Abkhazia government launches new programmes for displaced Georgians

The government of Georgia's Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia has announced a series of new programmes aimed at supporting displaced people, improving their access to the labour market and expanding opportunities in education, culture and sport.

The initiatives were discussed at a government meeting chaired by Giorgi Jincharadze, chairman of the Abkhazia government.

A new vocational training programme will provide co-financing for courses in high-demand fields including design, digital media, multimedia, information technology and software development. Funding will also be available for industrial technologies, manufacturing, culinary arts, confectionery and cloisonné enamel.

Each beneficiary will receive up to 80% co-financing, capped at 2,000 lari, Jincharadze said.

The government is also introducing named scholarships for displaced students from Abkhazia enrolled in bachelor's and master's programmes at higher arts education institutions. Recipients will receive 300 lari per month for one academic year.

A separate four-month internship programme has been launched for displaced students and graduates of higher arts institutions. Selected participants will gain practical experience and develop their professional skills through placements with creative groups from Abkhazia.

Additional funding has also been allocated to support sports clubs and teams. 205,000 lari has been allocated for the programme, while funding for sports initiatives has also been increased.

Jincharadze said the new programmes had been made possible by additional resources allocated by Georgia's central government and thanked Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for the increased funding.