The Georgian Youth Development Association (GYDA) organised two SYWOR multiplier events in Georgia, bringing together youth workers, students, displaced young people, and representatives of local organisations. Both meetings focused on strengthening inclusive youth work practices, sharing international experiences, and creating space for dialogue between Georgian and Ukrainian communities.
One of the events was held at Grigol Robakidze University and hosted by Project Coordinator Mariam. The meeting began with an introduction to GYDA’s mission and ongoing work, particularly its engagement in Erasmus+ programmes and international cooperation initiatives. Participants received information about Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, and other mobility opportunities, as well as upcoming projects in which GYDA will participate as both partner and host organisation.
During the session, the SYWOR project was presented, with special attention given to its objective of strengthening youth workers and organisations working with displaced young people. A key highlight was the presentation of the Georgian translation of the SYWOR Handbook for Youth Workers. Making the handbook available in the local language ensures that practical tools and inclusive methods developed within the project are accessible and applicable in everyday youth work contexts across Georgia.
The event also served as a follow-up to the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Empowering Young Artists in Europe’s Digital Landscape,” previously implemented in Cyprus. Participants who attended the exchange shared their experiences, reflecting on creative practices, intercultural collaboration, and digital tools explored during the project. The discussion focused on how these methods can be transferred into local initiatives, ensuring that international learning continues to benefit young people in Georgia.
In addition, participants discussed the Polish initiative “Move Your Mind,” reflecting on how its achievements in the field of youth mental health connect with ongoing efforts in Georgia. The conversation highlighted the importance of integrating wellbeing and psychosocial awareness into youth work, especially when supporting displaced communities.
The second multiplier event gathered more than twenty participants, including Ukrainians currently living in Georgia and Georgian attendees. The meeting provided a space for information sharing, mutual understanding, and open discussion.
GYDA once again presented Erasmus+ opportunities and participation procedures, helping attendees better understand how to engage in international programmes. The SYWOR project and the Georgian translation of the handbook were introduced as practical resources supporting inclusive and trauma-aware youth work practices.
A central moment of the meeting was the screening of short films presenting personal experiences and perspectives related to Ukraine. The films were followed by a discussion, where participants reflected on displacement, identity, belonging, and solidarity. This exchange created an atmosphere of empathy and respect, allowing both Ukrainian and Georgian participants to share perspectives and build stronger connections.
Impact
Together, the two multiplier events demonstrated how international cooperation can strengthen local youth work. By combining practical tools, international project follow-up, mental health discussions and intercultural dialogue, GYDA contributed to creating a supportive environment for displaced young people and those who work with them.
Through the SYWOR project, knowledge gained across borders is transformed into locally relevant action — ensuring that inclusive youth work continues to grow, adapt, and respond to the real needs of young people affected by displacement.
About the Project
The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:
- Georgian Youth Development Association – GYDA (Georgia)
- European Integration Group (Turkey)
- MilleniuM Training and Development Institute (Moldova)
- Fundacja Nowy Staw (Poland)
The project is funded by the European Union and aims to strengthen youth workers and organizations involved in supporting displaced young people through capacity building and cross-border collaboration.
