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MONTHLY ELECTRONIC EDITION #3 May

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Conference “State Legal Aid: Reality and Challenges”

The conference “State Legal Aid: Reality and Challenges” organized by “Civil Development Agency” with support of the Ministry of Correc-tions and Legal Assistance of Georgia took place on May 23, at the Court-yard Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi. The event was attended by Giorgi Arsosh-vili, Deputy Minister of Corrections and Legal Assistance of Georgia, Irakli Kobidze, Director of the Legal Aid Service, the representatives of states agencies, NGOs, international organizations working in legal service field and lawyers.

Within the conference Legal Aid Service and NGOs signed a Memo-randum in order to establish information-consulting network. Deputy Min-ister thanked CiDA for organizing the conference and making a significant contribution to the field of Free Legal Aid.

“The conference was very important for the Ministry and Service be-cause Legal Aid Service and NGOs signed a Memorandum. It is focused on referral system, which means that any vulnerable who needs help and the service isn’t able to cover its requirements, he/she will be redirected to the NGO working in this field” - said Giorgi Arsoshvili, Deputy Minister.

Director of the Legal Aid Service- Irakli Kobidze discussed the is-sue of cooperation between State and NGO sector and underlined that “Legal Aid isn’t prerogative only for the State and NGO working in this field should be involved in it. We have to cooperate in order to protect our vulnerable population.”

At the conference participants discussed the situation in the field of legal assistance, presentation of the Research on the Capac-ity and Needs of the Legal Aid Service and the recommendations of the Legal Aid Service supportive working group.

“The event was very interesting, because different con-siderations related to the Free Legal Aid were important, as well as signing of Memorandum between State and NGO sector, which represents very significant step and precondition in our cooperation”-said Giorgi Chkheidze EWMI’s program JILEP Deputy Di-rector.

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The conference was organized within the frame of the “Monitoring of Criminal Justice Reform Implementa-tion Strategy and Analysis in the Free Legal Aid Sphere” project, implemented by CiDA. The conference was funded by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation within the frames of the “Civil Initiative for an Independent Jusdiciary”(CIIJ) project, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), East-West Management Institute(EWMI) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency(Sida).

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G-PAC “You Have Right to Know” Campaign Started

Within the frameworks of the G-PAC program of the East-West Management Institute (EWMI), program Manager Fron Nahzi started a cycle of dis-cussion meetings over the whole Georgia under the title “The Right to Know”. The first meeting was held on May 29 in Telavi State University with the orga-nization of Civil Development Agency (CiDA). The project leader introduced G-PAC program, working of last two years and current grant to the represen-tatives of non-governmental organizations and local government. It is remarkable that such kind of meet-ing was held for the first time, which purpose was to make report for the civil sector. Fron Nahzi gave to

the audience information in details how much money was spent for the project, how much left and what the problems are between donor and sector nowadays.

Presentation of G-PAC problems covered period since February 2011 till April 2012 inclusively.Our program exists for two years in Georgia and I always have a feeling to say everything to the organizations

what we do, what the goal we reach what the disadvantages we have had. That is why it was decided the meeting to be held. We ought to make report about our activities for the organizations. It was very interesting discussion, enough many questions were given. One of our aims is to change structure and non-governmen-tal organizations start asking questions and required the answers from donors what ac-tivities they make” said Fron Nahzi.

At the discussion a lot of questions were given and the head of the project an-swered in details. The participants of the meeting were pleased of the discussion.

“It was an interesting meeting, I’m the grantee organization. And the fact that a Donor reports to organizations is very noteworthy, it is very good. I personally have learnt much new” – said “Civil Activities Centre” Director Medea Khuroshvili.

Organizations, funded by G-PAC program of East-West Management Institute (EWMI), spoke about their work style and methods. And CiDA Director Zviad Devdariani, from his side, shared his experience and suggested the civil sector help in terms of project writing.

The meeting was attended by the organizations financed by East-West Government Institute (EWMI) G-PAC who talked about their working style and methods. Zviad Devdariani – The Director of CiDA offered his support to the Civil Sector representatives with project preparation; also he shared his own experience.

After meeting in Telavi on May 31 meeting discussion was held in Conference hall of CiDA Office in Rustavi; rep-resentatives of Non-governmental and Local Government attended the meeting.

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The meeting was really interesting, given information critically from donor’s side or desire ought to fit to the re-quirements of the society, ought to take consultation with the beneficiaries before he plans the activities and at the same time, use all resources for availability of the information for the region and improve the social environment will be very good with positive result” said Nato Molodini – the representative of Rustavi self-government.

Campaign “You Have Right to Know” will be finished at the end of June.

The meeting was organized by Civil Development Agency (CiDA) within “East Georgia CSO Network” project.

Project “East Georgia CSO Network” is implemented by the Civil Development Agency (CiDA). The project is supported within the East-West Government Institute G-PAC program. The project is funded by the USA International Development Agency.

CiDA is the member of Central Election Commission

The Central Election Commission ini-tiated to establish working group for ethnic minority voters, actively performing for the improvement of poll environment considering interest of ethnic minorities.

The working group comprises Adminis-tration of the CEC together with the Center for Electoral Systems Development, Reforms and Trainings in partnership with local non-governmental organizations covering ethnic minority issues, Public Defender’s Office and representatives from diverse international or-ganizations.

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Public Benefit Activities Support Action

On May 11th, with support of Civil Development Agency (CiDA), Rustavi City Hall and Kvemo Kartli Pro-bation Bureau of National Probation Agency , held an ac-tion in the park in front of Rustavi Municipal Theatre in the frameworks of the project “Public Benefit Activities Sup-port Activities”. Together with beneficiaries of the project, other youth, CiDA Director Zviad Devdariani and Kvemo Kartli Probation Bureau Head Vaja Bregvadze participated in the Action, mission of which was to engage juveniles into public benefit activities.

Civil Development Agency launches a new project in Rustavi, mission of which is to engage juveniles that are in conflict with the law, into public benefit activities. The first activity was already held within the project. Together with probationers and mediation program participants, we have dig round trees and tried to make our contribution into Rustavi development” – declared CiDA Director Zviad Devdariani.

Kvemo Kartli Probation Bureau Head Vaja Bregvadze has also pointed out significance of the Action:

“The youth that are registered at the Probation Bureau are now in the park, within the frameworks of Criminal Law liberalization. Here is executed a Cleaning Action. It’s very important to engage these youth into such kind of actions and integrate them into society“.

During a year the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) will engage into public benefit activities about 50-60 Rustavi-based juveniles that are in conflict with the Law. The Agency will conduct trainings for personal develop-ment and project-writing, also hold discussion meetings for juveniles with successful and famous people, and plan sports and other activities.

The project “Public Benefit Activities” is funded by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

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Consultation meeting for Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Gori NGOs

Consultation meeting for Mtskheta-Mtianeti NGOs was held within the project “CSOs East West Georgia Net-work” in Mtskheta at the office of “ National Centre for Protection Against Violence” on May 17th. CiDA representa-tives shared with Mtskheta-Mtianeti civil sector representatives their opinion and experience in terms of survey meth-ods and business relationships’ issues in social organizations.

“We have introduced survey methods, the meeting was focused on the use of instruments for qualitative survey, that is how social organizations should conduct a survey by means of their resources, how to conduct an interview, se-

lect an audit. All the information will prove useful to them for organizational development and better problem iden-tification”– said the Project Coordinator Teona Tskhovre-badze.

The second representative of CiDA Nino Shoshiashvi-li introduced to the meeting attendees methods of conduc-tion of business relationships, in particular, how to conduct negotiations, effective communication and golden rules of business relationships.

“Survey Tools for Public Organizations” and “Guide-book for Conduction of Business Relationships” were given to all the participants of the meeting. These materials were

prepared within the project “CSOs East Georgia Network”.

“Today’s meeting will promote the major mission of public organizations – determined study of society problems and appropriate analysis, correct formulation of project mis-sion and description of problems, conduction of business relationships” – said “Dusheti Development Fund” Founder Eka Rostiashvili.

Analogical consultation meeting for the local NGO sec-tor took place at the “Democratic Engagement Centre” office in Gori on May 18th.

“The subject was very interesting. Its practical character is noteworthy. Information about studies was exact and laconic; the same can be said in terms of the negotiations’ technique. All this information will prove very useful to our activities” – said Association “Kartlis Deda” (“Kartli’s Mother”) representative Leila Kavtaradze.

The meetings were organized by the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) within the project “SCOs East Georgia Network”.

Project “CSOs East Georgian Network” is implemented by the Civil Development Agency (CiDA). The project is supported within the East-West Management Institution G-PAC program. The project is funded by the USA Interna-tional Development Agency.

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First stage of the activities within the project JOIN is completed

First stage of the activities within the project “Local Actors’ Joint for Inclusive Economic Development and Man-agement in the South Caucasus” is completed. Representatives of the project visited all the six target municipalities of Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti and met all the stakeholders.

“We have presented in the municipalities the main aims of the project, called the interested parties to involve actively into the processes of working out plans for development of the local mar-kets. This is the first stage of the project, the next stage will be devoted to establish-ment of working group that will take part in the process of working out the plan for market development. Group of the Con-sultants of the project will facilitate the process. The consultants will be working

with the working groups in the municipalities during the following 6 months” – noted project Coordinator Nino Chitorelidze.

Project “Local Actors’ Joint for Inclusive Economic Development and Management in the South Caucasus” (JOIN) is a 3-year project, funded by Austrian Development Agency. Project is implemented by CARE Austria and CARE International in the Caucasus with partner organizations: Civil Development Agency (CiDA) in Georgia and Agribusiness and Rural Devel-opment Centre (CARD) in Armenia.

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Training on Development of Personal Skills for Juveniles in Conflict with the Law

Training on development of personal skills was held within the project “Public Benefit Ac-tivities” in Rustavi at the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) office on May 29 and 31. Ju-veniles in conflict with the Law were the ben-eficiaries of the training, introducing to them market-based skills, CV writing, interview and presentation technologies, team work princi-pals and leader’s skills. The training was con-ducted by CiDA trainer Tinatin Dekanosidze.

“Today we should help the Youth so that they don’t waste much time in searching. We

are teaching them how to find this or that information, how to find their direction. Explain what the sense of their life in this World is. Mission, aim, where they are and what they are doing today, how do they see themselves in the future. Participation of the children in the training was very active and I think that the information, obtained at the training, will be useful to them” – said Tinatin Dekanosidze.

It’s noteworthy that along with the juveniles in conflict with the Law the Training attended juveniles, not in conflict with the Law. The Training was organized by CiDA with support of the Kvemo Kartli National Bureau of Probation.

Mission of the project is to teach Rustavi Juveniles in conflict with the Law new knowledge and skills, integrate them into society and develop their personal skills.

Project “Public Benefit Activities” is implemented by the Civil Development Agency (CiDA) with financial sup-port of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

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CiDA Presented Analysis on Civil Integration Policy

Advanced session of national Council for Toler-ance and Civil Integration at the Administration of the President and Council for National Minorities founded at Public Defender’s office was held in 18-20 of May in Batumi

The State Report on the Action Plan for Tolerance and Civil Integration 2011 was presented together with the alternative report of Council for National Minorities founded at Public Defender’s office. The reports were presented according to specific areas: Education, Culture, Civil, Political, Economic and Social integration and me-dia.

CiDA Director presented Analysis for the Civil Integration Policy. CiDA’s recommendations were adopted through the final thematic recommendations developed by the Council for Minority Integration, elaborated for the public sector representatives.

The event was organized by the National Council for Tolerance and Civil Integration at the Administration of the President and Council for National Minorities founded at Public Defender’s office. The conference was run by the project “Strengthening National Integration” of the UN Association of Georgia, funded by the US Agency for In-ternational Development, supported by the European Center For Minority Issues and UNDP

Computer Knowledge Proliferation Society is Established

The Ministry of Justice initiated establishment of Computer Knowledge Proliferation Society on May 10th. The presentation was held at Ilia Chavchavadze House-Museum in Kvareli. The So-ciety establishment event was attended by public figures, repre-sentatives of legislative and executive Government of Georgia, Business and NGO sector. The President of Georgia was also presented at the ceremony.

According to the initiative of the Ministry of Justice, special Computer service centers will be launched in up to 300 villages of Georgia on the first stage of the project, employing local instructors

Mission of the project is to train and coach local population for computer literacy. People would get practical skills not only in browsing through the internet and searching for necessary information, but also selling their products online.

Civil Development Agency (CiDA) is one of the co-founders of the Computer Knowledge Proliferation Society.

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Achi Arveladze meets Juveniles in Conflict with Law from Rustavi

Juveniles in conflict with law from Rustavi met famous football player Achi Arveladze on 24th of May at Rustavi “Metallurg” stadium. The event was organized by Civil Development Agency (CiDA) and supported by National Agency of Execution of Non-Custodial Sentences and Probation, Kvemo Kartli Probation Bureau. Achi Arveladze reminded on his achieve-ments and sport life at the discussion meeting, answered juveniles’ ques-tions and gave some advices.

“These guys expressed their will to meet me and probably my advices and tips, the stories from my life and experi-ence could somehow make impact on them. I have often met teenagers like them and if I could in some extent share my personal experience I would never miss a chance to communicate” – commented Arveladze

The project aims to deliver new skills and knowledge, opportunity for civil integration and personal development to Juveniles in conflict with law from Rustavi. For recent year CiDA will involve about 50 juveniles form Rustavi in conflict with law into public benefit activities, provide trainings in personal development and project proposal writing, conduct sport activities and even more.

The meeting was held under “Public Benefit Activities” project funded by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and implemented by CiDA

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USA Deputy Ambassador awarded Competition winners

Deputy Ambassador of the United State of America Briget Brinks hosted winners of the written Competition at her apartment on may 22. Along with the pupils there were their parents, Peace Corp volunteers and organizations that made certain contribution to the Competition.

Deputy Ambassador welcomed the Competition winners, awarded them with Diplomas and books and gave several advises.“Hosting you is a great honor to me. I’d like to give you three advises: dream ambitiously, use your opportunities and never

retreat. Never forget these three advises”-said Briget Brinks to the pupils.

Written Competition is an international competition, conduct-ed in 17 countries of the World. The Competition is facilitated by the Peace Corp volunteers. Works of 800 pupils from Georgian schools were submitted to the Competition.

For the first time the Competition was held in Georgia in 2003 year in Akhaltsikhe, and later on it covered the whole country.

7th class pupil of Batumi School Irakli Khukhunaishvili became the international winner of the Competition in Georgia and along with the Diploma he received a special price. Irakli will go the American Academy summer Camp for 4 weeks.

The subject of the Competition was “Which animal besides a dog is more like a human”. I wrote about Dinosaurs and won. I’m very happy today and glad that I’ll go to the Summer School”- said Irakli Khukhunaishvili.

Deputy Ambassador Briget Brinks thanked Civil Development Agency (CiDA) for organizing the Competition.

“Initiatives of this kind are important for closer relationships between our countries. It’s not enough to be strategic partners on the Government level, the peoples should be partners, and such initiatives promote the partnership, people learn culture, language and lifestyle of one-another”-said CiDA Director Zviad Devdariani.

Partners’ meeting took place within the project “JOIN”

Partners’ meeting took place within the project “Local Actors Join for Inclusive Economic Development and Gov-ernance in the South Caucasus” (JOIN) in Yerevan on March 31st. At the meeting Civil Development Agency, Armenian Centre for Agribusiness and Rural Development and CARE International representatives discussed activities and shared successful practice. The Partners discussed stages, required for implementation of expected results and a Model of Busi-ness Development Informational Centers, also they planned activities for the coming two months.

In order to identify opportunities for future cooperation, Partners met stakeholders interested in development of local market: representation of German Technical Cooperation in Armenia and Management of Armenian Development Agency.

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Published by Civil Development Agency (CiDA)

The donors and the partners of our ongoing projects

Public Council is established in RustaviPublic Council under Rustavi Municipal Council has been launched. The Council held the first meeting on

May 29th. At the meeting the Council members discussed missions and objectives of the deliberative body, then, based on certain presented suggestions, arranged working plan and schedule.

Public Council was created in April 2012, on the ground of the Order of the Municipality Council. Members of the Council are representatives of Rustavi City Hall, Municipality Council, public organizations, business sphere and ordinary citizens. Function of the deliberative council, containing 19-members, will be to mediate between Local Government and society and to ensure improvement of the quality of citizens’ engagement in the process of decision-making on the local level.

As says the Chairwoman of the Public Council Leila Aptsiauri, the Council will be working on issues, inter-esting and significant for the society.

“There are rights and there are responsibilities, therefore all of us, both community members and Local Gov-ernment should delegate our responsibilities. Self-Government is not a separate body, it’s the whole city. We are ready to take upon ourselves this responsible mission and get down to our activities creatively, operatively and worthily” –declared Leila Aptsiauri.

CiDA Director considers establishment of the Council very important, though Zviad Devdariani thinks that most important is that the Council really executes its functions.

“The fact that Local Government tries to institutionalize the sphere through relationships with the society, is very important. Councils of this kind were established earlier, they are established now, but it’s important that a large number of community members are involved into this process, there should be representatives of all the spheres and from NGOs as well. Though it’s very important that it isn’t a fake tool and the Council really manages to bring problems of the society’s before the Self-Government and in return, manage to inform society about proj-ects, initiated by the Self-Government” – said Zviad Devdariani.

Selection of target auditorium; identification of issues, interesting and actual to the society; generation of ini-tiatives and ideas; discussions; meetings with focus-groups; active informational campaigns; study of social opinion – the Council will be implementing all the above-mentioned activities within its own Regulations and responsibili-ties.