The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Georgia has recently released a heartfelt series of short videos that bring viewers closer to the everyday lives of people in Yormughanlo, a small village in the Sagarejo municipality of Kakheti. Created in partnership with the local organization ‘Meeting Place,’ these films are part of the EU-funded project ‘EU for Integrated Territorial Development’ (EU4ITD), which aims to support balanced growth and improve living conditions across Georgia’s regions.
Available now on UNDP Georgia’s YouTube channel, the videos offer a genuine glimpse into the community of Yormughanlo, giving voice to farmers, shepherds, women, men, young people, and elders alike. The stories reveal the rhythms of daily life, the challenges residents face, and their hopes for a better future. The films also highlight key social spots like the lively village marketplace and the local mosque—places where economic activity and cultural traditions come alive.
EU4ITD is one part of the European Union’s wider commitment to Georgia’s regional development, targeting four regions—Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi & Kvemo Svaneti—to reduce inequality and foster sustainable growth. By strengthening local governance and encouraging grassroots involvement, the project hopes to create opportunities that allow rural communities like Yormughanlo to thrive.
Rural areas in Georgia have long struggled with issues such as limited infrastructure, the migration of young people to cities or abroad, and the growing impacts of climate change on agriculture. The EU4ITD initiative supports local governments and civil society groups by offering training and resources, helping them craft tailored strategies for development that respond to these challenges.
But these videos are more than just stories—they’re a call for dialogue and inclusive decision-making. By sharing the real experiences of villagers, the project encourages policymakers and the wider public to better understand the realities of rural Georgian life.
Alongside these personal stories, the videos illustrate how EU4ITD complements other EU-funded efforts in the region, like improving clean water access, promoting agricultural innovation, and developing eco-tourism—especially important in Kakheti, known for its vineyards and rich cultural heritage.
The European Union’s engagement with Georgia is part of its broader Eastern Partnership strategy, which focuses on fostering good governance, social cohesion, and economic resilience. For communities in Kakheti and beyond, projects like EU4ITD represent hope and practical support for a sustainable future.
To watch the videos and discover the lives and dreams of Yormughanlo’s residents, visit UNDP Georgia’s official YouTube channel. You can also find updates and more information on their Facebook page.
By Team GT
