On his recent visit to Georgia, Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr. visited ASSOCIATION ANIKA, a non-government organization based in Tbilisi that is dedicated to educating and rehabilitating children with special needs (PWDs or Persons With Disabilities) and preparing them for integration in mainstream society, by arming them with the necessary social and professional skills.
ANIKA is dedicated to protecting the rights of youths with disabilities and the promotion of accessible education, arts and sports activities, and vocational education and employment of PWDs.
During his visit, Consul Cunanan met with Ms. Irine Inasaridze, the Director of ANIKA who gave briefing about the history of the NGO and the state of PWD affairs in Georgia. For his part, Consul Cunanan talked about PWD outreach initiatives in the Philippines, in particular the many activities of the Earthsavers Movement of Cecile Guidote-Alvarez which are aimed at cultural care-giving and societal awareness and empowerment. He also expressed keen interest to develop joint Georgian – Philippine PWD outreach programs, in partnership with cause-oriented groups of both countries.
Ms. Inasaridze gave Consul Cunanan a tour of ANIKA’s “Zurab Zhvania Independent Living Center”. Located in a building on Dadiani Street in Tbilisi, which the NGO received in 2005, the center is PWD-friendly, with ramps, Braille elevator markings, and wheelchair access all throughout the facility. It provides special services to 35 children with physical and intellectual disability, including 13 wheelchair users. In addition, socially vulnerable youth living in the same district also benefit from the center’s services, which support social integration of children from marginalized sectors. The center has a staff of 13 persons.
