July 30, 2020
News
Even though the beginning of summer marks the start of the holiday period, Caritas Czech Republic (CCR) has its ‘hands’ full with new projects. In the first week of July, four new development projects have launched thanks to the support from CzechAid and SlovakAid.
„I am really excited about the fact that we are starting these new projects, as it indicates that donors and partners acknowledge our professionalism and our ability to deliver high-quality results. Even though all the projects are highly challenging, I am sure that we will accomplish them without problems,“ said Jan Blinka, Head of Mission of CCR in Georgia.
CzechAid-funded projects in health and social sectors
Two projects funded by Czech Development Cooperation aim at inclusive social development through the improvement of the health and social sectors in Georgia.
The first project, called „Support to Primary Health Care strengthening," is a continuation and a scale-up of the project implemented in 2017-2019, during which the quality management electronic tools were developed and subsequently introduced at five pilot PHC facilities in Tbilisi.
From 2020, Czech Caritas has launched the second phase of its support for primary health care reform, which will lead to even larger-scale changes in the sector, with benefits for the whole population of Georgia. In particular, the quality management tools developed in the first phase of the project will be introduced in additional 41 medical facilities in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Mtskheta-Mtianeti regions and a unified, comprehensive and standardized electronic information system will be created to help professionals in reaching nation-wide, high-quality primary health care standards.
“We are now entering a new phase of strengthening the primary health care sector, which has very long-term goals and envisages the introduction of electronic information technologies, as well as strengthening the skills of primary health care providers. Caritas Czech Republic supports our Ministry in accomplishing those goals,” mentioned First Deputy Minister of IDPs, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia Tamar Gabunia.
The second CzechAid-funded project, entitled “Way to Home Development of Adult Alternative Social Services in Georgia”, aims at the creation of a national system of adult alternative care, based on the individual needs of the beneficiaries. Particularly, it concerns the deinstitutionalization of two large boarding homes for persons with disabilities in Martkofi and Dusheti, and their replacement by family-style houses and services tailored according to the needs of beneficiaries. The project is initiated by the LEPL Agency for State Care and Assistance for the Victims of Human Trafficking.
“I am confident that this project, which we are very happy to launch, will be a big step forward for the country. We are not only professionally but also emotionally involved in this process. I would like to thank the Czech Republic and its development cooperation for the support and contribution to various sectors of health care," said Deputy Minister of IDPs, Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia Tamar Barkalaia.
SlovakAid-funded interventions in the Racha region
What connects both projects supported by SlovakAid is their regional concentration in the Racha-Lechkhumi region as well as their broader focus on rural development.
The one-year project, “Supporting Green Actions in Oni Municipality through the Development of Waste Management Infrastructure,” envisages the procurement of waste collection truck and bins, the introduction of biodegradable waste practices, and the strengthening of environmental awareness and public involvement in waste recycling.
As a reaction to Covid-19 pandemics and its negative impact on economic situation of local population, SlovakAid decided to support also the second project “Mitigating the Negative Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Population of the Georgian Mountain Region of Racha”. Within the project, CCR will support post-crisis operation of local SMEs and retention of job places via distribution of the grants. Moreover, most vulnerable groups of the society, like single-headed households or women-headed households will benefit from the provision of agricultural means.
„One of Czech Caritas priorities is to contribute to the development of the mountainous regions of Georgia. We already have experience working in the Tusheti Community, Svaneti and Upper Adjara. Racha, as a new geographical location, brings new challenges for CCR. Within these projects, we are going to facilitate an improvement of the business environment in selected municipalities, contributing to reducing poverty, as well as supporting Oni Municipality in strengthening waste management practices, which will be based on experience sharing and transferring best practices from Slovakia,” stated Ekaterine Meskhrikadze, Deputy Head of Mission CCR in Georgia.
