Goals

Problem statement:

Many religious and ethnic minorities live in Georgia. Marneuli is the region where ethnic Azerbaijanis are densely populated. There is no communication among the members of the ethnic groups living in different villages of the region. Due to this region, different groups living in the country fail to integrate.

A second problem is that youth living in the far-away villages of the region do not have a chance to see their cultural heritage and visit landmarks which give them a sense of shared identity.

Proposed Solution:

Awareness is the first important step for integration. The youth should be aware of the history, culture, and religious views of their country.

Two seminars will be given to the youth on the history of religion. The seminars will provide information to Georgian and Azerbaijani youth on the history of Islam and Christianity in Georgia, their basics and comparisons.

This seminar will be made real by a visit to the “Jumah” mosque in Tbilisi and “Svetitskhoveli” church in Mtskheta. The excursion will also be accompanied with a guide who will provide information to the youth about the historical monuments. The activity will be covered by the local media.

The seminars on the history of religion will help Azerbaijani and Georgian youth to get information about each other’s religions. Consequently, the sense of analysis, comparison and tolerance will increase in the youth. They will get to know the history, religion and culture of ethnic groups. 40 young people (20 Azerbaijani and 20 Georgians) will take part in the seminars. The informed youth should share this with others too.

Sustainability:

The project will accelerate the process of integration and friendship of the Georgian-Azerbaijani youth.

Equal gender opportunity:

Gender balance will be kept in the participants. The girls and boys will continue to carry out the activities together in the future. Often there is such a problem – parents don’t allow girls to go out. This will be an example for many parents and also for the youth, that their children will also learn information about their own country.