First EU-supported social enterprise established at the penitentiary institution in Georgia

Increasing employment opportunities for former inmates is crucial for their reintegration into society, but what if their intellectual resources will be used during the imprisonment as well? With this thought in mind the EU-funded project decided to establish a first social enterprise “Freelancer” at one of the penitentiary institutions in Georgia. Freelancer has 5 probationers employed who provide different types of high-quality IT services like graphic design, video editing, translation and many others, to interested companies and individuals. They also share their knowledge with other probationers giving them a chance to engage in Freelancer’s activities. The probationers are planning to expand the business in the future and offer a wider range of services.

The social enterprise was established within the EU-funded project “Qualification for Re-integration – a Way Back into Society” implemented by ASB. Under the motto “Changes start from you” the project helps persons in conflict with the law reintegrate into society by giving them a chance to raise their qualification, through a proper vocational education training and job opportunities.