May 11, 2025
News
Tbilisi, May 11, 2025 – Caritas Czech Republic’s Country Office in Georgia is celebrating a significant milestone — 10 years of dedicated work supporting Georgia’s development across healthcare, social protection, rural development, and environmental sustainability.
Caritas Czech Republic’s Country Office Marks 10 Year Jubilee
Since its official launch in 2015, the office has implemented nearly 70 projects and built a strong local team of over 30 professionals. Through close cooperation with national and local authorities, international donors, and civil society organisations, Caritas Czech Republic has made a tangible contribution to improving the lives of Georgia’s most vulnerable groups.
“We are proud of what we`ve achieved over the past decade,” says Ekaterine Meskhrikadze, Country Director. “Our work is focused on people. Every protocol, every training we deliver, and every service we provide is about improving people’s lives — whether for a child with autism spectrum disorder, a rural doctor, or a farmer in the highlands.”
A Key Partner in Georgia’s Healthcare Reform
Caritas Czech Republic is recognized as one of the main international supporters of health reforms in Georgia. Since 2015, the organisation has worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health of Georgia to modernise the country’s healthcare system and improve the quality of primary healthcare services. It has helped establish a national electronic medical records repository and electronic management information system for primary healthcare, created 30 national clinical protocols and pathways, and trained thousands of rural healthcare workers in the management of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions across the whole country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caritas Czech Republic played a critical role in the national response efforts. It trained more than 1,100 rural doctors, established the COVID laboratory system, and provided essential medical equipment to mitigate the crises caused by the pandemic.
“At Caritas Czech Republic, we believe that strengthening healthcare and promoting inclusive services is key to building a resilient and equitable health system in Georgia. Through long-term collaboration with national partners, we support sustainable reforms that improve access, quality, and dignity of care for every person — especially the most vulnerable. What drives us is supporting professionals to grow their skills, deliver better services, and help shape policies that make systems stronger and more inclusive,” — Rusudan Chkhubianishvili, Health and Social Projects Manager.
Caritas Czech Republic has made a strong contribution to national cancer prevention efforts by supporting the establishment and promotion of the Zugdidi Screening Center. As part of the initiative, the organisation constructed the center, helped to equip the facility, and conducted capacity building for over 120 family doctors in oncology. Extensive awareness campaigns reached more than 6,000 citizens, encouraging early detection and regular screening.
With the support of the Czech government, currently we are carrying out an ambitious project aimed at reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardio-vascular diseases by improving early detection, access to treatment, public awareness, and the capacity of the health workforce in Georgia.
Our organisation has contributed to the creation of Georgia’s first pediatric palliative care unit at Zhvania Children’s Hospital in Tbilisi. Moreover, in pediatric care, the organisation helped to update various national clinical protocols and trained over 200 pediatricians and nurses. It also supported UNICEF in introducing remote monitoring of child development (ages 0-6) in 50 rural clinics, improving early detection of developmental disorders and timely inclusion in early intervention services.
Promoting Social Inclusion and Disability Rights
Caritas Czech Republic has been a key actor in advancing inclusive social services for persons with specific requirements and other socially vulnerable groups in Georgia. As part of its commitment to deinstitionalisation, the organization has contributed the development Georgia’s national deinstitutionalisation strategy, established six family-type homes for adults with specific requirements, and provided technical assistance in the reform of disability-focused health legislation.
In the field of autism care, Caritas Czech Republic helped open or strengthen services in various regions and municipalities, trained over 100 autism specialists, and introduced globally recognized models for autism diagnosis (ADOS) and therapy (Early Start Denver Model) especially in the regions of Georgia. It also supported the development of national protocol and autism service standards and supported the screening of over 1,400 children. Dozens of specialists were trained in internationally recognized models like Applied Behavior Analysis and SCERTS. Primary healthcare staff from all over Georgia were trained in early detection. Our organisation also contributed to improving the quality of Autism Services by developing ABA training modules to prepare 20 supervisory level ABA specialists.
With the financial support of the Czech Development Agency, we are now implementing a project focused on improving early childhood care and inclusive education for children with specific requirements in Georgia. 2 early intervention services have already been established and three more will be established in 2025. In 2024, 60 new early intervention specialists and 17 ECI supervisors were prepared, who were added to the newly established ECD centers or to the existing centers with long waiting lists especially in Tbilisi and Rustavi. Six municipalities and 19 kindergartens were supported in the development of inclusive education strategies and in their enforcement.
Notably the importance of the EU-funded project that empowered young people with specific requirements in Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova by providing tailored training in digital skills and career management. Participants gained valuable knowledge, developed confidence, and connected with local digital companies, helping them improve their employability and take steps toward independent living despite limited accessible opportunities in their regions.
Driving Sustainable Rural Development
In Georgia’s mountainous regions, including Khulo, Tusheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Caritas Czech Republic has played a vital role in strengthening rural livelihoods and building local capacity. Through its rural development initiatives, the organisation supported the formation of Local Action Groups (LAGs), trained small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs, and helped boost rural employment.
Between 2021 and 2024, Caritas Czech Republic contributed to the creation or retention over 550 jobs, while providing technical assistance in areas like pasture management, veterinary services, and agri-tourism. Communities were also trained in sustainable agriculture, resilience building, and climate adaptation techniques, helping rural populations better cope with environmental and economic challenges. Caritas Czech Republic has consistently promoted environmentally friendly agricultural practices, including rotational grazing and improved livestock management, which not only increase productivity but also help protect land from overgrazing and soil degradation.
In addition to livelihood support, food safety and public awareness have become integral to Caritas Czech Republic’s rural development efforts. Under the EU-funded ENPARD IV programme, the organization in collaboration with civic society organisations, carried out the “Regions and People for Food Safety” initiative, reaching over 2,200 students in 35 schools, strengthening community understanding of safe and sustainable food systems.
“Our goal has always been to empower rural communities not only to improve their livelihoods, but to do so in a way that respects the environment and strengthens resilience to climate change. The success we’ve seen, in job creation, sustainable agriculture, and food safety awareness proves that long-term development starts with local ownership and informed communities”, says Ekaterine Meskhrikadze, Country Office Director.
Caring for Environmental Protection
Caritas Czech Republic has been actively contributing to environmental protection and climate resilience in Georgia through a range of community-based and sustainable development initiatives. With a focus on areas vulnerable to ecological degradation and climate-driven disasters, the organisation has supported local authorities and communities in improving waste and wastewater management, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening disaster preparedness.
In several regions, including Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Caritas Czech Republic has implemented integrated waste management solutions, introduced composting practices, and raised awareness on circular economy principles among farmers, schools, and municipalities. These efforts have helped reduce environmental impact while building local capacity for responsible resource use.
To address water pollution and sanitation issues, the organisation has also supported the introduction of affordable, sustainable wastewater treatment technologies in underserved areas.
Recognizing the growing risks posed by climate change, Caritas Czech Republic has also assisted municipalities like Oni in strengthening disaster risk management systems. By supporting the development of local emergency plans, covering prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, the organization helps build resilience in communities exposed to hazards such as floods, landslides, and wildfires.
Looking Ahead
Over the past 10 years, Caritas Czech Republic has established itself as a trusted and respected partner in Georgia’s development, delivering results through close collaboration with national institutions, local municipalities, international donors, and local communities.
“Our work in Georgia will continue to evolve, but our commitment remains unchanged,” says Ekaterine Meskhrikadze. “We will keep working where help is needed—professionally, respectfully, and with a focus on long-term impact.”
Looking ahead, Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia remains committed to its mission of fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of country’s most vulnerable populations, standing as a reliable partner in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for Georgia.
