Economic Growth Georgia Project #19825

Social Enterprise Cafe for Georgian IDP Settlement

by For Better Future

Summary

This social enterprise cafe will provide Georgian refugees from the 2008 South Ossetian War with professional training opportunities. The training room will provide professional skills training for local youth and host cultural events. Social Enterprise Cafe became anopen space for everybody and young people are more involved in different non-formal activities. We want to keep the cafe as an open space to run different interesting meetings, but without paying rental costs, it will be difficult.

$12,000
total goal

$3,000
remaining

82
donors

0
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

8
years

Challenge

In 2008, the Georgian residents of the South Ossetia region were forced from their homes as the region was plunged into war. The Tserovani settlement is home to over 6,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are struggling to overcome economic disadvantage and social disconnect. Women and youth are particularly affected by this flagging social and socioeconomic situation. There are limited employment and training opportunities, as well as a lack of motivation.

Solution

A social enterprise cafe and training room will simultaneously address the lack of professional skills training and employment opportunities, while also rebuilding the social network within the community. In support of the local economy, supplies will be sourced locally, IDP artists can display and sell their merchandise, and work experience opportunities will be available to youth. The training room will be used for academic and cultural presentations, as well as employability trainings.

Long-Term Impact

Social Enterprise cafe became an open space for everyone who wants to run the training and conduct meetings regarding different topics. Youth from the settlement will have opportunity to get involved in non formal activities and develop their skills in order to better present them self at the Universities after finishing high school. Keeping the open space will have positive long-term impact for the young community.