phone or on the computer.”
Nutsa adds: “Together with UNICEF, we decided to create a Chatbot that would answer children’s most pressing questions. In recent times, these questions have multiplied.”
The Chatbot uses child-friendly language and can direct users to relevant services and help lines if they need extra support. Looking ahead to the end of the pandemic, Gvantsa adds: “By then, young people will already know that UNICEF is the organization they can trust, and the information it provides is really reliable.”
Thirteen-year-old Gio Shengelia, for example, shared an animation comparing life before and during quarantine in his ‘Stay Home Diaries’. “I made an animation for UNICEF,” he says “and it shows how things were before quarantine and after the quarantine”. His simple and engaging images encouraged others to wash their hands, wear facemasks and keep a social distance,
Voices of youth
UNICEF’s Facebook and Instagram pages were used to amplify the voices youth. Through their own videos and photo essays, they shared their experiences of lockdown, distance learning and of missing out on major events in their lives, and described how they were coping.A new Chatbot
UNICEF launched a new Facebook Chatbot on World Children’s Day in November 2020 to connect children young people to trustworthy information on COVID-19, mental health issues and violence against and among children.The Chatbot – the idea of Gvantsa Pertia, aged 19 and Nutsa Tsamalashvili, aged 22 – won first prize at the UNICEF-organized hackathon, ‘Hack Outside the Box’. This gave them the chance to turn their idea into a reality. They had noticed that it was sometimes difficult to ask friends and family difficult questions, as Gvantsa explains: “We always have questions, and we may not always be able to get the answers from our friends or parents because we feel shy. On the other hand, it’s very easy to chat with someone we’ve never met, either on the phone or on the computer.”
Nutsa adds: “Together with UNICEF, we decided to create a Chatbot that would answer children’s most pressing questions. In recent times, these questions have multiplied.”
The Chatbot uses child-friendly language and can direct users to relevant services and help lines if they need extra support. Looking ahead to the end of the pandemic, Gvantsa adds: “By then, young people will already know that UNICEF is the organization they can trust, and the information it provides is really reliable.”
Online Debates
UNICEF supported online debate tournaments for young people across Georgia during lockdown, which were moderated by young people themselves and focused on COVID-19.Youth Health Ambassadors
UNICEF selected 60 young people to become Youth Health Ambassadors, who would develop and share health messages among their peers through social media. All 60 went through extensive training that equipped them with the latest information on COVID-19, showed them how to identify fake news, and enhanced their communication skills. As a result, 710,000 young people were reached with reliable information about COVID-19, violence against children, distance education and mental health issues.World Children’s Day
Celebrations for World Children’s Day
Georgia’s celebrations for World Children’s Day 2020 took place in Akhalkalaki, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
The UNICEF team met young people from the region in the town’s main park to discuss their problems and possible solutions,
surrounded by their drawings and photographs on the theme: ‘How I imagine my future – a better world after COVID-19’.
UNICEF Georgia also joined the global campaigns, ‘Kids Takeovers’ and ‘Turning the World Blue’, which aimed to connect activities all around the world. UNICEF Georgia’s Instagram and Facebook pages were taken over by youngsters from all over Georgia, who posted their photos and videos and shared their stories and concerns, such as unequal access to quality education, lack of youth centres in parts of the country, challenges for children with disabilities, and a lack of innovative teaching.
UNICEF supporters worldwide were asked to raise their voices in solidarity with the most vulnerable children by helping to ‘turn the world blue’. Three cities in Georgia joined in, with Tbilisi’s iconic TV tower, Batumi’s new stadium, and the State Drama Theatre of Kutaisi all turning blue on 20 November.
UNICEF Georgia also joined the global campaigns, ‘Kids Takeovers’ and ‘Turning the World Blue’, which aimed to connect activities all around the world. UNICEF Georgia’s Instagram and Facebook pages were taken over by youngsters from all over Georgia, who posted their photos and videos and shared their stories and concerns, such as unequal access to quality education, lack of youth centres in parts of the country, challenges for children with disabilities, and a lack of innovative teaching.
UNICEF supporters worldwide were asked to raise their voices in solidarity with the most vulnerable children by helping to ‘turn the world blue’. Three cities in Georgia joined in, with Tbilisi’s iconic TV tower, Batumi’s new stadium, and the State Drama Theatre of Kutaisi all turning blue on 20 November.
