Within the framework of the “First time at the self-government elections” campaign, an online meeting with young people living in Batumi, Shuakhevi, Khelvachauri, Ozurgeti, Chokhatauri, and Gori municipalities was held on September 9 and 10. The purpose of the meeting was to clarify the essence of self-governance, competencies, forms of citizen participation, and electoral procedures for young people, especially those for whom the 2021 self-government elections are the first elections.
Natia Apkhazava, Head of the Batumi Branch of the Civil Society Institute (CSI), and Dako Muradashvili, Local Representative of the Civil Society Institute (CSI) Gori Office, talked to young people about formal and informal tools of citizen participation in self-government activities; Mindia Salukvadze, a representative of Innovation and Civil Development Center – “Progress House”, provided them with information regarding self-government activities and its competencies; while Paata Diasamidze, Head of the Adjara branch of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, made a presentation on the elections for participants of the meeting.
The “First time at the self-government elections” campaign consists of various stages and serves personal development of young people, enhancement of their role, and encouragement to participate in local self-government activities. The campaign is implemented by the Civil Society Institute (CSI) within the framework of the project – “Building a Robust Alliance of Local Development Actors in Georgia” (Phase II), with the support of a German organization – “Bread for the World” and in partnership with youth centers operating in target municipalities as well as with Innovation and Civil Development Center – “Progress House”.