In a detailed and revealing study, researchers have examined the engagement of youth within the Tserovani Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlement, focusing on their interactions with local governance and access to municipal services. This research highlights the significant challenges faced by Tserovani’s youth and suggests potential solutions to improve their situation. Conducted through a combination of focus group discussions and interviews with key stakeholders, the study provides a comprehensive view of the current landscape for young people in this unique community.
Context and Background
Tserovani, established after the 2008 war with Russia, is one of the largest IDP settlements in Georgia, with a population ranging between 6,000 and 9,000 residents. Despite its proximity to the capital city, Tbilisi, which facilitates commuting, the settlement faces numerous systemic and infrastructural challenges that impact its residents, particularly the youth.
Gvantsa Ichkiti and Nino Jibuti, the researchers behind this study, aimed to evaluate the accessibility of municipal programs and services for youth in Tserovani. Jibuti explains the motivation behind their research: “We have been working with young people across various regions, and we noticed a significant lack of information about displaced youth. Tserovani was chosen because it represents a major IDP settlement where understanding the challenges and aspirations of young people could provide valuable insights.”
Key Findings
The research uncovered a mixed scenario for the youth in Tserovani. While there are some opportunities available, such as access to a library, sports classes, and cultural groups, several critical gaps remain. The settlement lacks more diverse recreational facilities, such as cinemas and theaters. For those who are not enrolled in school, activities are minimal. As Ichkiti notes, “There are no entertainment facilities like cinemas or theaters, and for those not attending school, there are virtually no activities available.”
Access to health services is another pressing issue. The settlement’s residents, particularly the youth, face challenges due to limited local job opportunities and the necessity of commuting to Tbilisi for employment. The administrative overlap between Mtskheta and Akhalgori Municipalities adds another layer of complexity, affecting the allocation of resources for youth programs.
Research Methodology
To gather comprehensive data, the researchers employed a rigorous methodology, including focus group interviews and key informant discussions. Two focus group interviews, one conducted online and one in-person, engaged 15 local youths aged 14-29. Additionally, interviews were held with representatives from local municipalities and non-governmental organizations. Jibuti describes the approach: “We aimed to understand the accessibility of municipal services for youth and identify barriers to effective engagement. The data collection involved analyzing public information requests, reports, and secondary sources.”
Challenges and Limitations
The study faced several limitations that affected the research process. Jibuti highlights a major challenge: “One significant limitation was the scarcity of reliable data about the Tserovani IDP settlement. The existing studies were outdated and did not accurately reflect the current situation. This made it difficult to perform a thorough analysis.”
Ichkiti adds, “The imprecise and outdated statistics posed challenges in quantitative data analysis. Additionally, the focus groups were limited in representativeness because the discussions were confined to the Tserovani context. Despite this, the responses from participants provided valuable insights.”
Barriers to Engagement and Recommendations
The study identified several barriers to effective youth engagement in local governance. The lack of up-to-date information about municipal services and the absence of mechanisms for evaluating service effectiveness were significant issues. Jibuti notes, “Residents often learn about services through verbal communication rather than official sources. This lack of accessible information hinders their ability to fully engage with available programs.”
Ichkiti points out another challenge: “People frequently find it difficult to discuss problems openly when they know their opinions are being recorded. This reluctance can affect the quality of the data collected. However, our experience allowed us to navigate these challenges and extract meaningful insights.”
To address these issues, the study proposes several recommendations. Jibuti suggests, “Local leaders should focus on improving coordination between different sectors to address systemic issues. There needs to be more attention and resources allocated to youth programs, and community efforts should be supported.”
Ichkiti emphasizes the importance of using the research findings to drive change: “The study has highlighted serious concerns and potential solutions. We plan to use these insights to advocate for improvements and present evidence-based recommendations to relevant stakeholders.”
Future Implications
The findings of this research provide a critical examination of youth engagement in the Tserovani IDP settlement. The study’s insights offer a roadmap for addressing the identified challenges and improving the quality of life for Tserovani’s young residents. By focusing on enhancing infrastructure, improving access to information, and fostering better coordination among stakeholders, there is potential for significant positive change in the settlement.
In conclusion, the research underscores the need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts to better support the youth in Tserovani. As local leaders and policymakers consider the study’s recommendations, there is hope that the issues identified will be addressed, leading to enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for the young people of Tserovani.
For more details, people can contact jibutinino@gmail.com and g.ichkiti@gmail.com To read full text for detailed findings.
See the full report, and for the Georgian version, click here.
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union within its Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
