With the financial support of the Youth Agency, the Association “Ika-21” successfully implemented the project “Wood Workshop ” Skhivi”” – Economic and Social Empowerment of Disabled Youth through Non-Formal Education” on the basis of the Irakli Kemoklidze Day Center. The goal of the project was to strengthen the wood workshop, produce environmentally friendly wooden toys, souvenirs, and teach how to make xylographic works and engraved souvenirs. The implementation of the grant project significantly strengthened both the young people themselves and the organization. Within the framework of the project, high-tech, multifunctional easel-devices and hand tools, xylography tools were purchased. The main achievement of the project is that at the first stage, the participants successfully completed theoretical and basic trainings on working in a wood workshop, were introduced to safety rules, the function of the workshop, working principles, easels, hand tools, wood species, wood design selection and sketch preparation, xylography techniques, etc. The development of skills of young people with disabilities, the increase in their social inclusion and the improvement of economic opportunities were successful. Participants acquired woodworking, handicrafts, teamwork, entrepreneurship, social and communication skills, which directly reflected in their self-confidence, motivation and activity. The project also had a positive impact on the situation of their families – their confidence in the development, rehabilitation and self-realization of their children increased, the level of support of family members and interest in non-formal education increased.
The organization “Ika-21” became even stronger as a result of the project, both professionally and socially. New partnerships emerged, the range of services expanded, and the organization’s awareness and trust at the local level increased. The project showed that the wood workshop “Shqivi” successfully functions as an inclusive educational space.
Representatives of the Youth Agency also participated in the concluding event, which was held at the exhibition space of the Association “IKA-21” together with the young people involved in the project and invited guests.
As part of the event, the founder and director of the Association “IKA-21” Maia Asakashvili and the young people presented a presentation to the guests about the activities carried out. The project included theoretical basic trainings and practical lessons, with great attention paid to the psychological component, the development of communication and creative skills, and its importance in promoting the integration of young people with disabilities into society. The focus was on the modified, adapted presentations and learning resources created within the framework of the project, the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people with disabilities, the promotion of communication with the public, and participation in various exhibitions, where young people participated with their own handmade products and introduced their abilities to the wider community.
The participants involved in the project were awarded relevant certificates at the end of the event. As a result, the project brought not only direct educational achievements, but also strengthened the support and awareness of the local community towards the abilities of people with disabilities.
Association “Ika-21”, Wooden Workshop “Shqivi” sincerely thanks our loyal partner organization “Hand in Hand” for the best cooperation, for facilitating the inclusion of young people with disabilities in our project and for their constant support. Your involvement was an important pillar on the path of empowerment of each young person. Many thanks to each young person involved in the project, teachers, assistants, parents, and the entire team. We also express our special gratitude to the Youth Agency for its financial support of our project, for the expressed trust and the significant contribution you have made to the strengthening of the Wooden Workshop “Shqivi”. With your support, our space has been formed as an inclusive and sustainable workshop, where young people with disabilities have the opportunity to develop their skills, grow professionally, and establish a worthy place in society. Your support means more opportunities, more development, and the best future for our young people. “Wooden Workshop Beam” will not only provide professional and creative development, but will also create a sustainable model focused on social and economic empowerment for young people with disabilities, which will bring real results in an inclusive environment. Sincere thanks for your support, cooperation, and common cause!