Youth-oriented Municipal Services and its Challenges: Shida Kartli, Autonomous Republic of Adjara and Samtskhe-Javakheti

The report assesses and examines the extent of youth participation in local self-governance and the quality thereof, as well as the efficacy of youth-focused programs and services across three regions of Georgia: Shida Kartli, the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Data collection methods, such as focus groups with vulnerable youth living in the target regions and in-depth interviews with representatives of Shida Kartli, Adjara, and Samtskhe-Javakheti local governments, media, and non-governmental organizations, were used to develop the report.

To compile this report, the focus groups were conducted with vulnerable youth residing in the specified regions, and the in-depth interviews with representatives from local governments, media outlets, and non-governmental organizations in Shida Kartli, Adjara, and Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Findings from the study indicate a common trend across the target regions, characterized by a deficiency in youth-oriented programs within local municipalities. These programs primarily target school-aged youth and are predominantly centered around cultural and sporting events. Furthermore, none of the municipalities have at this stage implemented a mechanism for evaluating public services. A prevalent issue is the lack, or nonexistence, of municipal transportation, posing mobility challenges, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, there is a disconnection between the perspectives and expectations of local government representatives and the youth population in all three municipalities, leading to ineffective youth programs.

The study proposes that to enhance youth-focused programs and services within these municipalities and to foster broader youth involvement in local decision-making processes, the establishment of an effective feedback mechanism is imperative. This mechanism could encompass various forms of communication, such as face-to-face interactions, telephone surveys, or online platforms. The report also suggests potential mechanisms for evaluating municipal services and other feedback avenues to facilitate the democratic engagement of young people.

Keywords: youth, municipal services, involvement in self-government.

Report of the project’s results | February 2024

This report has been developed with the support of the Open Government Partnership through the EU for Integrity Programme for the Eastern Partnership, funded by the European Union. The contents of this study are the sole responsibility of the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) and do not necessarily reflect the views of OGP or the EU.