They Receive What They Need During These Meetings" - Ongoing Support Program for Parents of Children with Disabilities in Chokhatauri "

For the past eight months, a special therapy course for parents of children with disabilities has been ongoing in Chokhatauri Municipality. Initiated and organized by the NGO "Women for Women" and funded by Bakhvi HPP, this initiative is supported by the local government, which ensures the transportation of participants to the sessions. Meetings are held twice a month.

The goal of these sessions is to provide psychological support to parents through therapeutic group work. As Maka Shanidze, project manager at "Women for Women," explains, the training sessions offer parents the opportunity to discuss important issues and stress management techniques, which has proven to be the best form of assistance given their circumstances.

1. Maka, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. How many parents are currently involved in the project

• Approximately 30 parents are involved in the project. It's crucial for these women to feel that they are not alone, that there is care and interest in their well-being and psycho-emotional health.

2. We understand that parents can bring their children to the meetings. Was this planned from the start, or did the need for it emerge during the

• Alongside the parent meetings, our psychologists also work with the children. This was not initially planned but it allows mothers to fully engage in the process without worrying about leaving their children alone.

3. How positively does the presence of such a space and interaction affect the children?

• The work with children is conducted through various games, making the environment beneficial, interesting, and enjoyable for them. Interaction with each other has a very positive effect on the children's behavior and mood.

4. What were your expectations at the beginning of the project, and how do you evaluate its progress now?

• From the beginning and even now, I believe this is a truly unique project. It allows the involved parents to talk about their emotions and share experiences with each other. With the support of Bakhvi HPP, this project is a significant step forward for our organization.