A project supporting young leaders from Georgia through Polish experiences in democracy, participation, and solidarity.
🎯 About the project
The main objective of the project is to “strengthen the position of young people in Kutaisi (Georgia)” by sharing Poland’s successful experiences in involving citizens in local governance structures.
The project includes:
– workshops with experts from Poland and Europe
– mentoring and local capacity building
– a study visit to Poland
– support for the development of local youth initiatives
📍 Workshops in Kutaisi | May 14–15, 2025
1. Local participation strategies
👤 Marco Boaria, ALDA
Practical tools and models for engaging citizens in decision-making processes. Digital tools, community mobilization, network building.
2. Poland’s experience in transformation
👤 Adam Reichardt, KEW / New Eastern Europe
The role of civil society during political transformation. The resilience of NGOs, the importance of civic engagement today.
3. Solidarity as a social force
👤 Magdalena Charkin-Jaszcza, European Solidarity Center
Solidarity as a value and social practice. Examples from Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus. Activities of the European Solidarity Center.
4. How to build effective civic movements
👤 Marta Kamińska, Olsztyn City Council / KOD
Grassroots mobilization, coalition building, and social influence. Lessons from recent years of civic activism in Poland.
Study visit to Poland | June 1–5, 2025
📍 Wojnowice – College of Eastern Europe
The role of local government in EU politics
👤 Irina Tkeshelashvili, Team Europe DIRECT
📍 Wrocław
– Meeting with the Wrocław Youth Council and city authorities
– Educational walk with Sławomir Sochaj, author of the book “Niedopolska”
– Visit to the University of Wrocław with Dr. Jakub Bornio
📍 Gdańsk
– Discussion: Solidarity with Georgia
– Meeting at the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship
– Conversation with the Pomeranian Regional Youth Parliament
– Participation in the forum “Europe with a view to the future”
– Commemoration of the 36th anniversary of the elections of June 4, 1989
– Visit to the European Solidarity Center
📸 Photo gallery
🤝 Partners
– Local Democracy Agency Georgia (Kutaisi)
– European Solidarity Centre
– The city of Wrocław
– The city of Gdańsk
– The Marshall’s Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship
– Team Europe DIRECT
This project is co-financed by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation as part of the RITA- Transformation in the Region program, implemented by the Education for Democracy Foundation.
