From idea to real opportunity: EU-supported Young Professionals Program graduate was employed by CSO

Arusiak Farmaniani, from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, stood out among the 10 young people who participated in the EU-supported Young Professionals Program that aims to strengthen civil society. Unlike the other participants, Arusiak’s story extended beyond the program’s scope. After completing her one-month internship, she was offered a job by a civil society organisation.

Within the EU-supported project Empowering Civil Society to Promote Inclusive and Post-COVID Recovery, implemented by the CENN, the Young Professional Program promoted the professional development of youth living in Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions.

Ten talented young people were selected through a competitive process to participate in month-long internships at leading Georgian civil society organisations (CSOs) in Tbilisi. Following their internships, participants designed and implemented initiatives aimed at strengthening local civil society. Initiatives focused on women and youth empowerment, raising awareness on environmental, self-governance and gender equality topics, and encouraging civic involvement in the decision-making process of their community and region. Each participant received financial backing of approximately 500 EUR in Georgian Lari (GEL) to facilitate implementation.

Arusyak Farmanyan, a resident of Akhalkalaki, exemplifies the program’s success. Selected for an internship at the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) as a project assistant, Arusyak impressed so much that she was offered a permanent position upon completion of the program.

“With the support of the EU, I participated in CENN’s Young Professionals Program,” Arusyak explains. “The program provided a one-month internship at ISFED, specifically in the public relations department. This opportunity was instrumental in helping me achieve my professional goals, develop skills, and boost my confidence and motivation. I’m excited to contribute my abilities to the organisation’s ongoing efforts.” 

Arusyak’s project focused on advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality in Akhalkalaki. Her project aimed to raise awareness in Akhalkalaki about these critical issues, including human rights, violence against women and children, domestic violence, and early marriage.

“These topics are particularly important in my community, where awareness about human rights, violence against women and children, and domestic violence is quite low,” Arusyak emphasises. “Many women lack employment opportunities and knowledge of their rights. Their social integration is vital for them to feel like fully empowered members of society. Raising awareness about protecting their rights is our responsibility.”

About the project  

The project Empowering Civil Society to Promote Inclusive and Post-COVID Recovery is a four-year-long intervention, which is financed by the EU and was launched in January 2022. The project is implemented by CENN with partner organisation Centre for Training and Consultancy (CTC), Kvemo Kartli Media (KKM) and First European (FE). 

The project is based on the vision that a strong and competent civil society furthers self-reliance and resilience of society by supporting the state as the main provider of social services. Project aims to support civil society to increase their democratic participation and contribute to the improvement of social services.