Tbilisi, Georgia. Qedeli is a residential community for people with assistance needs that was founded in 1999 near Tbilisi, Georgia. Director Lali Khandolishvili talks about her work in the current political climate.
What does a typical day in Qedeli look like?
There are currently 29 people with assistance needs living in Qedeli. In addition to appropriate care, the residents’ skills are promoted in various workshops. They work on a small pig farm, bake bread, make various handicrafts, weave by hand and on the loom, make wood products, garden, and cultivate seasonal vineyards. Every day begins with a meeting in the common room. There, we sing together and read the day’s verse. We also celebrate the corresponding season. During the breaks, we all meet in the courtyard or in the communal rooms to talk to each other and share our thoughts. In the afternoon, the residents take part in various therapies such as painting, music, and dance. In the remaining time, they organize their free time according to their own wishes and preferences.
How does the political situation affect your work?
Last year, the government passed undemocratic laws that will cause serious damage to various sectors, including the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector. For example, one law states that any NGO that receives funds from abroad is considered an organization that pursues the interests of a foreign power—our initiative is no exception. In order to continue our work, however, we are dependent on financial support from abroad. Fortunately, the political changes so far have not had any direct negative impact on our work. Nevertheless, we fear the uncertain future and are very concerned about the government’s next steps. The hostile attitude towards NGOs is a constant concern for us. The past year has been one of the hardest for the Georgian people. It was characterized by disappointment, depression, and nihilism, but also by an ongoing struggle for democratic principles.
What do you hope for the future of the initiative?
Our greatest hope for Qedeli at the moment is to survive and preserve the good that we and our friends have achieved through their selfless work over the last 35 years. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received since our foundation.
Contact qedelicommunity@gmail.com
More Qedeli
Translation Charles Cross
Image Residents of Qedeli, photo: Lili Sulkhanishvili
