TİKA Inaugurated a Children's Support Center in Georgia

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) inaugurated a children’s support center for orphans in Batumi.

The children’s support center named “Boarding and Day House for Children,” which is affiliated with Georgia’s Ialkani Association and was renovated and equipped by TİKA in Batumi, has been inaugurated.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Nino Nizharadze, Minister of Health and Social Affairs of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia; Necla Demirdağ, TİKA’s Tbilisi Coordinator; Rıza Kağan Yılmaz, Turkey’s Consul General to Batumi; local officials; and directors of the center.

In his speech, Consul General Yılmaz stated that he was happy to attend the inauguration ceremony and that TİKA serves to strengthen the relations between Turkey and Georgia.

Noting that TİKA has been operating in various fields in Georgia for many years, Yılmaz said, “TİKA has carried out more than 600 projects in Georgia, which is a friendly, neighboring, and sister country.”

In his speech, Demirdağ stated that Georgia is a sister country and a major strategic partner for Turkey, and stressed the importance of carrying out such projects here. She said, “Today is a truly important and special day for us.”

Demirdağ continued, “This center, which is the first and only children’s support center in the region, is extremely important as it will increase the efficiency of the social integration of children who will grow up here. TİKA continues to put a smile on the faces of children around the world without discriminating between them based on their religion, language, or ethnicity.”

Speaking to an AA reporter after the inauguration ceremony, Nino Nizharadze, Minister of Health and Social Affairs of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, stated that an extremely important project was implemented in Batumi with the support of TİKA.

Noting that the center will provide education to homeless orphans, Nizharadze said, “We would like to thank the Turkish side for this assistance.”

Referring to their long-lasting efficient cooperation with TİKA, especially in the field of healthcare, Nizharadze said, “I would like to stress the importance of the Batumi Infectious Diseases Hospital, which was extensively renovated by TİKA. Thanks to this hospital, we have carried out successful activities in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.”

– TİKA’s cooperation with the Ialkani Association

Founded in Batumi in 2015, the Ialkani Association aims to provide financial support to families in need, cover the treatment costs of seriously ill patients, and provide social and humanitarian assistance.

The association also continues to carry out protection and awareness activities for women who have been subjected to violence.

150 children, including 45 boarders, study at the children’s support center named “Boarding and Day House for Children,” which is affiliated with the Ialkani Association and was inaugurated today.

The center operates on a land of 250 square meters donated by the government of Adjara.