Maia Khvichava, a resident of Zugdidi, is a successful physical therapist. Maia participated in the Dual Education Training Program for Therapists, implemented by the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC), as part of the EU-supported project EU4Youth.
Although Maia had completed numerous training in this area, when she heard about the course from a friend, she decided to upgrade her qualifications and joined the training program. After mastering the theoretical part, within the framework of the program, he underwent a 3-month paid internship at the Medical Center “Tanaziari” in Zugdidi. After completing her internship, Maia was hired at the same center. As one of the successful graduates of the program, she was given the necessary equipment for the fulfillment of her professional activities.
“To be honest, I have always been interested in the profession, but I did not have work experience. This program helped me to overcome this barrier because, in addition to theoretical education, it gave me the opportunity to do an internship. It also gave me valuable knowledge and experience of working with people with disabilities. I did not know how to treat such patients, however, today I serve persons with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder,” – says the therapist.
Maia also plans to launch her own business in the area of physical therapy. For this purpose, she attended an online training on small and micro business management organized by the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) within the project supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) “Expanding agency and voice and improving the socio-economic outlook for conflict-affected women during the COVID-19 crisis”.
The Dual Vocational Education Program for Therapists was implemented by the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in 2018-2020, within the EU-funded project “EU4Youth – Enhancing Youth Education, Employment and Participation in Conflict-affected Areas in Georgia and Ukraine”.
