A dedicated student’s path - Empowering Families and Advancing Child Well-Being
If you ever question whether a small good deed or a simple act of support can truly make a difference, remember this: even the smallest kindness can have a powerful, lasting impact on child’s life.
Rural and remote regions of Georgia continue to face serious challenges that affect children’s well-being and healthy development. Many families live in poverty, endure inadequate living conditions, and lack access to employment opportunities and essential services. In such circumstances, some parents have been forced to place their children in boarding schools simply because they were unable to care for them at home. To address this, World Vision Georgia has been working for years to assist state agencies in closing large-scale institutions and support the reintegration of children into their biological families, providing multifaceted assistance to strengthen families and promote a safe, stable home environment. At the same time, we are contributing to the development of a sustainable alternative care system, ensuring that every child grows up surrounded by care, stability and protection.
Seventeen-year-old Elene, is one of hundreds of children who left boarding school and whose living conditions have been improved thanks to timely support that met her most basic and urgent needs. For her, even something as simple as having a proper desk has made a meaningful difference in her daily life. Currently, she lives with her mother, grandmother, and two siblings. Although she’s happy to be back home and close to be her sister and brother, it has been difficult for the family, where only the single mother earns a living - to provide proper living conditions for the children. The girl didn’t have a desk to study at, and the family lacked basic furniture necessary to create a safe, child-centred environment that supports learning and well-being. Subsequently they were provided with the all necessary furniture and appliances that made their daily life easier and the girl's return home more comfortable and joyful.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect anything. Even when my mom told me that representatives from World Vision Georgia had come and promised to help, I still couldn’t believe that someone would offer support for free."
Within "Beyond Institutional Care" project, funded by the European Union, the conditions and needs of children who left boarding schools similarly to Elene were assessed. As a result of the assessment, various needs were identified. It was revealed that the families of 88 children lacked basic necessities such as beds, furniture, washing machines, and other essential appliances required for everyday living.
“To ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the children to grow and thrive, 88 children were supported. We equipped families with essential household items, including beds, tables, desks, furniture, stoves, fridges, closets etc. needed for children to live in safe and supportive conditions. We also provided laptops to children in need for their studies, especially those living in the mountainous areas of Adjara - Shuakhevi, Keda, Khelvachauri, and Kobuleti highlands. In addition, college (VET) students who have to travel long distance to Batumi also received laptops to enable them continue their studies remotely from home," explains Nino Danelia, Child Protection Coordinator, Advocacy and External Engagement Focal Point at World Vision Georgia.
“Now that I can study without slouching or back pain, it’s a huge relief. With proper desk I can study for hours with pleasure,” the girl says with a grateful smile. “I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”
Elene is in her final year of high school and is determined to continue her studies at a university medical faculty.
“First, I need to lift myself up and stand firmly on my feet,” she says. “Then, I’ll be able to support my family, and give back everything they’ve done for me.”
Her dream? To become a pediatrician—a goal she’s held on despite doubts and concerns expressed by others about the difficulty of medical studies.
“I’ve always loved children. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by kids, especially in the boarding school. That’s how the desire to become a pediatrician was truly sparked.”
Elene spent much of her childhood in a boarding school with his brother. At first, it was painful to leave home.
“I used to cry and pretend I had stomach aches, just to stay at home a bit longer. Later, I realised that my family simply didn’t have the means to raise me at home. They had no other option,” she recalls.
Despite the challenges, Elene remained strong and focused on her education.
“I was always organised and loved studying. I wanted to be well-educated not just for myself, but to be able to support my family one day.”
Her dedication paid off, she consistently earned top marks and even received a personal computer as a reward in 9th grade for being the best student.
Now back at home, she finds joy in spending time with her younger siblings, especially her brother.
“As kids, we used to fight and argue, but now we’re very close. He often knocks on my door for help with his chemistry and physics homework. I’m good at these subjects, so I explain the material whenever he struggles to understand it. Also, I always check in with him - how school is going, if anyone’s bothering him. I want to protect him and help him stay confident.”
Elene knows first-hand how challenging school can be, especially for children who stand out in any way, whether because of their social status, clothing, or ethnicity. “I experienced bullying myself, so I always tell my brother to stand up for himself.”
At home, the family lives modestly. Their mother works at a hotel as a dishwasher to cover basic expenses. While she works long hours, it’s Elene ’s grandmother who takes care of the home and supports the children’s daily needs.
Now, Elene is preparing for the national exams for higher education, with a focus on biology and chemistry, her strongest subjects.
“I enjoy chemistry so much - it comes easily to me. I’m also preparing for Georgian and English language exams. I’m very motivated.”
“I know my mother and grandmother do everything to support me, and I don’t want to let them down. I even thought about working to help, but it would’ve meant giving up my studies. Now, my major goal is to become a doctor so I can earn enough to take care of my family in the future.”
Although she spent many years away from home in boarding school, this never changed her dream and aspiration to become a pediatrician. With the unwavering support of her family and her own steadfast commitment, she is breaking barriers to accomplish her goal. Her determination to lift herself and her family up stands as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of education and support.
The social worker assigned through the project is always ready to support their family, provide important information, and help them access free services available in their municipality.
“After the evaluation and research were completed, individual development plans were created for each child and family, and we began addressing their needs. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to work with these families and be part of such a meaningful initiative. All the families I work with have my number and know they can reach out anytime for advice or support. We also involved many children in free local activities like dance and art classes”, notes social worker Irma.
As part of World Vision Georgia’s efforts, support was also provided to families at risk of separation due to difficult socio-economic conditions. The project aimed to strengthen alternative care and reduce the number of children in the state care system. For children without parents or whose parents were unable to care for them, arrangements were made for them to live with relatives - such as grandparents, aunts, or other close family members, so they could grow up in a familiar and caring environment rather than with strangers.
"To ensure the sustainability of this support, we not only provided direct assistance but also referred families to local municipalities for access to essential social services. The goal was to ensure that these families and children receive ongoing support from municipal services, including being assigned a dedicated social worker to assist them in the long term and help address their needs," elaborates Nino Danelia.
Despite these achievements, gaps in the child protection system remain. World Vision team in Georgia seeks to address these challenges by further strengthening alternative care services for children and families in Georgia.
By Lika Chigladze, World Vision Georgia