June 26, 2020
News
The year 2020 is important for Caritas Czech Republic (CCR) as it marks five years since the registration of its branch in Georgia. In 2015, the local representation of CCR was officially registered as “Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia”. Since that time, Czech Caritas has implemented about twenty development projects and improved the lives of thousands, focusing in particular on people with disabilities, children with autism and people living in mountainous regions.
However, the engagement of Czech Caritas in Georgia has a much longer history as it had already started its development activities in 2008 as a response to the needs caused by conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the influx of internally displaced persons. At the beginning of its country program, CCR projects were implemented mainly through local partner organizations. However, after gaining experience on the ground, it was decided to establish a full-fledged country office.
“I am lucky to have observed Caritas' work in Georgia since its registration five years ago, and I can say without any hesitation that the progress that has been achieved here during that period is really great. On the one hand, we have achieved a significant amount of work through helping people that are in need. On the other hand, there was great progress towards professionalism and efficiency, which is visible not only in the appreciation shown by donors and partner organizations, but also in the progress towards more systematic work . ” Regional Director for Central Asia, Georgia and the Balkans at Caritas Czech Republic Evzen Divis said.
Although CCR initially focused primarily on improvements in health and social care, which have been the 'flagships' of CCR interventions in the country, the organization has also developed its professional capacities in agriculture, rural development and environmental protection.
Caring for the most vulnerable
In total, CCR has implemented around 15 projects in the fields of oncology, autism spectrum disorder, long-term and palliative care, and primary health care in an effort to alleviate the living conditions of the most vulnerable and marginalized. As a result of CCR's work, the Zugdidi Cancer Screening Center was opened, emergency service provisions were initiated in the Tusheti mountains, and accessibility to health and social care for the persons with disabilities improved.
“As Czech Caritas, it is really an honor to implement projects that are oriented toward the needs of our beneficiaries and partners through their engagement. The success of our projects is greatly predicated on this approach. One of our success stories is the establishment of the Zugdidi Screening Center, which is already in operation and we are sure that the oncological screening services provided there will greatly improve the quality of life of many people. ” Projects Manager Caritas Czech Republic Tamar Kurtanidze said.
"Through its targeted interventions, CCR has contributed to the improvement of services for people with autism spectrum disorder through enhancement of the professional capabilities of autism specialists and by advocating for improved accessibility to services for children with autism spectrum disorder throughout Georgia." Projects manager Caritas Czech Republic Rusudan Chkhubianishvili said.
CCR works in close cooperation in its development efforts with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia (MoIDPLHSA), to which CCR provides support in reforming the health and social sectors through the development of relevant policies and standards.
Current CCR projects are aimed at improving the quality of the primary healthcare system, increasing accessibility to national cancer screening programs in western Georgia, establishing a long-term care system for children with severe disabilities as a part of the state deinstitutionalization process, and providing quality services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Going forward, CCR will continue to support the enhancement of Georgia´s health and social care system through improvement of the national legal framework, the creation of standards, the introduction of new training schemes and tools, and through institutional development.
Improving the lives of those living in mountainous regions
The goal of CCR in the fields of agriculture, rural development and environmental protection is to support the development of climate-smart agricultural practices and alternative income-generating activities, and to enable efficient management of natural resources and waste.
“Because 42% of the population lives in rural areas, rural development has an important role in the sustainable development of Georgia. Through its activities, CCR improves the livelihoods of the rural population, supports the diversification of economic activities, develops new economic opportunities and increases the competitiveness of those involved in the farming sector. When it comes to environmental protection, our organization focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources, as well as on waste management. ” Deputy head of mission Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia Ekaterine Meskhrikadze said.
Since the beginning of its program operations in the country, CCR has implemented seven projects in the above-mentioned fields, targeting predominantly the population of the mountainous rural areas of Tusheti, Psav-Khevsureti and Adjara.
Close collaboration with donor agencies
These successes would not be possible without support from and close collaboration with donor agencies. CCR's development efforts in Georgia have been funded by the Czech Development Agency, the UNDP Challenge Fund and the EU´s ENPARD program. Most recently, SlovakAid has promised to fund two new projects which CCR will implement in Racha.
“ I have had the opportunity to observe Czech Caritas' activities in Georgia since the very beginning. Over the years CCR has established itself as an important development organization, especially in the healthcare sector, which is among the most difficult ones. I therefore hope that CCR has more equally successful missions and activities in Georgia and in other countries, ” added Jan Cernik, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
“CCR in Georgia could not have achieved all of its success without the great team that we have here. We work with professionals, with people who are committed to their work, and who try to improve the situation in the country. What would I like to wish for CCR in Georgia? Well, to have at least the same degree of success as we have had until now, and to continue to improve the lives of marginalized people who are often forgotten and not able to alleviate their situation by themselves alone, and for us to enjoy the work we do. ” Head of Mission Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia Jan Blinka said.
With thanks to our partners and donors
