Georgia has been working to enhance food safety and increase international trade since its government entered into an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) in 2016. Now, having received assistance from the IAEA in cooperation with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Georgia’s State Laboratory of Agriculture (SLA) is able to use a range of analytical techniques, including radio receptor assay, to screen foods for various chemical hazards, such as animal drug residues, and for contaminants, such as mycotoxins, which could otherwise represent risks to human health.The EU Association Agreement requires Georgia to ‘approximate’ its standards, legislation and regulations governing food safety, animal feed and animal production to the existing control mechanisms in the EU by 2027, including inspection, supervision and monitoring. This will enable Georgians to receive and consume safe and good quality foods and will also help ensure that these foods are competitive for international trade, fulfilling the requirements of EU and other markets. Animal products, such as meat and dairy/milk, are considered high-risk products and therefore, to access the EU market, certain requirements, including testing, must be met.Analysis of food samples including milk at the SLA in Georgia (Photo: A. Gulbani/SLA, Georgia)Georgia’s Ministry of Agriculture is one of several government institutions tasked with implementation of the new Association Agreement with the EU. A total of 300 regulations have been promulgated so far, and the implementation of 188, including those related to food safety, is now ongoing. The Ministry of Agriculture depends on the SLA, the national Laboratory for agriculture, to meet its obligations as regards to food safety testing. This laboratory is mandated to monitor chemical residues and related hazards in agricultural products that are a danger to consumers and the market. However, despite its mandated responsibilities, the SLA had only limited capabilities and was unable to adequately meet the needs of the Ministry and the country. For example, it could not analyse pesticides, veterinary drug residues and toxic metals in food. With the support provided through the IAEA technical cooperation programme, this has changed for the better.Following training of several SLA personnel and the provision of technical assistance, including analytical method protocols and equipment the SLA is now able to perform tests that were previously impossible. For example, new tests can be conducted to analyse fish, meat and milk for residues of drugs such as chloramphenicol and nitroimidazoles. Chloramphenicol is prohibited for use in food production in many countries due to its harmful nature to consumers including its potential to cause cancer. Other methods were established for testing pesticides in milk and water as well as residues of sulfonamide and aminoglycoside antimicrobials (associated with antimicrobial resistances) in honey. The number of samples analyzed by the SLA per year has tripled since 2021, an indication of the increased demand for SLA’s service and its improved capabilities.“Improving the sanitary and phytosanitary system, as well as approximation to European standards, enhances the safety of Georgian foods and raises trust on the global market, bolstering the growth of our country’s exports,” said Ana Gulbani, Deputy Director of the SLA in Georgia.“It was a pleasure to see that the implementation of the technical cooperation project made it possible for us to introduce new analytical methods so that the SLA can address gaps in service delivery and meet country needs,” added  Gulbani.“The lack of better equipped and well-functioning laboratories is a major bottleneck to a country’s food safety control system, negatively impacting consumer safety and trade of agricultural products. We are very happy to provide technical support to our Member States to assist them in overcoming such challenges,” said Dongxin Feng, Acting Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.The radio receptor assay techniques, which have recently been acquired, utilize the comparative advantage of radioisotopes such as carbon-14 and tritium (H-3). Radiotracers, as the name suggests, can be used to trace and measure even very low levels of these hazards. A large number of food samples can be screened quickly with these techniques, saving analytical costs and time. The radiometric screening of hazards in food is complemented by chromatographic and spectrometric techniques along with stable isotopes such as deuterium (H-2) and carbon-13. By James Sasanya, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications & Carmina Jimenez, IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation

"It's the 21st century! Everyone should have at least some understanding of technology. After all, we live in a digital age," says Elene Letodiani, 16, from highland Tsageri, a successful graduate of the digital technology course now available at her public school.Elene and many other young people in Georgia's rural regions are taking advantage of a new educational model that directly brings training courses from vocational colleges to their schools.In a world driven by skills and technology, access to quality education can lift people out of poverty and pave the way to success. Conversely, its absence deepens societal inequalities, preventing some from reaching their full potential.In Georgia, where unemployment averages 14 percent and exceeds 20 percent in some regions, public and private employers often cite a lack of professional skills as a major hiring obstacle (Source: EU/UNDP. 2022). Youth unemployment is particularly high, ranging from 28 to 50 percent for people aged 15 to 29 (Source: GEOSTAT) Additionally, 34 percent of Georgian youth are classified as NEET (not engaged in employment, education, or training) and only 5 percent of Georgian secondary school graduates choose to enter vocational education.School-based vocational training integrated into secondary school curricula can effectively address these gaps, providing young people with the skills needed for their future careers. Furthermore, such educational programmes enhance links between schools and vocational colleges, increasing the social role of educational institutions. This builds a knowledge ecosystem where schools supply eager-to-learn students and colleges are better able to offer vocational training that is tailor-made for the local labour market.UNDP and Switzerland have been working for nearly a decade to help Georgia's educational system rethink outdated approaches to vocational training and introduce a thriving educational model which prepares youth for economic activity by bringing together colleges, schools, youth, and local employers.“With skilled labour still in short supply in Georgia, this school-based vocational training narrows the gap between education and jobs, benefiting both young people and their future employers,” says Barbara Böni, Regional Director of Cooperation South Caucasus, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia.“We help young people take quality vocational training while still at school and so get a taste of a career that allows them to better shape their future professional path,” says Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.In 2017, the pilot stage of this transformative programme covered four public colleges and six schools in four regions: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakheti, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. After the pilot's success, Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science expanded the programme to 259 schools and 32 public and private colleges nationwide, benefiting up to 10,000 students in the 8th and 9th grades.In 2022, the programme continued in partnership with the Vocational Skills Agency aiming to transform regional vocational colleges into skills hubs that offer rural schools vocational training and other support. Six vocational colleges and ten public schools have been selected for this initiative, covering the Ajara Autonomous Republic and the regions of Imereti, Guria, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti. Miracle Workers for Ajara’s Miracle EconomyGeorgia’s Autonomous Republic of Ajara is an example of rapid development and impressive economic growth. Its dazzling coastline, sea trade routes, subtropical terrains, stunning highlands, and vibrant cities and villages create a fascinating tapestry of economic opportunities.Vocational education is in high demand, with several colleges across the region offering courses in fields like hospitality, IT, electricity, car mechanics, fashion design, agriculture, construction, and other popular trades. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Black Sea College in Batumi received ten times more applications than it could accommodate. However, these competitive education centres are mainly located in cities like Batumi and Kobuleti, which limits access to vocational training for those in rural areas.UNDP and Switzerland, in partnership with Georgia’s Vocational Skills Agency, are working to bridge this gap by bringing vocational courses to rural schools. “Ajara is a special region thanks to its thriving tourism and hospitality businesses. Many households have family ventures such as guesthouses, hotels or restaurants. After completing relevant vocational courses, their children can join these family enterprises as trained professionals. Vocational education benefits are obvious. Employers line up to hire our graduates,” shares Nata Partenadze, Vocational Training Programme Coordinator at Black Sea College in Batumi.Through UNDP and Switzerland’s support, Black Sea College connected with the public school in the seaside village of Gonio. Similarly, New Wave College in Kobuleti teamed up with the public school in the agricultural village of Mukhaestate. “I want to be a barista. But I also enjoyed training in hospitality services. Both courses are extremely useful and great fun,” says Dima Makharadze, 16, from the Gonio Public School.Dima’s classmates share his enthusiasm and determination. Emily Goradze, 16, says that she loved every minute of the training and was fascinated by the barista and service professions.    “My friends from other schools got excited when I told them about the training. They would be keen to join if vocational courses are included in their school curriculum,” notes Emily.Roland Davitadze, 16, from the Mukhaestate Public School, believes vocational education is the first step toward entrepreneurship.“My goal is to master the hospitality profession and then use this knowledge to start a business,” Roland shares.Starting in September 2023, up to 120 high school students from Gonio and Mukhaestate have enrolled in vocational training courses offered by top regional educational centres. Each student, with their own dreams and aspirations, received mentorship and skills to shape their future. Both schools benefited from guidance and practical assistance from the colleges, ensuring the quality and sustainability of the training programme.  Building Skills for Tourism in TsageriNestled in the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region, Tsageri is a gem of Georgia’s highlands, distinguished by its stunning views and rich history. With tourism as a key development priority, the municipality is focused on building hospitality infrastructure, promoting sightseeing places, and preparing qualified personnel for employment at tourist sites. With support from UNDP and Switzerland, the Vocational Skills Agency connected Tsageri Public School #1 with Erkvani College in Ambrolauri, a regional skills hub offering vocational courses in various professions. Through this partnership, over 50 high school students learned graphic design, hospitality, and tour guiding directly at their school.“The tour guide course was incredible! It helped us better understand our region and its history, and share this knowledge with others,” says Lizi Saginadze, 16.“Students and their parents were impressed with the learning experience. After three months of training, the students could guide tours like professionals. To celebrate, the course concluded with a grand excursion to famous cultural monuments,” shares Lamzira Kopaliani, teacher of the Tour Guide Programme.Many students are eager to continue their education, requesting additional vocational courses, such as fashion design and business skills, to enrich their school classes.  Revitalizing Tkibuli: New Skills for a New Era“Working with the soil is an incredible experience, especially when you know the theory and understand what you are doing! We learned new skills, like planting, watering, and soil testing. I was proud to work in a greenhouse and grow plants,” says Liza Tskipurishvili, 16, from Satsire Public School.Liza’s home municipality, Tkibuli, has been known for coal mining for over 150 years. Mines sustained the local economy but also threatened human lives and health, causing widespread environmental damage. With the demand for coal decreasing, mines dwindling, and new opportunities emerging across the country, the 'miners’ city' is striving to find its place in Georgia’s growing economy and offer reliable career prospects to the younger generation. Diversified vocational training focused on agriculture, construction, and technology can help the region overcome its mining past and open doors to new development areas.“Culinary is my favourite vocation. I am considering a career in this field and will continue my studies in college. Woodworking and gemstone carving would also be quite interesting. These trades are in high demand in our region,” notes Luka Kashibadze, 17.The Satsire Public School is one of ten rural schools across Georgia supported by UNDP, Switzerland, and the Vocational Skills Agency to connect with regional colleges and integrate vocational training into their curricula. More than 40  high school students have already benefitted, opening pathways to careers and prosperity for young Georgians.UNDP and Switzerland will continue supporting the selected schools through the end of the 2024-2025 school year to maintain vocational classes for new student cohorts. In the long run, the schools will be assisted in accrediting this new vocational training through the upcoming school authorization process, transferring responsibility for costs and quality supervision to the Ministry of Education and Science. Background Information:With funding from Switzerland, UNDP supports ongoing educational reforms in Georgia, focusing on developing a robust vocational education and training system, primarily in agriculture. This initiative enhances educational institutions, promotes public-private partnerships, and improves skills and competencies to meet market demands. The comprehensive support brings together key players in the educational system, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, education institutions, private enterprises, and civil society organizations.

"It's the 21st century! Everyone should have at least some understanding of technology. After all, we live in a digital age," says Elene Letodiani, 16, from highland Tsageri, a successful graduate of the digital technology course now available at her public school.Elene and many other young people in Georgia's rural regions are taking advantage of a new educational model that directly brings training courses from vocational colleges to their schools.In a world driven by skills and technology, access to quality education can lift people out of poverty and pave the way to success. Conversely, its absence deepens societal inequalities, preventing some from reaching their full potential.In Georgia, where unemployment averages 14 percent and exceeds 20 percent in some regions, public and private employers often cite a lack of professional skills as a major hiring obstacle (Source: EU/UNDP. 2022). Youth unemployment is particularly high, ranging from 28 to 50 percent for people aged 15 to 29 (Source: GEOSTAT) Additionally, 34 percent of Georgian youth are classified as NEET (not engaged in employment, education, or training) and only 5 percent of Georgian secondary school graduates choose to enter vocational education.School-based vocational training integrated into secondary school curricula can effectively address these gaps, providing young people with the skills needed for their future careers. Furthermore, such educational programmes enhance links between schools and vocational colleges, increasing the social role of educational institutions. This builds a knowledge ecosystem where schools supply eager-to-learn students and colleges are better able to offer vocational training that is tailor-made for the local labour market.UNDP and Switzerland have been working for nearly a decade to help Georgia's educational system rethink outdated approaches to vocational training and introduce a thriving educational model which prepares youth for economic activity by bringing together colleges, schools, youth, and local employers.“With skilled labour still in short supply in Georgia, this school-based vocational training narrows the gap between education and jobs, benefiting both young people and their future employers,” says Barbara Böni, Regional Director of Cooperation South Caucasus, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia.“We help young people take quality vocational training while still at school and so get a taste of a career that allows them to better shape their future professional path,” says Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.In 2017, the pilot stage of this transformative programme covered four public colleges and six schools in four regions: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakheti, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. After the pilot's success, Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science expanded the programme to 259 schools and 32 public and private colleges nationwide, benefiting up to 10,000 students in the 8th and 9th grades.In 2022, the programme continued in partnership with the Vocational Skills Agency aiming to transform regional vocational colleges into skills hubs that offer rural schools vocational training and other support. Six vocational colleges and ten public schools have been selected for this initiative, covering the Ajara Autonomous Republic and the regions of Imereti, Guria, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti.Gonio Public SchoolPhoto: UNDP/Nino ZedginidzeMiracle Workers for Ajara’s Miracle EconomyGeorgia’s Autonomous Republic of Ajara is an example of rapid development and impressive economic growth. Its dazzling coastline, sea trade routes, subtropical terrains, stunning highlands, and vibrant cities and villages create a fascinating tapestry of economic opportunities.Vocational education is in high demand, with several colleges across the region offering courses in fields like hospitality, IT, electricity, car mechanics, fashion design, agriculture, construction, and other popular trades. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Black Sea College in Batumi received ten times more applications than it could accommodate. However, these competitive education centres are mainly located in cities like Batumi and Kobuleti, which limits access to vocational training for those in rural areas.UNDP and Switzerland, in partnership with Georgia’s Vocational Skills Agency, are working to bridge this gap by bringing vocational courses to rural schools. “Ajara is a special region thanks to its thriving tourism and hospitality businesses. Many households have family ventures such as guesthouses, hotels or restaurants. After completing relevant vocational courses, their children can join these family enterprises as trained professionals. Vocational education benefits are obvious. Employers line up to hire our graduates,” shares Nata Partenadze, Vocational Training Programme Coordinator at Black Sea College in Batumi.Through UNDP and Switzerland’s support, Black Sea College connected with the public school in the seaside village of Gonio. Similarly, New Wave College in Kobuleti teamed up with the public school in the agricultural village of Mukhaestate. “I want to be a barista. But I also enjoyed training in hospitality services. Both courses are extremely useful and great fun,” says Dima Makharadze, 16, from the Gonio Public School.Dima’s classmates share his enthusiasm and determination. Emily Goradze, 16, says that she loved every minute of the training and was fascinated by the barista and service professions.    “My friends from other schools got excited when I told them about the training. They would be keen to join if vocational courses are included in their school curriculum,” notes Emily.Roland Davitadze, 16, from the Mukhaestate Public School, believes vocational education is the first step toward entrepreneurship.“My goal is to master the hospitality profession and then use this knowledge to start a business,” Roland shares.Starting in September 2023, up to 120 high school students from Gonio and Mukhaestate have enrolled in vocational training courses offered by top regional educational centres. Each student, with their own dreams and aspirations, received mentorship and skills to shape their future. Both schools benefited from guidance and practical assistance from the colleges, ensuring the quality and sustainability of the training programme.Tsageri Public SchoolPhoto: UNDP/Nino ZedginidzeBuilding Skills for Tourism in TsageriNestled in the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region, Tsageri is a gem of Georgia’s highlands, distinguished by its stunning views and rich history. With tourism as a key development priority, the municipality is focused on building hospitality infrastructure, promoting sightseeing places, and preparing qualified personnel for employment at tourist sites. With support from UNDP and Switzerland, the Vocational Skills Agency connected Tsageri Public School #1 with Erkvani College in Ambrolauri, a regional skills hub offering vocational courses in various professions. Through this partnership, over 50 high school students learned graphic design, hospitality, and tour guiding directly at their school.“The tour guide course was incredible! It helped us better understand our region and its history, and share this knowledge with others,” says Lizi Saginadze, 16.“Students and their parents were impressed with the learning experience. After three months of training, the students could guide tours like professionals. To celebrate, the course concluded with a grand excursion to famous cultural monuments,” shares Lamzira Kopaliani, teacher of the Tour Guide Programme.Many students are eager to continue their education, requesting additional vocational courses, such as fashion design and business skills, to enrich their school classes.Liza Tskipurishvili, TkibuliPhoto: UNDP/Nino ZedginidzeRevitalizing Tkibuli: New Skills for a New Era“Working with the soil is an incredible experience, especially when you know the theory and understand what you are doing! We learned new skills, like planting, watering, and soil testing. I was proud to work in a greenhouse and grow plants,” says Liza Tskipurishvili, 16, from Satsire Public School.Liza’s home municipality, Tkibuli, has been known for coal mining for over 150 years. Mines sustained the local economy but also threatened human lives and health, causing widespread environmental damage. With the demand for coal decreasing, mines dwindling, and new opportunities emerging across the country, the 'miners’ city' is striving to find its place in Georgia’s growing economy and offer reliable career prospects to the younger generation. Diversified vocational training focused on agriculture, construction, and technology can help the region overcome its mining past and open doors to new development areas.“Culinary is my favourite vocation. I am considering a career in this field and will continue my studies in college. Woodworking and gemstone carving would also be quite interesting. These trades are in high demand in our region,” notes Luka Kashibadze, 17.The Satsire Public School is one of ten rural schools across Georgia supported by UNDP, Switzerland, and the Vocational Skills Agency to connect with regional colleges and integrate vocational training into their curricula. More than 40  high school students have already benefitted, opening pathways to careers and prosperity for young Georgians.UNDP and Switzerland will continue supporting the selected schools through the end of the 2024-2025 school year to maintain vocational classes for new student cohorts. In the long run, the schools will be assisted in accrediting this new vocational training through the upcoming school authorization process, transferring responsibility for costs and quality supervision to the Ministry of Education and Science. Background Information:With funding from Switzerland, UNDP supports ongoing educational reforms in Georgia, focusing on developing a robust vocational education and training system, primarily in agriculture. This initiative enhances educational institutions, promotes public-private partnerships, and improves skills and competencies to meet market demands. The comprehensive support brings together key players in the educational system, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, education institutions, private enterprises, and civil society organizations.

When 12-year-old Anna* told her mum, Natia, that a neighbor had sexually abused her, Natia, angry and heartbroken, knew she had to report it.But she dreaded what might come next. Natia didn’t know how the system would deal with Anna. She pictured her daughter having to face endless interviews, interrogations, medical tests and forensic checks — being forced to recount and relive the trauma over and over again in unfriendly police stations and clinics.When Natia spoke with the police, instead of inviting them to the police station, they asked her to take Anna to the Center for Psychological and Social Services for Children, a new flagship center in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi that has already helped more than 200 child victims of sexual abuse.The center and its experts are trained and experienced in dealing with child victims of sexual abuse in a way that minimizes the pain that investigations can cause and, crucially, provides a therapeutic environment and psychological services so that children can process, deal with and ultimately overcome their traumatic experience.“If a child does not get the right kind of treatment, they can be more traumatized by the investigatory process than by the event itself,” says Nona Tsikhelashvili, a child protection officer with UNICEF Georgia.“Children get all the support they need under one roof and don’t need to go from one agency to the next. The environment is warm, friendly and more welcoming, it serves their best interests,” Tsikhelashvili adds.The center is based on the “Barnahus” model, which has transformed how care agencies work with child victims of sexual violence across the Nordic countries and much of Europe, and is a first of its kind in Georgia.“Barnahus” — from the Icelandic word for “children’s house” — brings all the services, specialists and experts that are involved in cases of child sexual abuse, from investigators and doctors to psychologists and social workers, into one place. It puts child welfare at the heart of the response.Instead of children facing multiple invasive interrogations by officials more used to dealing with adults, a single trained expert guides victims through any necessary medical and forensic checks and conducts a softer, age-appropriate interview. That helps secure testimony for the investigation and ensures the child can start to recover.“It’s a child-friendly way to ensure that the truth comes out,” summarizes Bragi Gudbrandsson, a member of the UN committee on the rights of the child and pioneer of the first Barnahus center, launched in Iceland in 1998.The wrong response for dealing with children who have been abused can aggravate the trauma, increasing the potential for lifelong harm.The Barnahus approach starts with the physical building itself.The Tbilisi center is furnished to be as welcoming as possible — warm rooms, comfortable armchairs, children’s toys and books. Far away from intimidating police stations or hospital waiting rooms.“The house is a symbol of a warmth that the child needs to be embraced in order to be able to tell his or her story, which can be hard on the child, traumatic on the child,” adds Gudbrandsson, who visited Georgia to share his experience with those working in the center.When Anna and her mum arrived at the center, a social worker and a psychologist met them outside, explained the whole procedure and showed them around. The psychologist used this time to determine whether Anna was emotionally ready to discuss what had happened in more detail and assess what kind of long-term rehabilitation she might need. When Anna felt up to it, a specialist investigator trained and experienced in working with children victims of sexual violence sat down with her to talk through her experience.In the Barnahus model, instead of a child being interviewed by different agencies, all the relevant bodies submit questions to one trained professional. They conduct a streamlined interview in a way that can gather information and answers for the investigation, but does not force a child to relive or re-experience the events in a way that can do serious harm.The interviews can be broken up to play games, go for a walk, read a book or take lunch whenever the child wants to. If it becomes clear that the child needs a medical check, this typically takes place afterwards, with their consent.Research has shown it’s a win-win approach.For the children, the interview process — which evidence shows can amplify the traumatic effect of the abuse — is minimized and the conversation is as much about starting the recovery as it is gathering information.For investigators, the method can improve criminal justice outcomes by securing more open and reliable testimony from children who find it easier to talk in a more relaxed environment.“The people working here are much more specialized in these kinds of cases and they know how to talk to different children in an age-appropriate way. That helps the children be less stressed and they can be more open throughout the process,” says Tsikhelashvili.The center’s commitment to children’s welfare also covers long-term recovery needs.All children are offered therapeutic services and qualified experts are on hand to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up sessions for as long as needed.“The therapists at the Barnahus are all mental health professionals and are trained in trauma focused therapy,” says Tsikhelashvili.That extends to families as well, with psychological support and family therapy available to help deal with a difficult, often traumatic, period that can affect many people, not just the direct victim.A few months after Anna came to the center, her social worker has seen big progress.She is now better able to manage her anxiety and less likely to blame herself for the abuse. She is happier and more confident opening up to people she trusts and can better judge potentially dangerous situations and ask for help.Run by the State Care Agency and launched in 2022 with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia, the center in Tbilisi currently works with children from the Georgian capital and the surrounding regions, though there are hopes to roll-out new locations.Jesper Moller, UNICEF Representative in Georgia, says the Center is part of UNICEF’s “commitment to the well-being of every child.”“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Estonia for their steadfast support in this vital endeavor. We look forward to seeing the model and its approaches expanded to other regions of Georgia, so that children, victims of all types of violence and crime throughout the country, have access to the services they need,” he said."The Center for Psychological and Social Services provides a unique opportunity for state agencies to protect children from re-traumatisation and ensure access to justice tailored to their needs. Barnahus in Georgia has proven to be a crucial psycho-social rehabilitation service for child victims of sexual violence. This progress would not be possible without the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia, for which the Government of Georgia is highly grateful."The State Care Agency acknowledges the need to expand the service's geographical accessibility. We are actively working to establish a second centre in Kutaisi, Western Georgia, in the near future" - says Rusudan Kokhodze, Head of the Agency for State Care and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking.*Anna and Natia are composite characters based on multiple testimonies and real cases from the center. About the Center for Psychological and Social Services for ChildrenThe Center for Psychological and Social Services for Children is a multidisciplinary inter-agency project launched in March 2022 to investigate instances of child sexual violence and abuse, and cater for the victims and witnesses in a child-friendly way. It is led by the Georgian Agency for State Care and Assistance for the Victims of Human Trafficking of the Ministry of the Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs with the support of UNICEF and the Government of Estonia.