CHCA operates in four program

areas

November

2019 / #30N E W S L E T T E R

Livelihoods and Economic Development

Community Development and Advocacy

Peace and Confidence Building

Children and Youth Protection and Development

Ekaterine Parulava, ZugdidiCandied Fruits Enterprise

Entrepreneurs in Imereti Received Material Assets

Irakli Iobidze lives with his family in Sakire, Tskaltubo. Prior to joining the project, he was hired as an employee in a Kutaisi shoe factory.

In December 2017, he received 1,200 EUR for a podiatric ankle orthopedic examiner machine, and provides this service independently at the shoe factory. He continues to offer this service, and has a stable income, serving an average of

20-25 people per month.

On November 22, Irakli Iobidze's activities were monitored by project implementing organizations - ASB Georgia, CHCA and CSRDG.

Introducing the Housemaster Model in Georgia- Informational Meetings

Irakli Iobidze - Sakire, TskaltuboOrthopedic Shoe Making

Informational meetings were held in Poti, Zugdidi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. The CHCA Project Coordinator introduced the guests to a new project of the organization, which is being implemented in Western Georgia with the involvement of local and international partners.

The beneficiaries of the project are young IDPs and other vulnerable groups, the representatives of Homeowners’ Associations, local and regional governments, and VET Colleges teachers. The project aims to support and implement a German-based care model in

Georgia.

On November 22nd, an award ceremony was held in Kutaisi. The aim of the project was to contribute to the integration of former inmates into society through the cooperation of CSOs, Private Businesses,

and Government Programs.

Tools and equipment such as machines, toolkits, inventories, and means of production were handed to 34 beneficiaries to launch or enhance their economic activities. The financial cost of business assets handed over to the beneficiaries is 400, 1200, and 3000 EUR.

The project covers Shida Kartli, Imereti, Samegrelo - Zemo Svaneti, Kakheti, and Tbilisi. According to present data, 142 beneficiaries received business assets, for a total of 123,600 EUR. The number of employed and self-employed persons is 151. 8 Social Enterprises were established, where more than 20 former inmates were employed. 450 people received psychological consultation sessions, 350 persons attended trainings on soft skills and job-seeking skills, 171 beneficiaries went through training on business skills development. 154 inmates, former inmates, and probationers passed vocational education courses in

30 different vocations.

Entrepreneurs in ImeretiReceived Material Assets

#4 Shrosha Str. Tbilisi 0179, GeorgiaTel: +995 322 944 544E-mail: communications@chca.org.ge www.chca.org.ge

CHCAGeorgia

Ekaterine Parulava is from Abkhazia and currently lives in Zugdidi. She received an interest-free loan of 5,000 GEL in September 2019 and used the money to refurbish her Candied Fruits Enterprise. The idea of making a new product out of fruits and vegetables inspired her, and she started selling them home. Due to high demand for the product, she decided to formally open a small enterprise. Through USAID Zrda, she received interest-free loans and refurbished a space for her business.

Ekaterine Parulava: “The number of customers and awareness about the product has increased significantly within the last 6 months. I have participated in local, regional, and international festivals and exhibitions (Khachapuri Festival in Rukhi, EXPO Georgia, and EXPO Batumi). In the near future, I plan to obtain a Food Nutrition Certificate, which will allow me to sell my products in supermarket chains. My business in candied fruits and vegetables is thriving and I will have a successful, lucrative, and

competitive enterprise within a year.”

Ekaterine Parulava Candied Fruits Enterprise