Fellowship Programme
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| Country | Ukraine |
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Hanna Nishnianidze’s Fellowship project, Pakunochok, was developed in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With millions displaced and in urgent need of support, Hanna and her team created a simple yet powerful tool – a Telegram bot that connects those in need with those who are ready to help.
Launched in early 2023, Pakunochok is an automated system that collects and verifies individual requests for essential goods – food, baby products, and medicine – and adds them to a publicly accessible database. Anyone who wants to help can access the bot at any time, choose a verified request, and send a personalized aid package directly to the person in need.
During the project implementation, over 1,600 Ukrainians – single mothers, children, the elderly, and internally displaced people – received vital support and a message of solidarity. The project gave them not just supplies, but also something more powerful: a sense that they are not alone.
“Thank you so much for the help,” wrote Ludmila, one of the beneficiaries, “thanks to you I feel that I’m really not alone.” Another recipient, Katerina, shared her astonishment at the care behind each package: “There was a huge box of diapers for my baby… your project helped us a lot!”
Through Pakunochok, Hanna proved that even the smallest packages can carry the biggest impact.
| Country | Ukraine |
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| Country | Ukraine |
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Anton Bocharov’s Fellowship project, uLocal, is a digital platform created to support Ukraine’s growing population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) by connecting them with verified legal and psychological experts offering free or discounted services.
Launched in 2023, uLocal acts as a smart matchmaking system. IDPs can search a growing database of professionals – currently 24 lawyers and 14 psychologists – filtering by specialty, service type, and location. Each expert profile includes ratings and reviews, allowing users to make informed choices. Once matched, users can securely message the professional and leave feedback afterward. The platform also features a built-in discount system to ensure services remain affordable.
In its first three months, uLocal attracted 965 visitors, nearly 150 registered users, and helped resolve 25 individual cases – mostly related to legal questions about social benefits, housing, and financial assistance. With each resolved request, uLocal not only helps IDPs navigate an unfamiliar system but also reaffirms their right to support and dignity in the face of displacement.
| Country | Ukraine |
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Under the captivating banner of “History Keepers,” Mariam Gersamia spearheaded a transformative Fellowship project aimed at fostering solidarity journalism for peace and security. Her project encompassed a wide array of activities that strengthened the bond between civically minded citizens of Georgia and Ukraine, all while elevating awareness concerning media coverage of vulnerable groups in Ukraine.
One of the notable achievements of this initiative was the creation and implementation of a joint training module and syllabus for universities titled “Solidarity Journalism in a Global Era.” This syllabus, approved and executed at Tbilisi State University’s graduate program “Media Psychology and Communications,” was a resounding success, engaging 15 students in the fall semester, including international students from Europe. The syllabus marks a pivotal step in shaping the future of journalism and nurturing a new generation of journalists focused on solidarity.
The project extended its reach through diverse activities, including webinars, training sessions, discussions featuring renowned journalists and civic activists, and an awarding ceremony for the “History Keepers.” Additionally, Mariam’s team produced podcasts, academic blogs, social media content, and quizzes focused on the history of Ukraine, Russian disinformation, and the essence of solidarity journalism.
The impact of Mariam’s Fellowship project has been far-reaching. Beneficiaries include students, media organizations, educators, and civil society organizations in both Ukraine and Georgia. The legacy of this project is one of increased awareness about solidarity journalism, the history of Ukraine and its people, and the establishment of the “History Keepers” programme. This initiative has fortified networks of support and understanding between Georgian and Ukrainian communities and promises to shape the future of journalism, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across borders.
Check some of the resources produced by the project:
| Country | Georgia |
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| Country | Ukraine |
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| Country | Ukraine |
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| Country | Ukraine |
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The Interim Monitoring of the Three-Year Reform of the Youth Agency stands as the first research report that evaluates the performance of Georgia’s Youth Agency from the perspective of its beneficiaries. Established in 2019, the Youth Agency had not undergone any external assessment, making Davit’s research a landmark contribution to the youth policy field in Georgia.
Through a rigorous and inclusive methodology, the research engaged almost 50 participants in six focus group discussions, including youth organisation representatives, youth workers, and college representatives from diverse regions, age groups, and gender identities. All participants had direct experience with the Agency’s programmes and welcomed the opportunity to be heard, noting that this was the only space available for them to share their concerns about the development of the youth sector in Georgia.
The findings, compiled in both Georgian and English, were published and made available online and received strong interest from the youth sector and academia further demonstrating the report’s practical relevance. (Download the report in English here and in Georgian here).
An online presentation of the report took place on January 9, 2023, where a representative of the Youth Agency expressed appreciation for the effort and emphasized its potential to contribute meaningfully to youth development in Georgia.
Davit’s work provides an important independent lens into the challenges and opportunities within Georgia’s youth policy framework. He sees the report as a valuable resource for international donor organisations, civil society actors, and researchers working to strengthen non-formal education and advocacy in the youth field.
By giving voice to beneficiaries and producing a structured, evidence-based report, this fellowship project has laid the groundwork for more accountable and responsive youth policy development in Georgia.
| Country | Georgia |
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Tamar Zviadadze’s Fellowship project aimed to illuminate and address the challenges and opportunities surrounding the employment of youth with disabilities in the modern labour market.
A pivotal component of this initiative was the Needs Assessment Study on Employability of Youth with Disabilities (Download the study in English here and in Georgian here). This study not only revealed the current status of youth with disabilities in the labour market, but also identified their needs and challenges. It delved into the labour market’s demands on the one hand, and on the other, it examined the attitudes and perceptions of employers regarding the employment of individuals with disabilities.
Recognizing the importance of increasing awareness about existing employment support services among both youth and employers, the project included a service mapping exercise. This effort led to the creation of a public document that serves as a guideline for those seeking information on available employment support services.
The impact of this project has been substantial. Its beneficiaries encompass youth with disabilities, employers, civil society organizations involved in employment support, and the State Employment Support Agency. A final event on the presentation of research findings brought together stakeholders from the State Employment Agency, the Public Defender’s Office, and local and international NGOs. Through this event, a collaborative spirit was kindled, with the parties agreeing to work more closely on the issues surrounding the employment support of individuals with disabilities.
Significantly, Tamar’s work has bridged a knowledge gap in this vital field. It is one of the few quantitative pieces of research on the employment of people with disabilities in Georgia. The guideline on existing employment support services has also significantly increased awareness among employers and individuals with disabilities. This project has set the stage for greater inclusivity and support for people with disabilities in the workforce, paving the way for a more equitable future.
| Country | Georgia |
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| The budget development decisions | 0 |