It is a pleasure to receive you once again and I hope you had a wonderful summer time wherever you spent it. We were so glad to get the chance to meet many of you at our 1st GBM of this season. There are many bits of news to tell you which you will find in this month's issue. For one, if you haven't already done so, it is time to renew your yearly membership. If you are a returning or newly registered member, you will have received all the relevant information via email Our Membership Team is ready to make this season’s registration as easy as possible Here are the most important contacts that will help you on your way to enjoying your membership fully The heads of each of these IWA Teams will support you and answer all your questions:
* Membership Inquiries: Nino Gvasalia, gvasalia n@yahoo com
* Coffee Mornings and GBMs: Tako Johnson, tako meg@yahoo com
* Interest Group Activities: Tea Chkuaseli, teachkuaseli1@gmail.com
In addition to great stories, CPC project updates, interviews and more, you will find important organisational information regarding IWA’s direction in the upcoming months.
Please enjoy a wonderful new IWA season,
Maria Fischer President
Organisational Updates
by IWA’s Executive Committee
We are grateful to have you with us for the 2024/2025 work year As you may know, NGOs, including our organization, face significant challenges due to the newly implemented "foreign agent" legislation. Rest assured, we will keep our members informed about the steps the IWA Board is taking to navigate and overcome these obstacles:
Membership registration has started If you haven’t done so, you can register online using the following link: https://iwa.ge/membership/membershipapplication/. The difference is that IWA is not collecting membership fees at this time; we hope to start doing so in the coming months. For now, please do NOT transfer any membership fees to our account. We will keep you informed.
The Charity Project Committee (CPC) will continue working diligently to ensure our fundraising efforts reach those in need in Georgia. We are excited to share that the limit for projects the CPC can approve directly has increased from 3,000 laris to 5,000 laris. Additionally, the team is working on reviving the Focus Project, which will be dedicated to a specific cause aimed at attracting potential donors. For more details, don't miss the CPC updates section.
The heartbreaking news comes from our fundraising activities: the cancellation of the Winter Fair 2024 The immense administrative burden of complying with the newly introduced "Transparency Law" has made it incredibly challenging for an organization based on voluntary work to operate. However, we are hopeful this is only a temporary situation By early next year, we expect fewer uncertainties, and we are planning to host a Spring Fair in the same spirit.
Our Interest Groups will remain as vibrant as ever, with the added benefit of being enriched by our new members We currently offer a variety of active groups, including:
Choir
Karate
Culinary Adventure
Restaurant Hopping Arts and Crafts
Art Discussion
Walking Tours
Georgian Language
Modern Dance
Spanish Language
For questions or suggestions, contact our Interest Groups Chair, Tea Chkuaseli, at +995598718550.
Coffee Mornings are always a big hit, taking place every Wednesday from 11:00 to 13:00. When we don't have a host leading us to exciting new venues, our Non-Official Coffee Mornings are held at the Republic Restaurant, Andropov Building (across from the Radisson Hotel), 3rd-floor terrace, Rose Revolution Square. Please note that in this case, each member is responsible for covering their own consumption. We will keep you updated on the location of the Coffee Mornings each week through our private Facebook group and via email. We encourage you to host a Coffee Morning and share your favourite spots, personal spaces, or unique discoveries. For ideas or requests, please contact Tako Johnson at +995577401597.
Your beloved Newsletter, The Grapevine, is running without major changes. Please look for it monthly in your inbox to stay updated. Write to its editors, Kelly Chaib and Hiba Ata, at iwanlgrapevine@gmail.com for announcements or suggestions
A Warm Welcome to Our New Members!
by Kelly Chaib
we are thrilled to welcome our new members as we kick off the IWA 2024-2025 work year. The Grapevine Newsletter wants to extend a warm greeting to:
Barbara Sukmonowski-Cooper from Canada
Kata Kiss from Norway
Ozden Durdan from Turkey
Carole Grussenmayer from France
Elena Lukina from Russia
Deborah Sivertsen from South Africa
Leonie Zelazko from Germany. We had the opportunity to get to know her better, as she told us about her aspirations about IWA: “Working in Kutaisi for the NGO Women Fund Sukhumi, as a new IWAG member, I am hoping to meet engaged women who are eager to contribute to a thriving Georgian society."
Coffee with Nino Gvasalia - The Friendly Face Greeting New Member
by Kelly Chaib
In this edition of Remarkable Women, we are excited to present an interview with Nino Gvasalia, our dedicated Membership Chair. In our conversation, Nino opens up about her journey, her role in shaping the membership experience, and the vital importance of fostering inclusivity in a diverse, international environment. Her inspiring leadership is a testament to the strength and unity the IWA strives to cultivate.
Kelly Chaib: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would those be?
Nino Gvasalia: Peace, strength, and love.
KC: What is the personal achievement that you are most proud of?
NG: That's a tricky question because I'm proud every time I do something good. I don't focus on just one thing as my most significant accomplishment Every day is an opportunity to achieve something, even in small ways, and I try my best to do what's possible. I feel proud when I know I've done my best, even if no one else sees it. But if I had to pick something, I'd say my children. They're grown now, not too old, but when I look at them, I know I've done something good I hope to continue having that feeling throughout my life, always surprising myself and staying proud. But again, It's not about one major achievement but a continuous journey of doing your best and being kind.
KC: How did you first learn about IWA, and what motivated you to stay involved?
NG: No matter where I’ve been, I’ve always tried to stay close to those who needed help, which comes naturally to me I wasn’t actively searching for people to help.
After the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022, I was trying to help Ukrainian refugees in Georgia on my own. That was when I discovered that IWA was doing such incredible work. IWA organised a major fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees Since I was already involved with humanitarian work at the British International School, it was the right time to get involved; my help would be more impactful if I joined the Association; our voices could reach more people.
I had known about IWA before, primarily through their famous Winter Fair, but I never thought to join because I didn’t really know what they were about. Nowadays, I understand our members genuinely give their time and energy to help others and that effort is never wasted; it goes straight to people in real need. IWA isn’t just about raising money it’s connected to other organisations and helps people with education, legal rights, and more. I’m proud of my work within the Organisation, and honestly, I feel like it’s part of my family now I can’t imagine my life without IWA, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such a wonderful and meaningful team.
KC: Name three of your most memorable moments at IWA so far.
NG: Let me tell you the truth: the three fairs I’ve been part of have been truly unforgettable. It’s a hard job, and you put so much effort into it it comes with a lot of stress and emotions But once it’s all over, the feeling is just amazing. Those three experiences stand out as the most memorable for me, although there may be more. The fairs that IWA organises are what I remember most.
I was on the organising team for the Winter Fair in 2022 and 2023 and the Spring Fair in 2024 The Spring Fair was my third and most stressful experience because it was new to us; there were so many details that we had no idea how they would turn out. Markets come with a lot of responsibility not just for our time and effort but also for the vendors We are responsible for them, too We take their money and promise them they’ll benefit from it. They work for us because they need that income, and we also need their support. It’s stressful when we’re not sure if enough people will come or if the advertising isn’t reaching enough people, but when it ends successfully, it’s pure joy.
It’s such a great feeling when vendors and attendees tell us it was a good fair. It’s not just about benefiting our beneficiaries but also helping the vendors who are in need themselves I’m proud of that part of IWA, knowing we’re helping people who create something and just need an audience.
KC: What are the opportunities that IWA have to improve?
NG: I just shared the three most memorable moments from my time with IWA, but this question makes me think of one significant memory when I first joined I remember being so nervous and honestly, a bit intimidating; I had no idea what to expect. I initially thought IWA was an exclusive place, almost unreachable, meant for a select group of foreigners who had the privilege of being part of
Nino Gvasalia
But when I joined, I quickly realised it’s not just a group of people gathering for coffee mornings or events; it’s an organisation focused on helping others.
I am bringing that up because one thing IWA could improve is spreading the word that it's open to everyone who wants to contribute. Many people genuinely want to help but don’t know where to go or how to get involved. IWA isn't just for a specific type of person it’s for anyone who qualifies, and by "qualify," I mean having the willingness to work hard, do good, and share their resources or time to make a difference I think IWA should advertise itself more broadly to make it clear that it’s an inclusive space for anyone who wants to help.
KC: In your opinion, how can IWA improve its efforts to spread the word and attract more members?
NG: I think IWA is on the right track now with the PR new position, which Sylvia is handling. But it’s not just one person’s job to bring in new members it’s everyone’s responsibility. We should all talk more about IWA, be proud of our actions, and encourage others to join That’s how we’ll grow and continue to thrive as an organisation.
Nino Gvasalia
KC: If you could advise any women new to IWA, what would that be?
NG: Ask as many questions as possible to truly understand what IWA is all about, and never feel like you don’t belong just because you’re new Even if some people already know each other, don’t sit in the back during meetings or events. Come to the front! We’re here for you, respect you, and excited to welcome you IWA is nothing without its new and old members, and we’re all united as one. I know new members often feel uncomfortable for the first few months, but working on making everyone feel welcome through our meetings, dinners, and coffee mornings. So don’t hesitate ask questions, not just to me but to the entire team, and feel at ease as soon as you arrive. Your ideas and contributions are precious. We always want to hear new perspectives, which helps organisations grow and improve. We need to listen to fresh voices to improve, so speak up! I will ask them to bring more members as well.
KC: I’d like to ask about your role as Membership Chair. What inspired you to take on this responsibility?
NG: To be honest, I didn’t think much about whether or not to become the Membership Chair. The position was open, and they were asking for someone to help, so I just said yes At that point, I would have considered any open position because my main focus at IWA is to help wherever I can. It’s my third year with IWA now, so I started in 2022. I got involved quickly because I was already active in a lot of projects Once you’re involved, it’s easier to connect with people You can’t just pick a name from a list and ask them to help they have to show interest and willingness to contribute.
The role of Membership Chair is, of course, temporary, and I’m always open to passing it on. Anyone who’s interested can come forward, and I’d be happy to hand it over. At IWA, you don’t need a title to contribute there’s always plenty of work to be done I love the fact that the roles rotate, and everyone gets a chance to contribute. Right now, I’m the Membership Chair, but who knows what’s next.
KC: What challenges have you faced in your role as Membership Chair, and how have you overcome them?
NG: It was definitely overwhelming at first. The responsibility is high because you’re communicating with everyone, not just directly but through the Secretary as well There were times when emails weren’t reaching people, or members weren’t invited to events, or some hadn’t paid their fees and had to be removed. It took a few months to figure everything out In the beginning, it was chaotic, but now things run smoothly, especially with great support from board members like Rona and others. The first couple of months were tricky, but now I feel more confident What I find important is that every member matters, and that’s a big responsibility I always want to make sure people are happy and feel included.
CPC on tour to the west of Georgia!
By Margret Schmidt & Marianna Sofianou
On Sunday, October 13th, an IWA delegation travelled to Western Georgia to welcome the Austrian Police Delegation at Khobi/Toliskuri, the Day Care Center for children with disabilities, which IWA supported alongside donations from Vorarlberg Police Officials, their families, and friends The Charity Projects Committee (CPC) used this opportunity to monitor projects they have recently funded in the region and explore potential new beneficiaries
Nana Dvali, IWA’s founder; Marianna Sofianou, the CPC Chair; and Margret Schmidt, the former CPC Chair and the liaison with the Austrian Police, started the day with a visit in Baghdati, where IWA supported the organisation "HEAD" (Habitat for Equality, Achievements and Development) in 2023 by equipping a Sensory Room at their Day Care Centre for children with special needs They also visited a house that HEAD plans to renovate to serve as a Day Care Centre for adults with special needs.
HEAD's Day Care Centre for Children with Special Needs in Baghdati. The Centre can support 30 children from 6 to 18 years old It opened last year and it currently works with 19 children coming from villages in the Baghdati Municipality
Marianna found a driver, Mr. Givi, for our long journey to Baghdati and Khobi We started at 8 am and came back at 8 pm
The HEAD’s Sensory Room funded by IWA.
The Day Care Centre for Adults with special needs in Baghdati
CPC on tour to the west of Georgia!
Gvantsa, the director of Toliskuri, welcomed Nana, Mariam and Margret in front of the house IWA bought together with an Austrian Police donation
The children, along with the Toliskuri team and IWA, eagerly awaited the arrival of the Austrian guests As it was a Sunday, not all the children were present, but those who could attend were brought in the minivan donated by the Austrian Police in June 2024
Gvantsa started the tour through the house in front of the elevator! She is so proud no public house in Khobi has an elevator, except Toliskuri! By the way, the kids chose all the colors!
This is the workshop-, training- and meeting room; it was already rented out for a World Vision meeting!
The Austrian delegation, Madeleine, Petra, Sindy, Eva, Brigitte and Reinhard with crafts and sweets for all the kids!
CPC on tour to the west of Georgia!
Eva wants to greet all our IWA ladies; she admires our work and hopes we can continue it! We would like to conclude with our joint commitment to Toliskuri as follows: Marianna asked Eva, “You must be very proud of your work on the project,” and Eva replied, “No, not proud, but happy “
We had a tasteful break!
The Physiotherapy room and the kitchen will also be equipped with the donations from the Austrian Police, family and friends
CPC Summer Highlights and Upcoming Projects
By Marianna Sofianou
Since our last GBM in June, the Charity Project Committee (CPC) received and reviewed several applications for funding over the summer However, we mostly informed applicants that we were on "vacation mode " Despite this, we financed two urgent projects in July:
The first donation was for a 7-year-old girl suffering from cerebral palsy who requires biannual rehabilitation We contributed 3,000 lari towards her August rehabilitation
The second project, which we previously informed you about, involved a 34-year-old woman battling brain cancer and undergoing radiation and chemotherapy We provided 3,000 lari to support her treatment
Over the summer, we realised that the 3,000 lari limit for CPC approval has become insufficient, especially given the recent price surge As a result, the Committee has increased the approval limit to 5,000 lari Moving forward, we will regularly update you on our projects and seek your approval for funding requests exceeding 5,000 lari
On Tuesday, October 8th, CPC held its first post-summer meeting to review several new applications Of course, cancelling the Winter Fair in December is a major concern, as it significantly impacts our fundraising efforts and thus the funds we will have at our disposal for charity Nevertheless, we have decided to proceed with our work and closely monitor the situation, hoping we can soon resume our activities.
Additionally, CPC is working to revive the Focus Project. Many of you may recall that IWA had an annual Focus Project dedicated to a specific cause in the past. We believe reinstating this will be important in attracting potential donors and reinforcing our mission.
by Nana Shavtvaladze www.lsgeorgia.com www.facebook.com/semita.education.space?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Georgian Conversation Interest Group: Meet with Nana Shavtvaladze every other Thursday at 13:00 to work on the basic phrases, main forms, and cultural specifics of each word's function. For more information, contact her on WhatsApp at +995 577454332.
Autumn Products Calendar
Quince Pomegranate
Grape Pumpkin
October
Brussels sprouts Cauliflower
Parsnip root Persimmon
November
Kiwi
Black Radish
Jerusalem artichoke
Give a try to Psychodrama Therapy
By Diana Koerner
Occupational Therapist and Psychodrama Practitioner diana.koerner@gmail.com
“Every true second time is a liberation from the first”
Jacob L. Moreno, Founder of Psychodrama
The philosophy of psychodrama is based on the belief that individuals can benefit from exploring and expressing their emotions and experiences through dramatic action. It emphasizes the importance of creativity, spontaneity, and the exploration of different roles and perspectives as a means of personal growth and self-discovery.
At the core of psychodrama is the concept of "role," which refers to the various parts individuals play in their lives such as parent, friend, or worker. Participants are encouraged to act out these roles in dramatic scenes, allowing them to experiment with new ways of being and expressing themselves.
Another key concept in psychodrama is "spontaneity," which involves the ability to act freely and creatively in the moment, without being constrained by habitual patterns or expectations. The practice is designed to help individuals tap into their natural spontaneity and creativity, overcoming fears and inhibitions that may hold them back.
Benefits of Psychodrama:
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved communication skills
- Enhanced empathy
- Greater creativity
- Increased resilience
The best way to answer the question "What is psychodrama?" is through personal experience there truly is no substitute for engaging with it directly.
I warmly invite you to discover the world of psychodrama with me. I offer online sessions in three languages: English, German, and Russian. Currently, I have space for 2 or 3 participants. If you are interested, please email me with a brief description of your inquiry as specifically as possible, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Prospero’s Books Expands to Batumi: Celebrating 25 Years of Literary and Coffee Culture
Known for its exceptional selection of English books and inviting coffee and snacks in a cosy space, Prospero’s Books has become a beloved cultural hub in Georgia
On October 17, 2024, Prospero’s Books & Coffee celebrated the grand opening of its new store in Batumi, marking a significant milestone during the 25th anniversary of its original establishment in Tbilisi.
The new location in Batumi on 47 Mazniashvili Street promises to continue this tradition, offering a cosy space for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. The store is owned by our IWA Hospitality Chair, Tako MegrelishviliJohnson, and her husband, Steve Johnson, who are excited to bring their passion for books and community to Batumi
Sponsorship Packages
We have four categories of sponsorship considered as bronze, silver, gold and platinum
Packages
Company’ s name is mentioned at the website, Facebook page and IWA’ s newsletter
Company’ s name mentioned in all IWA’ s activities (with physical presence or on line)
a chosen IWAG
Video on website and Facebook page promoting the company
GOLD sponsors PLATINUM sponsors
SILVER sponsors ANKARA STYLE
THE BODY SHOP BEST ELECTRICS
BRONZE sponsors
IS BANK GEORGIA
Happy to receive your Newsletter contributions:
iwanlgrapevine@gmail.com
www.iwa.ge
IWA´s official website: iwageorgia@gmail.com
Happy to receive your email: Our public Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/iwa.geo
In case you want to support us, please contact: fundraising@iwa.ge
In case you want to donate and help us helping:
Disclaimer
The IWAG does not take responsibility for, nor does it endorse, any of the services or associations mentioned here. The opinions contained in the newsletter reflect the views of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent those of IWA Georgia.
