Over a year on, ADH, UNHCR and World Vision assist over 16K refugees in Georgia with life-saving initiatives

Chris Palusky, the Response Director of the Ukraine Crisis Response, visited the World Vision office in Georgia to oversee the program’s activities, learn about the results and its impact on Ukrainian refugees in the country.

Initially, World Vision responded to the humanitarian needs by providing food and sanitation kits, clothes and other essentials. As the situation evolved, assistance was diversified through various development programs in Georgia to support and empower Ukrainian families and their children.

Palusky met with the local staff, partners and interacted with who have been benefiting from World Vision’s work, among which is the Multi-Service Centre dedicated to supporting refugees from various countries, including Ukraine.

The centre was established in close cooperation with United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Georgia and its main function is to assist refugees in their resettlement and integration process.

He also met with state authorities, local and international partners to learn more about the context and challenges, discuss the ongoing activities and promote joint future initiatives to create a greater impact in supporting Ukrainian refugees in the country.

Through the engagements, he gained valuable insights into the impact of the programs and initiatives in the region. Palusky had a tour of Happy Space, a nurturing and supportive environment designed to help children and parents overcome the trauma they have experienced due to the war.

The availability of different classes indicates a holistic approach to healing and recovery, incorporating various therapeutic and educational activities to address their emotional and psychological needs.

 “In the Happy Space, I can see the kids are being kids. It is great to see World Vision is partnering with other organisations to provide wrap-around services for these children to help them overcome stress and develop in a healthy environment,” he says.

He met with Ukrainian mothers whose children attend various classes and benefit from counselling and other supportive services. Some of them run their own organizations to help other refugees in the country.

Hearing about the hardships they overcame and dedication to stay positive while supporting their families inspired Palusky as he witnessed the activities like English language courses, psychological therapies and classes on entrepreneurship aimed for personal and professional development.

Chris Palusky also emphasized the importance of supporting and satisfying the psychological needs of mothers’ well-being. “These needs have to be met so that they can raise happy and healthy children,” he adds.

We want to make sure that we are meeting the emergency needs with the evolution of the situation and at the same time we are starting new activities.

Happy Space - the Education and Development Centre is managed by Ukrainian mother Svitlana Vyshnevska who, upon arriving in Georgia, joined the World Vision team as a Community Mobiliser.  Before the outbreak of the war, she was working as a psychologist and now she continues supporting others.

“I feel honored to be a part of this project. Our mission holds immense significance for thousands of Ukrainians who left their homes behind. This centre is much more than just a place for gathering. It serves as a lifeline, where parents can feel connected and safe, find solace and support”, says Svitlana.

Palusky held discussions with the Head of the Ukrainian Sector in Georgia, where they placed emphasis on the importance of allowing Ukrainian children to study according to the Ukrainian curriculum and in their mother language.

“Having such a program in place is crucial since it enables kids to integrate into the Ukrainian education system when they return home,” he says. World Vision actively cooperates with government agencies and help equip schools and children with necessary resources, technical equipment and educational kits.

Ekaterine Gurgenadze, the National Director of World Vision Georgia stressed the importance of the visit. She shares, “We take pride in being at the forefront of providing vital, life-saving aid to Ukrainian refugees, and Georgia has become a home for many of those seeking a safe place to live.”

She adds, “In response, we implemented a diverse range of initiatives such as multi-purpose cash assistance and winterization vouchers designed to help cover pressing expenses until their employment. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, we offer a variety of psychological services and counselling to children and their families.”

“Access to quality education is a fundamental focus and World Vision supplies teaching, learning, and other necessary materials to educational institutions that cater to Ukrainian children. The Happy Centres in Tbilisi and Batumi empowers children and their parents, providing support in various aspects of life”, Gurgenadze further adds.

“She concludes, “By raising awareness on the plight of the refugee women, World Vision prevents, and address issues related to gender-based violence in timely and effective manner, remaining resolute in our dedication to this cause, with a special emphasis on improving the lives of those most affected, especially children.”

Palusky expressed a highly positive evaluation of the work and reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing support. He stressed that while providing essential support and responding to the urgent needs, World Vision is pursuing economic development activities and will assist people find jobs wherever they are.

“We want to make sure that we are meeting the emergency needs with the evolution of the situation and at the same time we are starting new activities. World Vision is here today and will be tomorrow as we meet the changing needs”, Palusky shares.

In Georgia, World Vision, Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) and UNHCR served more than 16,766 Ukrainian refugees. World Vision Georgia continues to actively supports Ukrainian children and their families with immediate and medium-term needs as well as provide all the necessary assistance to ensure their wellbeing and smooth integration into the host communities.

Story and photos by Teona Navdarashvili, Communications Manager, and World Vision Georgia Communications