Preparation and launching of this web-site was made possible through support provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USIAD) under the "Youth House" project implemented by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) with input and participation of the staff and youth of the Sukhum, Zugdidi, Ochamchire, Tbilisi, Dushanbe, Gornji Vakuf, Sanski Most Youth Houses.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID.

Selma
Zantaria, director

As a result of the war of 1992-3 many children in Abkhazia are in need of psychological help and support. This section was created at OYH specifically to address this need. The aim of our service is to provide psychological support. Our main task is to help children who have a range of problems whether at school or socially.
The section works in several different ways:
1. Individual sessions with children and with parents.
2. Assessment and research into various character traits.
3. Group work with children who come to our sessions: the children learn about psychology, work through their problems, understand their inner self, learn how to avoid conflict and form healthy relationships.
4. Facilitate trainings on interactive teaching methods for schoolteachers from all over the region.
This section is run by Leila Kvekverskiri.

English Language (older group)
Our main aim with the older group is to practise speaking English and other skills such as reading, translation, retelling what's been read, the structure of dialogue, developing monologues, seen and unseen translation, interpreting and learning songs and poems. We also do crosswords, play (age appropriate) games etc. as well as learn about English speaking countries and their culture. The lessons provide a good atmosphere in which to study the material.
This group is taught by Vladimir Maluka who is also our Spanish teacher.

English Language (younger group)
This group is for children from 8 - 12. They learn the alphabet, rhymes, songs and also learn about customs in English speaking countries. The lessons are taught through play and the material is presented in a more visual and simplified way.
This group is taught by Oksana Gamgia.

Art
"Art" is not a profession and neither is it an activity; it's a feeling within your heart. This section has been running since OYH first started. Perhaps it was created so we would always be as happy as possible in our hearts. Our motto is "Our brushes, paints and water are always at the ready. Putting paint to canvas we're the next new stars!" These are not just empty words something always comes of them. Our young visitors to OYH have been greeted, on more than one occasion, by the sight of an exhibition of their own paintings in which they have depicted their joy, sorrow or other feelings common to mankind.
This section is taught by Daur Zantaria who also teaches art in the village of Tamysh as part of the EURO project.

Computers
This section has been running since 2001 and is attended by teenagers over the age of 14. They learnbasic computer skills and programmes such as
· Windows 2000
· Word 2000
· Excel 2000
They also receive a basic introduction to computer programming, learn how to work with documents, diagrams, tables, formulae and typing skills as well as playing computer games and creating pictures.
The teacher of this section is Aleksandr Korzhov.

Choreography
This section aims to bring out the talent in children capable of artistic interpretation. All the children learn artistic movement, grace and posture and are taught basic dance steps and well-known dances, as well as learning about the history of dance. All this is to bring them closer to the culture of dancing.
Teacher - Gennadii Lomia.

Journalism
In this section we aim to develop children's journalistic ability and acquaint them with the art of words. The children learn about the media, the role of journalists and their profession, how newspapers are published, essay writing, short stories etc., interview techniques, writing reports for newspapers, TV or radio. They also learn how to design the layout of a newspaper. The results of this can be seen in our bi-monthly newspaper "Zvezda Rassveta".
Teacher - Mariana Adleiba.

Hairdressing
The hairdressing section is one of the most popular at OYH. When children come to us they can be sure that they will be taught most of the basic skills that every hairdresser needs, along with the subtleties of the art of this ancient profession. They are taught not only the technical side of how to cut hair but also styling and how to choose which haircut would suit which shaped face. We have hairdressing dummies, hairdressing scissors, hairdryers and such like for blow-drying hair e.g. mousse, serum, hairspray, wax etc.
Teacher - Zhanna Ubilava.

"Nimble Fingers"
Our aim is to teach our children handicrafts and help them to develop their imagination, creativeskills and their ability to make things with their hands. Learning sculpture, embroidery and making things out of scraps and remnants. This also leads our children into the beautiful world of creativity.
Teacher - Anzhela Mania.

Playtherapy
The aim of our section is to rehabilitate children from 4 - 8 through the art of play. The activities are as follows:
· learning poems, songs, dances
· drawing i.e. to develop ability of self expression through drawings
· more physical games such as drama exercises, new games
· taking children into the world of fantasy through reading fairytales, conversations, pictures and excursions.
Teacher - Oksana Gamgia

Abkhazian for Beginners
This section was set up for children who would like to speak Abkhazian but find it hard due to the difficult sounds or maybe a psychological barrier. Zaira Chokua uses interactive methods for a quicker and more effective way of learning the language. Through play children learn Abkhazian rhymes and songs.