Nini's inspiring journey from a street kid to a superhero - guiding and empowering vulnerable children

Everyone knows 18-year-old Nini, a superhero from Kutaisi, a western city in the small country of Georgia. Once a troubled girl roaming in the streets with a gang of other children, causing damage along the way, now she is a role model for many, guided by the local Priest, helping street-connected children to reintegrate into society and build brighter futures. 

As a peer educator during her typical workday, Nini with her Mobile Group comprised of a psychologist and social worker, embarks on the streets of Kutaisi. Their mission is to provide support and intervention for vulnerable children they encounter. These children on the one hand are neglected by society and deprived of essential opportunities for development and on the other hand, they are exposed to dangers like involvement with criminals, forced labour, exploitation, and prostitution, which can have devastating effects on their lives.
Over the past few decades, the country has made efforts to advance the welfare of the people by implementing diverse reforms, however, poverty and unemployment remain significant challenges, aggravating circumstances for child abuse and domestic violence, especially among marginalized groups and ethnic minorities. Dramatically, in some cases, children growing up in such harsh environments end up in the streets. Despite the adoption of the Child Rights Code in 2019, intended to enhance the Child Welfare System across the country, and World Vision Georgia’s substantial support in its implementation both at municipal and central levels, many gaps are still in place. Between 2021 and 2023, 1,981 cases of child abuse were reported, with 1,403 addressed by Mobile Intervention Groups. Notwithstanding numerous efforts, at present in three and a half million population country approximately 2,500 children remain on the streets, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in addressing child homelessness and vulnerability.

From hardship to hope: how the local priest changed Nini's life

Nini's story reflects the experiences of many children who grow up in environments marked by domestic violence, instability and poverty. As a child, she witnessed how her father physically abused her mother and then herself became a target of his aggression. He spent much of his time in jail due to criminal activities and eventually fled abroad, leaving Nini's mother to bear the full burden of caring for the family. With her mother working tirelessly as a street cleaner to earn a living, Nini found herself with ample free time and little supervision, which led her to roam the streets the whole day and join a group of peers with similar troubled backgrounds longing for escape.

Unaware of the consequences of their actions, these so-called street-connected children were involved in acts of vandalism such as breaking windows of buildings and even damaging cars for theft. From time-to-time Nini started missing school and got involved in these activities unconsciously. One day the World Vision Mobile Group noticed her in the street at the age of 11 and took her to the World Vision Day Care Centre operating with the Support of the Austrian Development Agency and the European Union within the projects aimed at strengthening Child Protection Mechanisms and Care Services in Georgia. Initially, she was hesitant to go there, however upon arrival, she found herself surrounded by caring mentors who welcomed her and gradually she started to feel at home. She spent her time fruitfully at the centre, engaging in art therapies and various educational activities as well as attending sessions with a psychologist. However, disrupting Nini’s ties with the street didn't happen in one day, it was a gradual process. 

"Once we broke a few cars, one of our friends was caught by the police while the rest of us managed to escape. Even though he was eventually released due to his age, the fear lingered long after the incident. This was a wake-up call for me,” she recalls.

Yet, as she says, the turning point for her was meeting Priest Solomon, whose sessions were transformative for her personal development. Mrs. Nana Idadze, the head of Day Care Centre recalls that Nini came to the shelter with severe aggression due to past traumas. “The girl was unable to communicate, we were afraid that she might hurt herself or other kids. Yet, with Priest Solomon’s support, she learned to interact and express herself in a healthy manner,” she adds.

The priest from a local church in Kutaisi was frequently visiting the centre and holding sessions with the children. Over the years faith leaders actively got involved in supporting their communities through World Vision’s Channels of Hope (CoH) program model, capacitating their roles in enhancing child wellbeing. By leveraging the World Vision’s Peace Road Curriculum and Dare to Discover program Priest Solomon fostered self-belief, kindness, and leadership qualities among children to empower them.

“As he entered the room, children would gather around him, some reaching out to embrace him as if he was a beloved father returning home. He has become a beacon of hope for the children of all ages,” Mrs. Idadze, head of the centre explains smiling.

The Priest Solomon together with World Vision staff has engaged children in diverse activities, from planting trees to going on excursions. During his sessions he reads books, tells parables, plays with children, and organizes movie screenings that captivate their imaginations, sparking meaningful discussions about life and important values. Whenever there is a need he takes time to discuss children's problems individually. That’s how he helped Nini to find her path.

“Under his guidance, I found solace and learned to navigate my emotions and manage my anger. Before my emotions dictated my life, but now I can take charge of them. He played a major role in helping me find my true calling and become a peer educator. As he told me, after overcoming so many challenges and succeeding, now it was my turn to help others. I love my job because I understand the challenges vulnerable children face and know how to approach them individually. Every time I have the opportunity to help even one child, I feel fulfilled,” Nini says.

Looking ahead and embarking on new goals

In just over a month since taking up this role, Nini has already saved five children from the dangers of the streets together with her team and safely brought them to the centre, where they have regained lost childhood in a nurturing environment.In 2023, 570 children received crucial support through the World Vision Day Care, 24-hour Shelters, Mobile Groups, and dedicated individuals like Nini. Since 2014, these centres have continuously served 100 children per month, showcasing a sustained commitment to assisting vulnerable youth. Now empowered and independent, Nini resides peacefully with her mom. Her next big goal? To enroll at the State University and study Social Work, aspiring to become a professional in the field to facilitate transformative change and empower others to lead dignified lives. 

Story by Lika Chigladze, Communications Officer