CRS Work in Georgia

Helping Displaced People Rebuild Their Lives

The collapse of the Soviet Union caused many of the former Soviet republics to spiral into civil conflict and mayhem. In the Imereti region of Georgia, two such conflicts in the early 1990s resulted in the initial displacement of over 300,000 people. Catholic Relief Services works with partners in Georgia to help people displaced by violence within Georgia build job skills. Our programs have offered 500 internally displaced people vocational training in fields like tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, plumbing and computer repair. Our partners assess what jobs are in demand, then find internship opportunities and coordinate job placements for program participants. The programs also provide psychosocial support and legal counseling.

Improving Community Life

Working with local church volunteers, CRS helps parishes carry out projects that make neighborhoods better. Examples of volunteer projects include creating local libraries, refurbishing playgrounds and creating a youth center inside a parish.

Fighting Human Trafficking

CRS works with Caritas Armenia to raise awareness of human trafficking. Projects include creating a curriculum to use in schools and running a poster campaign for public awareness.

Ensuring Government Transparency

CRS partners with local organizations on projects that ensure good governance, transparent budgeting and media freedom.