Pro Bono support to community activists

Pro Bono Company - TBC Bank,

Beneficiary - Community Union "Ani-Bani"

26-10-2023/15-11-2023

In October and November, a large-scale pro bono mediation project was implemented, which united six business companies and six civil activists. The mediation process involved the preparation of nominees for the "Best Community Initiative" contest. The competition is part of the annual event, "Community Leaders Forum", which has been managed by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia since 2015.

Civil activists presented their initiatives to the audience. A member of the pro bono network and representatives of a friendly company helped to distinguish interesting accents and present presentations originally.

Six companies were involved pro bono in the mediation process: Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank, Credo Bank, APM Terminal, Micro Finance Organization Embis and Tegeta Holding.

Brief information and about the project: during the pandemic, due to economic and social problems, the population of the village of Sarhi did not have the opportunity to use the Internet (scarcity of computer equipment, lack of Internet providers). Because of this, many Labor Public School students were unable to attend online classes from week to week. The school administration noted that only 30% of a medium-sized class (18-20 students) could systematically engage in online classes. Students also faced a similar problem. The community union decided to get funding and at least partially solve the problem in the community.

At the initiative of Ani-Ban, a "virtual relationship window" was created in the village of Karmo. At that stage, the community union owned 1 laptop, and within the framework of the project, 4 laptops were purchased, and with the participation of the community, 1 more laptop was purchased.

The direct beneficiaries of the project were school-aged adults, students. Also, adults looking for work. In total, 30% of the total number of villages. The lesson process was monitored by a volunteer on duty so that the regulations were not violated, the temperature of the participants was controlled during entry and exit, and all other safety rules were strictly observed. 3 groups of users were created, which shared the space in turn (according to days). In total, 50 pupils, 15 students and 15 adult women were provided with Internet and technical services, almost on a daily basis.

As a result of the various thematic trainings offered within the same project, 6 small family-type business ideas and 9 professional educational grants were financed in the village of Karmo, as a result of which 14 women are currently employed.

During the summer holidays, the "virtual window" gave the organization an additional new internet cafe load. On a daily basis, the center offers residents, pupils and students the opportunity to use the computer room, as well as various activities.