World Vision Georgia Kakheti Regional Development Program has been developing the competencies of youth, involved in state, and out of state care for several years, to improve their economic position through various initiatives.

This year, the Child Protection Program (CPP), focused on the development of youth entrepreneurship, communications and civic competencies, as well as promoting professional growth and economic empowerment.  As part of the initiative, up to 10 young people in and out of state care, attended information sessions on small entrepreneurship, innovation and successful startups, which entailed learning how to write and manage projects and business plans.  For practicing acquired knowledge, all participants actively participated in the youth innovative ideas competition, which was announced within the framework of the World Vision Georgia program.  Based on the project ideas presented, three young people were awarded funding, two of whom are in foster care, and the other who lives in a small family –type group home.

Maia is one of the winners of the competition.  She is 16 years old and has been living in a small family-type group home for two years.  After moving to Telavi, she joined a youth club to be engaged in activities with other likeminded teenagers.  

"Initially I learned about the organization from the children who I currently live with in Telavi. I heard a lot of good things about the club from my friends. Those clubs are the place where young people learn how to deal with emotions, set life goals, discuss their values, interests, and effectively communicate with those around them. They also learn to write and manage projects, so they will turn interesting ideas into reality in the future.  I decided to become part of the club so I could participate in youth projects, and having an opportunity provided, I made up my mind to present my idea. To be honest, I was confident that I would overcome this challenge and successfully achieve my goal. However initially, I had a fear and the feeling that I was new and older, and that more experienced members may have won instead of me. I thought I may have failed to receive funding, but I always reminded myself of my favorite session from youth club: setting life goals. During one of the meetings, we painted a target circle, and created a shooting object ourselves. Some of us could hit the target, and some of us didn’t. Afterwards, we reflected on the exercise, relating it to our life stories and experiences. So this session gave me the motivation to set the goal, which I had to achieve,“  – said Maia. 

We asked Maia about the importance of such opportunities for youth who are also in a state care like her, and to this, Maia confidently answered: 

“Us living without families are deprived of such opportunities. However, engagement in such projects enables us to learn, develop and find the will to take care of our future. Through being involved in youth activities, I have acquired many friends, learnt how to relate with other people, and improved communication skills. Overall, I have become a more open and communicative person.”

Together with personal skills, our organization supported Maia’s professional skills development too. Upon her completion of a tailoring course, we purchased a sewing machine, fabrics and other relevant equipment, enabling Maia to create a source of income through tailoring and sewing bags and purses. Our joint efforts subsequently helped Maia turn her initiative into a reality. 

“The sewing machine, which was provided within the project made a little part of my dream come true. I have successfully completed a three-month sewing course and now I am on my way to achieving the life goal. I am going to advance in my profession, study in college to reach this success. With this, my life will change for the better. "

As Maia says, this project was the first step which made her closer to her life goal with the next step being to obtain vocational education. Meanwhile, Maia is taking entrance exams to Telavi Vocational School this year and is full of determination to change her life for the better.