On October 18, 2019, in the framework of the EU-supported Employment Shuttle and VET Programme, Association Rural Development for Future Georgia (RDFG) and the Employment Programs Department of the LEPL Social Service Agency of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, held a VET and Job Fair in the city of Tetritskaro. The event aimed to connect job seekers from the Kvemo Kartli region to the VET colleges and employer companies.

The VET and Job fair was attended by the 11 vocational education colleges, local jobs seekers and 23 employer companies, including the representatives of the EU-supported rural development projects implemented by RDFG.

At the event, the opening speech was delivered by Vano Grigolashvili, RDFG chairman, who spoke about the Employment Shuttle and VET Programme implemented by RDFG with EU support. Then Levan Gogodze, Deputy Director of the LEPL Social Service Agency of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia and Mariam Bezarashvili, Head of the Employment Programs Department of the agency, talked about challenges of the employment market and government strategy plans. Afterwards, Gvantsa Toroshelidze, representative of the Vocational Education Development Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, highlighted the role of VET in the career development process.

Within the event, Kvemo Kartli region citizens were acquainted with different employment opportunities and got information about the educational courses VET colleges offer them. In addition, they met with people working in different fields who shared their success stories and explained how to become more competitive in the job market.

One of the most important components of the event was a competition aiming to select job seekers and award them with the vocational course vouchers. Within the EU-supported project Rural Development for Sustainable Growth of Tetritskaro Municipality, the residents of the Tetritskaro municipality had an opportunity to participate in the competition and to choose the courses relevant to their interests. Ultimately, 30 winners were selected and awarded with a free voucher for different VET courses.

The EU-funded project “Rural Development for Sustainable Growth in the Tetritskaro Municipality” is implemented by EU partner organisation, RDFG. The project aims to improve the quality of life in the Tetritskaro municipality through the introduction of innovative social-economic models and engagement of local private and public sectors in the decision making. RDFG is partnering with the Agro-Technology Association and the Lithuanian Local Action Groups Network to carry out the action.

The EU is supporting rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second phase focuses on creating economic opportunities for rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge

Contact:

• Nina Kopaleishvili, RDFG Communications Officer, +995 598 94 00 04, nkopaleishvili@rdfg.ge
• Nelly Revazishvili, RDFG Rural Development Project Manager, +995 598 65 88 84, nrevazishvili@rdfg.ge