La première semaine de mai a été une période chargée pour l'ALDA, avec une partie de l'Association en mission en Ukraine et une autre partie en partance pour la Géorgie.
From 1 to 4 May 2023, ALDA Governing Board member and representative of Società Cooperativa Sociale Studio Progetto, Mr. Andrea Rilievo, together with the Head of the Development Department of ALDA, Mr. Marco Boaria, flew to Georgia for a trip aimed at strengthening their partnership ties in the country, while getting a taste of the nation’s beautiful culture.
On May 2 the ALDA team arrived in Kutaisi (Georgia), welcomed by the Executive Director of the Local Democracy Agency Georgia, Ms. Nino Khukhua, who immediately introduced them to the Georgian traditions by having them participate in the Kutaisoba (or Gviriloba) Festival.
The Kutaisoba Festival, or ‘Day of the chamomile’ is held on 2 May each year in the city of Kutaisi. It was established in the early 20th century and commemorates the tradition of schoolgirls in Kutaisi, who sold chamomile tea to passers-by and donated the proceeds to leprosy patients. Hundreds of people arrive in the city from the entire Imereti region of Kutaisi to take part in the celebrations. The programme includes competitions, contests, concerts, flower and handicraft exhibitions in the city centre, while regional gastronomic specialities are served in the area set up near the Mukhnari forest, about one kilometre from Kutaisi.
Le voyage de l'ALDA en Géorgie avait pour but de renforcer ses liens de partenariat dans le pays, tout en s'imprégnant de la magnifique culture de la nation
The official opening ceremony of the event was held by the entire city administration, among which the Mayor of Kutaisi, Mr. Ioseb Khakhaleishvili, (ALDA member) who warmly received the Association representatives and with whom he discussed future activities and goals to be achieved together, working hand in hand.
After taking part in this beautiful tradition, the ALDA team met with the entire staff of the LDA Georgia to talk about the organisation’s activities and achieved results, as well as its objectives.
The day after, on May 3, Mr. Rilievo and Mr. Boaria left for the city of Zugdidi (Georgia) where they met the Mayor of the Municipality of Zugdidi (ALDA member), Mr. Mamuka Tsotseria, together with his first deputy, Mr. Konstantine Kakava.
M. Tsotseria a souligné comment la coopération entre la municipalité elle-même et l'Association, établie en 2018, s'est considérablement développée et renforcée au fil du temps.
Afterwards, the ALDA representatives had a meeting with Mr. Giga Parulava, Chairman of Zugdidi City Council, and took the opportunity to discuss the cooperation strategy for the future, which includes strengthening self-government, increasing citizen involvement in decision-making, and capacity building of civil servants for the effective functioning of self-government units.
Avant de rentrer chez elle, la délégation de l'ALDA a participé à une masterclass sur les opportunités de financement de l'UE, en particulier dans la zone du Partenariat oriental, à laquelle ont participé 30 personnes.
The Association team returned after three fruitful and very intense days, having consolidated the already strong networks in the country and enriched their cultural and personal baggage, which made the experience in Georgia truly unforgettable.
La démocratie locale sauvera la démocratie - Le festival et l'assemblée générale de l'ALDA approchent!
The event will take place from June 6 until June 9, 2023, in Etterbeek (Belgium), at the premises of Etterbeek City Hall. Discover the Agenda by clicking here & register!
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