Georgia

Social Entrepreneurship for a Competitive Youth

Icon Icon

One-third of all young people in Georgia are unemployed—a figure that continues to rise due to the gap between the skills taught in schools and the demands of the labor market. Vocational schools offer few opportunities for practical experience, and young people are not adequately taught the modern and essential skills they need, such as entrepreneurial, communication, and social skills. The educational approach known as “student-run social enterprises” can improve this situation, strengthen education at vocational schools, and provide targeted support to young people as they transition into the workforce.

At a glance

Target audience

Students aged 14 to 15 in secondary schools, and students aged 16 and older in vocational schools in the pilot regions of Imereti and Inner Kartli

Goal

Develop and strengthen the entrepreneurial and economic skills of young Georgians by introducing the educational concept of “student-run social enterprises”

Partners & Donors

EDEC

Background

Youth unemployment in Georgia has risen significantly in recent years—partly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, related social problems, such as the low labor force participation rate among young women and the widening gender pay gap, have further intensified.

 

Georgia’s economy is in serious trouble. Limited job opportunities and an education system that often fails to align with the needs of the labor market are forcing many young people to move away after graduation to find work. The lack of prospects and training leads to increased brain drain, further exacerbating economic and social problems across the country and creating a cycle of emigration and skills shortages.

 

The concept of social entrepreneurship aims to counteract this. It promotes entrepreneurial activities that implement innovative and long-term solutions to stimulate positive social change. The difference from a traditional nonprofit organization is that profitable, new business models, innovations, and meaningful jobs are created. This is a particularly good approach for young people to gain practical experience and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills as they advance in their careers.

 

That is why we are committed to the education of young people in Georgia by promoting the development of social entrepreneurship. In this way, they learn to take on social responsibility and actively engage with civil society. 

More than one million of Georgia’s approximately 3.7 million residents live in the capital, Tbilisi.

The declining labor force participation among young people is due to emigration from this relatively sparsely populated country. More than 30% of young people in the country are unemployed.

Thanks to local partners and international donors, the concept of social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum and recognition in Georgia.

Donate to Georgia now!

Our Commitment to Georgia

In Georgia, we partner with vocational and secondary schools to develop the professional skills of adolescents and young adults and equip them with the competencies they need for a successful start in the workforce.

 

Our work transforms classrooms into hubs for social impact. By establishing student-run social enterprises, we equip young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—with the skills and knowledge needed to become social entrepreneurs. Through hands-on experience in brainstorming, budgeting, and teamwork, students learn to tackle real-world challenges while developing essential entrepreneurial skills. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of socially conscious leaders who can create sustainable solutions for their communities and beyond. 

Together with our local partner organization, the Economic Development and Empowerment Center (EDEC), we are developing a certified training program that is available to all vocational and secondary schools. Newly established test labs and startup centers offer economic development and hands-on continuing education opportunities for more than 1,000 young people. Through scholarships, we also enable 120 vocational school students to participate in a four-month training program. They then apply the knowledge gained there directly when founding their own social enterprises.

 

We also involve families and the regional economy. Information sessions and promotional campaigns on social entrepreneurship help to explain the benefits of the concept to all stakeholders and motivate them to do their part to reduce youth unemployment. This creates new opportunities for young people in Georgia as well as for the entire local economy—a win-win situation for the whole country

Your donation makes a difference!

Professional development

Vocational training for a vocational school student

Donate €35

Teaching materials

Teaching materials on social entrepreneurship

Donate €55

Launch of a student-run company

Support for the establishment of a student-run social enterprise

Donate €150

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Häufig gefragt

What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?

Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.

How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?

The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.

How does ChildFund Germany work?

Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

 

In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.

What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?

Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?

We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.

How can I support ChildFund Germany?

There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.

How many people does ChildFund Germany reach?

Through our work, we reach people in over 30 countries around the world. Our projects benefit more than 80,000 children, their families, and their communities.

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Or become a sponsor?

Donation account: Postbank | IBAN: DE61 6001 0070 0001 7107 02 | BIC: PBNKDEFF