Education and Development Centre Toliskuri
In 2022, IWA Georgia supported the NGO Education and Development Centre “Toliskuri” in addressing the urgent need for expanded services for children with special needs in the Samegrelo region. Instead of extending the existing Day Care Center, which could only accommodate 19 children, a decision was made to purchase a larger house to serve more than 50 children from five surrounding villages.
This milestone was made possible through a generous donation from the Austrian Police Department of Vorarlberg, enabling the acquisition the property in November 2022.
The new space opened opportunities for rehabilitation and habilitation programs, expanded educational activities, and future initiatives such as a social enterprise.
Building on this achievement, in 2024 the project entered a new phase focused on the renovation and full operational development of the facility. The funding for this stage came entirely from donations collected in Austria, reflecting continued commitment and trust from Austrian partners. The Vorarlberg Police Department also donated a van retrofitted with a handicap ramp and Eva Wakalopulos and Roland Stemer drove six days from Austria to Georgia to personally deliver it.
Eva explained the main reasons why she was so committed to this project: "First, the hospitality and warmth of the country and its people. In some cases we can learn a thing or two from them. Second, thanks to IWA and [former CPC co-chair] Margaret, I have confidence that every euro we collect in Austria goes directly to the people in need. No middleman is taking a cut. I feel safe doing this because I vouch for the project in my province with my name and face. It's important to me that I can guarantee to my friends and colleagues that their donations reach the intended place.
iwa.ge iwa.geo iwa_georgia The renovation ensures a safe, accessible, and well-equipped environment where children can benefit from improved care, therapy, and skill-building programs. This continued support from Austria not only strengthens the sustainability of the center but also deepens the long-term impact of the original investment, helping Toliskuri expand its reach and improve the quality of life for even more children and their families.
