Charity Humanitarian Centre Abkhazia (CHCA)
Tbilisi & Kutaisi, Georgia

About Charity Humanitarian Centre Abkhazia
CHCA is a Georgian non-governmental, non-profit organisation established in 1995 that strives to improve the social and economic conditions of internally displaced people and other vulnerable groups through the implementation of self-reliance and community development programmes in Western Georgia. The activities of the organisation are based on the principles of professionalism, equality, long-term partnership, sustainable development, and are aimed at strengthening civil society in Georgia. CHCA has been operating a regional network of youth clubs since the year 2000, and has since provided community services to more than 2,200 adolescents through its youth development clubs, weekend schools, and vocational training program.  

No War Zone and Georgian Youth
CHCA is working with internally displaced youth in the troubled region of Abkhazia. Increasing volunteerism in youth is an important aspect of their programs, as it channels youth energy into positive activities that can help foster sustainable growth in the region. The most active youth volunteers take part in the Young Leaders for Peacebuilding Project, enabling them to become leaders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. An innovative peer-to-peer teaching program ensures that youth pass on the knowledge they gain through their involvement with CHCA youth development clubs and No War Zone, as well as gain valuable leadership and teaching skills.

Through the No War Zone global youth network, one hundred and fifty youth have the opportunity to create ties with youth from all over world and discuss issues important to them, while working together for peace building and the strengthening of civil society.  No War Zone will help strengthen the Georgian network of youth clubs, as they will be able to discuss their common experiences as Georgian youth and brainstorm ideas for community development projects. Monthly bulletins showcasing their work in the community are prepared and designed by the club members, and their publication on No War Zone will enable them to get feedback from youth around the world as well as from their Georgian counterparts.