On March 22nd, the Education Development and
Employment Center (EDEC) held the kick-off event of the project “EU4Youth
– Enhancing Youth Education, Employment, and Participation in Conflict-Affected
Areas in Georgia and Ukraine” in Zugdidi.

Lika Kiladze, Chairperson of the Board of
Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) delivered a speech about the
objectives of the project.

“Promoting Entrepreneurial Education is a
real social demand as young people have the potential to create new services
and products. In addition, the project contributes to vocational education and
employment of youth. One of the major challenges today is the incompatibility
between employers’ demands and job seekers’ skills. In response to these
challenges, the best way is the implementation of dual education programs. The EU
and European people provided us with this opportunity,“ said Lika Kiladze

The project “EU4Youth – Enhancing Youth
Education, Employment, and Participation in Conflict-Affected Areas in Georgia
and Ukraine,” aims to widen education, employment and entrepreneurial
opportunities for internally displaced persons and conflict-affected youth, and
encourages their significant participation in the community.

As part of the project, entrepreneurial schools
will be established in Zugdidi and Gori. The schools will provide 80
individuals with the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and receive
knowledge. In order to improve their business ideas, school attendees will
receive individual, needs-based consultations, mentorship, and coach
supervision.

Moreover, study programs based on demand
professions in the labor market will be prepared. 270 individuals will have the
chance to gain professional experience in a real working environment, become
involved in paid internship programs and receive a certificate as proof of
their theoretical and practical knowledge.

Alongside the representatives of civil and state
institutions, media and business sectors, up to 100 internally displaced
persons and conflict-affected young people will advocate for youth education,
employment, and self-employment processes.

Representatives of the local and central
government(s) attended the event. At the end of the event, the Memorandum of
Cooperation was signed between the Education Development and Employment Center
(EDEC) and the supermarket chain “SPAR Georgia”.

The project “EU4Youth -Enhancing Youth
Education, Employment, and Participation in Conflict-Affected Areas in Georgia
and Ukraine” is implemented by the Education Development and Employment Center
(EDEC) and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with financial assistance from the
European Union.