On May 30, World Vision Georgia organized a CLOSING EVENT of the project “Reinforcing the Child Protection and Welfare System in Georgia '' to celebrate the results achieved in the field of child welfare systems with partners/key stakeholders. The project was implemented by World Vision Georgia on behalf of World Vision France and with support from the European Union.

Everyone has a responsibility to contribute to the development of the child protection and welfare system in Georgia. World Vision Georgia, with partner organizations, supports the Government of Georgia in strengthening the child welfare system and developing alternative child care services in the country.

The event was opened by Ekaterine Gurgenadze, Director of World Vision Georgia, followed by welcome speeches from the high-level speakers of donor and partner organizations:

• Agata Nieboj -Team Leader, Human Rights, Justice, and Home Affairs, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia
• David Sergeenko – The Vice-Speaker, Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Council on Child Rights Protection, The Parliament of Georgia.
• Meri Maghlapheridze – Director, LEPL Agency For State Care And Assistance For the (Statutory) Victims of Human trafficking;

The main accomplishments of the project, along with existing challenges in the child protection field, were discussed during the panel discussion facilitated by Maya Mgeliashvili, the Head of the World Vision Georgia Child Protection and External Engagement  Department. 

Within the framework of the project, World Vision Georgia, with implementing partners, supported the implementation of the Code on the Rights of the Child in Georgia; created a Country Coordination Mechanism coordinating the work of all organizations operating in the field; guided the development of a country level deinstitutionalization strategy and action plan, assessed non-regulated  childcare institutions in the country and supported the replacement of large scale institutions with alternative, family based care options; established child protection departments in local municipalities.The project contributed to building the capacity of 434 foster care parents with initial and on job trainings for them to perform to their fullest potential; developed various modules and provided training to 170 community workers, 130 municipal social workers, and 250 social workers from the state care agency; and supported the development of a 24-hour response mechanism to provide need based services to child victims of violence in a timely manner.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to watch videos about the success stories of beneficiaries from foster care and Day Care Center.

Deputy Ministers, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and partner organizations, media representatives, and other honorary guests attended the meeting.