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.

The overall mission of TYH is to improve the life of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds through specific programmes which help improve their psychological condition, create a safe and stimulating environment and enable them to realise their full potential.

The children and young people who come to TYH are between the ages of 10 and 18 and are from socially vulnerable and needy IDP (internally displaced person) families where they have the opportunity to participate in both creative and more academic activities regardless of their talent or level. We have 8 teachers, one psychologist and varying numbers of volunteers and regularly work with other organisations and analytical specialists.
TYH has the following sections: English, Spanish, computers, TV-video, journalism, art and 4 clubs - debating club, film club, ecology/environment club and a Spanish lovers' club.
The teachers take part in various training sessions organised by local and international organisations, usually NGOs on topics such as foundation and development of the third sector (finance, personnel, project writing, small business development, team building), training for trainers, training in new methods of conflict resolution and peace building and training for social workers and post-traumatic stress therapy.

TYHF works in conjunction with: UMCOR, Counterpart International, AED, Invalids and Veterans of the Order of St Queen Tamar, "Claritas" child health and nutrition fund, Protection of the Rights of the Socially Vulnerable in Shida Kartli, Georgian International Society for Cardiology, Computer Education Centre for IDPs. Local and international volunteers also play an important part at TYH; we have people coming from the US, Great Britain and Australia to work in our classrooms, give seminars on different topics, take part in the clubs and help with the organisation of events, outings and picnics.
Nana Doliashvili is the director of TYHF with Tsitsino Grdzelishvili as the YH assistant.

Manana Datuashvili, our resident psychologist, helps children with post-traumatic stress (as a result of the war) work through their problems. The lessons are held both individually and in a group, as are the psycho-correction sessions. Manana works in close contact with the teachers and this helps to uncover and make known any problems which interfere with a child's progress. Where necessary, sessions are also held with the parents. Manana also runs a careers advisory service for the older children.

English Language
This section is divided into six groups due to the large numbers of children (more than 240) and Elza Robakidze and Marina Dzhananashvili their teachers, are both highly qualified. The course lasts for six months and the pupils are arranged according to their level of English.

Spanish Language
The 60 pupils in this section are divided into three groups and their teacher Maia Gugunava uses the same system as that of the English section.

Computers
During this 2 month course more than 100 children learn how to use a computer. Maria Kavrelishvili and Konstantin Bakhtadze teachthem Windows, Office,Power Point,Word and Excel. The childrenget a whole spectrum of information by using the Internet thusbroadeningtheir understanding of the world.

Art
Nino Okropiridze encourages the children who come to her lessons to express themselves freely and to develop their aesthetic skills. The young artists regularly take part in exhibitions organised by the E. Akhvlediani Children's Gallery, Christmas and Easter exhibitions and the international exhibition "I'm an Olympian". The participants receive certificates, prizes and expensive presents.

Journalism
The children learn about the history of journalism from their teacher Tata Sakhelashvili as well as the practical side of the job. Their newspaper "Our Generation" is published quarterly and consists entirely of the children's articles, poems, stories and letters reflecting life at TYH and reporting on any past or future events. The paper is in both Georgian and English, the translation being done by the children themselves.

TV-Video
Here teenagers learn about the technical side of filming, working behind the camera and learn how to edit and do the montage of what they have filmed. The particularly talented ones continue their work in groups making clips and films. This section is run by Nika Menabde.