On October 16, 2019, International Organization “Hilfswerk International,” together with its partner organization, Association “Consent” organized the awarding of beneficiaries, winners of the Material Support competition in the framework of the project “Step by Step towards a Better Future” in Zugdidi, in Dadiani Palace History and Architectural Museum yard.
At the exhibition, winning business ideas in the framework of the first and second stage of Material Support Program were presented. Certificates and the purchased inventory needed for the execution of their business have been delivered to the winning beneficiaries. The exhibition was attended by local and international organizations, state structures, representatives of European Union and Austrian Development Agency. Material Support Program – Resocialization of conditionally sentenced persons and former prisoners, is one of the components of the reintegration project.
The first stage of the program was implemented in August – October 2018, during which, 16 winning business ideas were identified in Samegrelo region. Second stage started in August 2019 and ended in October. In Samegrelo 32 were identified.
The budget for funded business ideas in Samegrelo amounted to 160 000 GEL. The program aimed at helping conditionally sentenced and former prisoners or their family members start a new business, or expanding existing business activity or creating livelihood, for which financial support ranging from €1500 to €5000 was granted.
The project is funded by the EU and the Austrian Development Agency and is being implemented in close cooperation with the Special Penitentiary Service, Crime Prevention, Probation and Non-custodial Sentences Agency.
The project started in 2017 and it continues until 1 May, 2020.
