Youth exchanges, training courses and local projects for active citizenship, inclusion and green skills with a focus on young people with fewer opportunities
Four values guide every project we run.
Opening local and European mobility projects to IDPs, migrants and young people with fewer opportunities.
Involving young people in international educational programmes that support Georgia’s European integration.
Fostering respect and equality towards diverse cultures, values and ways of life.
Drawing attention to local environmental problems and turning them into youth-led action.
Georgian Youth Development Association was founded to make active citizenship accessible, engaging and practical.
We empower young people through non-formal education to develop interpersonal skills and social competences. Our goal is to foster European values, gender equality, and successful integration into the international community.
We combine non-formal and informal education with hands-on experiences to make active citizenship tangible and exciting. Our programs bridge theory and practice, giving participants the tools to develop social competences and contribute to peace in their communities and beyond
Helping young people develop interpersonal and social competences through certified international methodologies
Engaging in hands-on activities like ecological clean-ups and charity events for the local community
Practicing negotiation and dialogue through events like "Peace Walk Georgia" and Karl Popper style tournaments
Supporting Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and migrants through free language courses and social tools.
Providing access to European educational programs and Erasmus+ projects to support EU integration
Utilizing university premises, such as Grigol Robakidze University, for professional workshops and gatherings
Empowering youth, supporting communities, building peace.
The Georgian Youth Development Association (GYDA) is a non-governmental, non-profit youth organization based in the Gldani district of Tbilisi, an area with a historically significant population of Internally Displaced Persons from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. For nearly a decade, our organization has dedicated itself to supporting these young individuals, ensuring their seamless integration into society through access to free educational resources and European mobility projects. We work with a modern vision, adapting internationally certified methodologies to foster the interpersonal and social competences of our local youth while actively championing Georgia’s integration into the European Union.
Our impact is driven by hands-on community engagement and strategic institutional partnerships. We recently signed a memorandum with Grigol Robakidze University—making us only the second organization after DRONI to secure such an agreement—granting us access to university premises for diverse non-formal workshops and gatherings. We have also hosted significant diplomatic and civic events, including an interactive lecture in Bakuriani with Mr. Andrius Kalindra, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania, focusing on the EU’s role in the South Caucasus and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. Furthermore, our "Pieces of Peace" Karl Popper-style debate tournaments at the University of Georgia and the historic Peace Walk Georgia at the Mikheil Saakashvili Presidential Library have successfully united youths, politicians, and local citizens to advocate for international peace agreements.
Beyond civic education, GYDA is deeply committed to grassroots charity and environmental stewardship. We successfully collaborated with the "Merrily Masks" theatre to raise over one thousand GEL for stage decorations and costumes, an initiative that was featured in a short reportage by the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Pirveli Arkhi. Our team has also directly supported young people with disabilities, successfully collecting funds to provide new wheelchairs for local youth named Luka and Mariam. On the environmental front, our "Let’s keep our city Clean" campaign brought together members and volunteers to clear over five thousand square meters of territory around Tbilisi. Through meticulous planning, administrative management, and comprehensive monitoring of Erasmus+ and Youth in Action programs, our dedicated team continues to create meaningful, lasting impacts across the region.
Capacity building in the field of youth
Project no. 101185795
“Stronger Together” supports displaced youth, both refugees and internally displaced persons, in Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Moldova and Poland. It equips youth workers and their organisations with tools and skills such as trauma-informed care and cross-cultural communication, helping displaced young people integrate, build resilience and take an active part in their communities.
Project no. 101186111
PACT strengthens youth mental health support with a methodology that combines psychoeducation, psychological first aid and art therapy. It trains youth workers, promotes early intervention and resilience for vulnerable groups, develops e-learning tools and works to reduce stigma by bringing mental health education into youth programmes across partner countries.
Project no. 101329208
EU GRA helps youth organisations in the EU and the Eastern Partnership counter disinformation and build civic resilience. Its Train-the-Trainer programme in media literacy and fact-checking will train 120 youth workers, reach 600 young people, including refugees and IDPs, and produce an open toolkit. Partners: France, Czechia, Türkiye, Armenia and Ukraine.
Gonio, Georgia
The project explored the connection between dance, digital creativity, and intercultural communication. Through workshops, creative activities, group work, and cultural exchange, participants developed their communication, teamwork, creativity, and digital skills.
Ureki, Georgia
The project focused on peacebuilding, tolerance, respect, inclusion, intercultural understanding, and active youth participation. Through debates, hikes, group activities, and intercultural exchange, participants had the opportunity to share perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and build meaningful connections across borders.
Ureki, Georgia
The project went beyond sports and competition, focusing on inclusion, equality, teamwork, resilience, and intercultural understanding. Through sports activities, group challenges, and cultural exchange, participants developed new skills, strong social connections, and shared experiences with people from different backgrounds.
Ureki, Georgia
The project focused on peacebuilding, dialogue, intercultural understanding, and active youth participation. Through workshops, discussions, group activities, and intercultural exchange, participants explored ways young people can contribute to creating more inclusive, peaceful, and connected communities.
Ureki, Georgia
Throughout the week, participants explored how art can become a powerful voice for the planet and a tool for raising awareness about environmental issues. They planted trees, created an eco-mural, visited the Dendrological Park and Botanical Garden, participated in clean-up activities, and discovered new ways to recycle and reuse materials.
Gonio, Georgia
The exchange focused on teamwork, healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and mental well-being. Participants took part in sports activities, energizers, discussions, and outdoor experiences designed to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
Kobuleti, Georgia
The project focused on LGBTQ+ rights, equality, inclusion, acceptance, and respect. Participants came together as a diverse international group to explore the importance of creating a society where everyone can express their identity authentically and live without fear or discrimination.
Kobuleti, Georgia
The project explored important topics including war, refugees, inclusion, conflict, empathy, and intercultural understanding. Participants from diverse backgrounds came together to learn more about the experiences and challenges faced by refugees, while discussing ways to promote inclusion and contribute to conflict resolution.
Gonio, Georgia
The project explored the dark side of fake news, clickbait, and misinformation, helping participants understand how misleading information is created, spread, and used to influence audiences. Participants learned how to identify clickbait, evaluate information critically, recognize manipulative content, and become more responsible digital citizens.
Board member and Project Manager
Mariam Dogadze is a youth worker with 50+ projects of experience in youth work and international initiatives. She combines strong leadership skills with practical expertise in coordination and facilitation, and is actively engaged in Erasmus+ initiatives. Passionate about inclusion and personal growth, she is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
Board member and Digital Content Creator
Likuna holds a Bachleor of Journalism and Mass Communications from Grigol Robakidze University and has experience in media, communication and content creation. She has also taken part in a university talk show and is especially interested in digital and social media storytelling. Her academic background, paired with her interest in visual and social media content, allows her to approach communication in a fresh and dynamic way.
Board Member and Project Coordinator
An active youth worker deeply involved in Erasmus+ projects, with a particular interest in youth empowerment. As an ambassador for Kutaisi International University in 2020–2021, he was focusing on event planning, project coordination and student engagement. Currently, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Law at Ilia State University, balancing his academic pursuits with a strong interest in youth work and international cooperation.
Board member and Project Coordinator
Lasha holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Tbilisi State University, graduating in 2023. Since 2020, he has been active in international youth work through 20+ Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges and Training Courses, and has already had two project proposals approved under Erasmus+. He also has experience as a coordinator and facilitator at GYDA, completed a year of ESC volunteering in Latvia, and has been accepted to Vilnius University for a Master’s in International Communication.
Project Coordinator and Youth Worker
Holds a Bachelor’s degree in History. Since 2020, he has been actively involved in volunteer work and Erasmus+ projects, participating in 10+ Youth Exchange and Training Courses. He was elected Chairman of the student self-government at Modusi College, where he led initiatives such as sports events, a photography contest and an English conversation club. As a member of the student club “Publicity”, Nika is motivated to share his experience and continue developing in international youth work and project coordination.
Volunteer Coordinator
Luka is studying International Relations at the University of Georgia and Digital Technologies Support/IT at the College of Marneuli. He has hands-on IT experience and is interested in technology, system configuration and practical problem-solving. He also takes part in civic activities and international programs to build his skills and perspective.
Partnership & Mobility Coordinator
Ana is studying Journalism and Mass Communications at Alterbridge University and has strong practical experience in strategic communications. She has taken part in more than ten projects, often in leadership roles and works in marketing on campaigns and adaptations for major international brands. This mix of media and corporate marketing experience helps her navigate complex communication environments with ease.
Volunteer Coordinator
Elene holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Since her student years, she has been motivated to participate in exchange programs to develop her communication skills and connect with people from different cultures. GYDA organization has played a significant role in this journey by informing her about these opportunities and supporting her involvement.
International Educational Projects Manager
Lizi, a Sociology student at Tbilisi State University, is actively involved in youth work through Georgian Youth Development Association. She has experience in coordinating international projects, particularly within Erasmus+ initiatives, focusing on youth empowerment, intercultural dialogue, and active citizenship.
Digital Creator and Youth Worker
Saba is studying Information Technologies at the Business and Technology University of Georgia. He has gained significant professional experience working as an IT Support and specializing in technical troubleshooting and system configuration. He is a highly active member of the youth work community, having participated in 10+ different projects and international training courses. He is expanding his capabilities by training to become a professional facilitator and project writer, aiming to design and lead future international initiatives.
Co-founder of GYDA and President
Raul serves as President of GYDA since 2024. He is an experienced youth worker with more than 10 years of involvement in youth work, international cooperation and project development. He holds an MA in European Interdisciplinary Studies from the College of Europe and has led and supported numerous youth initiatives, including Erasmus+ projects, capacity-building activities and intercultural exchanges.
Contact us and learn more about our organization
