The Public Union Bridge of Friendship Kartlosi

The Public Union Bridge of Friendship “Kartlosi” (“Kartl”- means “Georgian” and “Osi”-means “Ossetian”) was founded on May, 12, 2006 by the initiative of youth from the village Pkhvenisi. The village is located in Gori Region, 5 km from Tskhinvali. Since establishment the organization has carried out many events, charity actions, educational projects, cultural-athletic activities. These activities have significantly contributed to the mobilization of local communities and raise potential of civil activity on local level. In August 2008 members of the organization had to leave their village and stayed for two months in different compact settlements. They suffered themselves the whole stress of war but owing to the high level of self-organization they managed to provide assistance to other groups of population affected by war. Moreover, it was decided to establish coalition “For IDP rights” of NGOs in “exile” to provide more accurate and targeted assistance to Internally Displaced People. The mission of the organization is to support sustainable development of local communities in Shida Kartli Region and contribute to the peace process on the settlement of Tskhinval/i conflict and carry out a dialog between communities divided in the result of conflict. Our work is based upon the core values of peace, social justice, partnership, solidarity, cooperation, and innovation. Target groups of “Kartlosi” are:1) Local population from Shida Kartli Region (with particular attention to youth 18-30, internally displaced people; people affected by war, minority groups; citizens who live in rural areas of the country)2) Local initiative groups and non-governmental organizations3) Local authorities