Training focuses on improving interaction with street children
Training focuses on improving interaction with street children
By Diana Dundua
On February 1-2 a two-day workshop entitled "Street Choice" was held to give state officials a greater understanding of the troubles faced by children living in poor socioeconomic conditions.
The training was part of the Street Wise Project, implemented by World Vision Georgia in cooperation with the NGOs Child and Environment and Street Kids International and financially supported by World Vision Canada and UNICEF.
The training involved fifteen participants representing the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the Tbilisi Mayor’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office. The workshop considered theoretical approaches, case studies, problem-solving exercises, video material, and drawings and books illustrating the dangers of life on the street: drugs, diseases and crime.
Street Wise Project Manager Shota Shubladze in an interview with The Messenger spoke on the problems of street kids and at-risk youth in Georgia.
"The purpose of the training is to create a greater understanding of the situation of children whose lives have been affected by the collapse of the socioeconomic system. The project is also to support the reintegration of marginalized youth into society and to help reduce high-risk behavior among street and at-risk youth," explained Shubladze.
At the training, which was led by Street Kids International Trainer Yelena Vinogradova, the participants were introduced to tools on how to reduce and overcome difficulties that kids come across because of lack of supervision.
Discussions were held about the lack of both choice and protection that street children face when exposed to trafficking, drug abuse and physical abuse. Participants expressed views on street life-related concerns and engaged in-group workshops addressing the different perspectives of adults and youth to drug use and health issues.
"Street kid-related problems exist in every country and Georgia is not an exception," said Vinogradova on Thursday, adding that her group is interested in helping kids overcome their troubles and to educate them about the dangers that they face.
"The training is designed to introduce different approaches for preventing and stopping risky behavior," added Vinogradova.
On the second day of the workshop the representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Giorgi Surmava said that Georgia has seen a statistical increase in the involvement of juveniles in certain crimes, namely murders, thefts, burglaries and drug abuse involving juveniles.
According to him, the situation is more serious in Tbilisi than it is in the regions because of the difficult social and economic conditions found in the capital.
"In an urban environment, children are less likely to acknowledge possible consequences and dangers. Traditional forms of punishment are not always effective and sometimes they can even be wrong," said Surmava on February 2.
The Street Wise Project gives at-risk and street youth in Georgia the opportunity to participate actively in solving their own health and income problems by learning to apply practical and effective risk and decision-making skills.
The project focuses on three groups: street and at-risk youth; existing government and non-government youth sector service providers; and the juvenile justice system.
