Georgia

Since 1993, Save the Children has been a steadfast partner of children and families in Georgia, working tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families. Our journey began with humanitarian aid for those displaced by conflict, and has evolved into a comprehensive approach to child development and protection.

Georgia, a country located in the South Caucasus, has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in terms of economic development and democratic reforms. However, challenges remain in ensuring the full realization of children's rights.

Key Challenges

• Inclusive Education: Many children with disabilities still face barriers to accessing inclusive education and support services.
• Childcare Institutions: While the number of children in large-scale state-run institutions has decreased, unregulated residential institutions continue to operate.
• Poverty and Inequality: Poverty and inequality remain significant challenges, particularly for children from marginalized communities.
• Internal Displacement: The legacy of conflict has led to a high rate of internal displacement, impacting the rights and well-being of children.
• Adolescent and Youth Challenges: Adolescents and youth face a range of challenges, including unemployment, gender inequality, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
• Vulnerable Groups: Children from marginalized groups, such as street children and those from ethnic and religious minorities, face additional risks and discrimination.

Addressing the Challenges

To address these challenges, Georgia needs to continue to strengthen its child protection systems, invest in inclusive education, and provide adequate support to vulnerable children and families. International cooperation and support from organizations like Save the Children can play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

Save the Children International works to ensure that every child in Georgia has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We focus on: 

Child Protection: Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation in partnership with children, communities, civil society organizations and government agencies through system strengthening, monitoring and advocacy work.

Education: Ensuring that all children have access to quality education and learning opportunities by supporting schools, providing teacher training, contributing to inclusive education system strengthening and advocating for inclusive education policies. 

Child Empowerment: Empowering children to advocate for their rights and participate in decision-making processes through child-friendly spaces, capacity strengthening and establishing lasting partnerships.

Emergency Preparedeness:  Contributing to national and subnational emergency preparedeness systems strengthening throuh capacity building, supporting community-based initiatives, leading capacity strengthening and advocacy work. 

Advocacy: Advocating for children's rights at the national and international level by lobbying policymakers, conducting research, and raising awareness. 

Child Rights Governance: Strengthening child rights governance systems and promoting child-friendly policies by working with children, government officials and civil society organizations.

Skills Building: Equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace and start their own businesses through vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and job placement services. 

Refugee Support: Providing protection, psychosocial support, and education to refugee children through child-friendly spaces, mental health services, and educational programs.