Local Correspondents – Page 5 – EASTERN PARTNERSHIP

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / When a State of Emergency Unites People and the Government

by Mari Chakryan, Local Correspondent from Armenia The first case of coronavirus in Armenia was registered on March 1, 2020. Until that day, most citizens, and even some members of the government, believed that the coronavirus infection was no threat to Armenia, and even joked that Armenian cornel vodka or mulberry vodka and garlic were

Ukraine

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / The Response of Ukraine Civil Society to Covid-19

by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. People have to keep social distancing in the midst of a global health crisis. In this time, solidarity and social compassion play an important role. COVID 19 has changed the work of Ukrainian CSOs, which are facing unprecedented difficulties while working during “lockdown”. Many organizations are adapting to

Moldova

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / Children learning during COVID-19

by Stas Ghiletchi, Local Correspondent from Moldova COVID-19 has shut the world’s schools. Since the start of the pandemic, over 100 countries had taken a decision to close the classrooms. The Republic of Moldova followed the example of other countries and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research suspended the education process in early March. Initially,

Belarus

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / How COVID-19 changed life in Belarus

How COVID-19 changed life in Belarus: restaurants send food to hospitals, teachers sew face masks, and volunteers deliver them by Valeria Volkogonova, Local Correspondent from Belarus and Alexandra Savinich (Office for European Expertise and Communications) Many civic activists, NGO leaders, and managers work from home for almost two months. Self-isolation is voluntary in Belarus, and

Georgia

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / The Threat

by George Chanturia, Local Correspondent from Georgia. Much was written and discussed during the last days and even years about the Orthodox Church in Georgia and the problems associated with it. More specifically, whether Georgia is a secular state or not. Let’s begin with a chronology: On December 31st, 2019, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan,

Ukraine

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / Engaging Citizens in Decision-Making: Participatory Budget in Kyiv

by Maksym Mazypchuk, Local Correspondent from Ukraine. Since 2014, Ukraine has been conducting a political decentralization process that seeks to empower local self-governments and communities. The powers and funds are being transferred to the local level. Ukrainian cities are massively launching programs of participatory budgeting for increasing the residents’ awareness process of local budget forming

Armenia

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / Women’s Role in Community Development in Armenia

by Mari Chakryan, Local Correspondent from Armenia The involvement of women in political life, especially in community governance, remains low in Armenia, despite the fact that since 2004 the Government has adopted decrees and elaborated documents on enhancing the role of women in society to ensure equal opportunities. However, the percentage of women continues to

Azerbaijan

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / Inclusive Theatre of Azerbaijan

by Ismayil Fataliyev, Local Correspondent from Azerbaijan. Traditionally, people with disabilities (PwDs) in Azerbaijan have remained out of public attention, in the shadow of society. Lack of available and adopted space for self-development, insufficient both government and NGO-led initiatives have pushed them to stay home all day long reducing number of interlocutors to family members only.

Georgia

#LocalCorrespondent Opinion / 8 and counting… and Recommendation to CSOs

by George Chanturia, Local Correspondent from Georgia. In 2020 alone, 8 femicide cases occurred in Georgia. Obviously, authorities are also responsible for tackling this issue. However, in this blog, I want to point out several of the improvement areas that the CSOs have. It is early Sunday morning. Me and my dog are going for a walk. The