Mziuri Park Festival Celebrates Children’s Day and Family Wellbeing
Each year, the World Vision Georgia team strives to make International Children's Day on 1 June unforgettable for children in day-care and 24-hour centres, filling them with joy, gifts, and sweet surprises. To mark the day this year, we envisioned something bigger than usual—a grand celebration designed to bring both children and parents together. To bring this idea to life the organisation teamed up with the social platform Mandala of Light, which empower mothers and women at the contemporary art space Cube in Context.
A Two-Day Festival for Children and Parents at Mziuri Park
On May 30–31, Mziuri Park - nestled in the heart of Tbilisi - was transformed into a vibrant space filled with creativity, discovery, and meaningful connection. The two-day festival was carefully curated to offer families a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment where they could learn, play, and spend quality time with their children.
To ensure that no one was left out, all activities were completely free of charge, giving every family in the community the opportunity to participate, have fun, gain knowledge and build lasting memories. Most of the activities, workshops and sessions took place around Cube in Context.
Free Activities for Children
The festival aimed to raise awareness about children’s rights and remind society that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and happy childhood — one that supports their emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Throughout both days, Mziuri Park hosted a diverse and dynamic programme tailored to both children and adults, creating a welcoming space for learning, discovery, and connection.
Beyond being a celebration, the event also offered an informative and mindful experience for families. A key focus of the programme was supporting and empowering parents through specialist-led sessions on positive parenting, child wellbeing, safeguarding and family relationships.
While parents attended informative discussions and workshops, children took part in creative activities, outdoor adventures, and educational games. The activities included a vibrant mix of storytime sessions, art workshops, science experiments, eco-education activities, and interactive games designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, movement, and learning through play.
Among the wide range of activities, children particularly enjoyed several unique and engaging workshops delivered by local companies and entrepreneurs, including water marbling sessions by Tseshi, a children’s rights board game from World Vision, forest adventures with Bunebare, book-reading sessions led by renowned authors such as neuropsychologist Nino Margvelashvili, and the eco-education theatre Econeki, among many others.
As part of the EU initiative Georgia Goes Green, the EU Green Corner was also set up at the venue offering children engaging, hands-on activities focused on sustainability and environmental care. Children participated in a special workshop and explored urban greening techniques. The programme also featured “Chompo,” a symbolic “waste monster,” helping children learn about recycling and responsible waste management through interactive storytelling and games.
"As the European Union, we are committed to protecting and promoting children's rights not only in Georgia but around the world. Today, we are proud to contribute to this celebration through our project, Georgia Goes Green. Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness among children from an early age about the importance of caring for nature and protecting our planet.
We have prepared a range of fun and engaging activities for children and teenagers, focusing on topics such as climate change, environmental protection, waste management, and recycling. By learning through play and participation, young people can develop the knowledge and values needed to build a greener and more sustainable future,"- stated Annelies Vanwymelbeke, Team Leader for Green Deal, Connectivity, Economic and Investment Plan at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.
Both kids and youth played World Vision Georgia's interactive board game on children’s rights with great enthusiasm. The activity was followed by an engaging discussion, giving participants the opportunity to reflect on what they had learned. Through the session, children and young people explored their fundamental rights - essential foundation for their development, wellbeing, and active citizenship.
The interactive eco-theatre “Econeki” attracted many young visitors with an engaging performance about nature, environmental protection, and our connection to the world around us. Through interactive play and creativity, children became active participants, learning the importance of caring for the environment in a fun and engaging way.
In parallel the instructors of Oktopus Fitness Club organised fun starts, playful games, and physical activities for the young visitors, promoting healthy lifestyles and the importance of physical activity among children.
Parenting Support and Family Wellbeing
While children explored creative activities, parents attended expert-led sessions focused on parenting, child development, and family wellbeing.
World Vision Georgia specialists shared practical guidance on positive parenting and child development. Nino Danelia, Social Worker and Education Specialist, led a session on children's rights and the role of parents in creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Mariam Khvadagiani, neuropsychologist, discussed how animation can become a valuable tool for child development and family connection, while offering practical advice on selecting age-appropriate, educational content for children.
A first aid express training session for parents was led by the Red Cross, offering practical guidance on how to respond in different emergency situations and provide life-saving assistance to children in critical moments.
Parents also had the opportunity to exercise together with their children by joining a free yoga session led by Sofioga, promoting a healthy lifestyle, wellbeing, and quality family time. A dedicated relaxation space, hosted by Mandala of Light, offered parents a calm environment to unwind, enjoy herbal tea, connect with other parents, and receive guidance on self-care and parenting.
Flea Market and Children’s Exhibition
The festival also featured a flea market, bringing together local entrepreneurs and young participants. Visitors had the opportunity to explore and purchase local products and handmade souvenirs, while free water, healthy treats, sweets, and snacks were provided with the support of local companies, including Bakuriani, Sante, and Sandomi. Additionally, Biblusi, a well-known bookstore chain, hosted a special stand offering a selection of educational books for children and parents at a discounted price.
Another highlight was an interactive exhibition at the Cube in Context gallery, showcasing collaborative artworks created by children from various day care centres, including World Vision Georgia’s centres. Young visitors were invited to contribute their own artworks and become co-authors of the exhibition, while participating children received gifts from Biblusi, one of the festival’s key partners.
“We believe this day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about children’s rights and support parents and families, as a child’s wellbeing begins with a strong and caring environment. Through our work with children, parents, and communities, we aim to create safer and more supportive spaces for every child. Today’s activities provide practical guidance on children’s rights, safety, positive parenting, and emotional wellbeing, making this celebration a moment to learn, connect, and support one another.” — Ekaterine Gurgenadze, Director of World Vision Georgia.
The festival concluded with a joyful performance featuring kids from Meko Studio, followed by a concert by the Georgian band Gamouvali Mdgomareoba, especially popular among youth. Families, young people, and visitors of all ages enjoyed the free performances, creating an atmosphere filled with music, joy, and positive energy.
This special day served as a powerful reminder that all children deserve to grow up in a safe and loving environment where they are treated equally. International Children's Day is more than just a celebration; it is a profound call to action, reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect, nurture, and create safe spaces for the next generation.