The Mercer On Mission program in Tbilisi will focus on marginalized groups living in Georgia, including Ukrainian war refugees. The primary program focuses on a camp for children to practice English language skills, participate in STEM activities, and engage in arts and crafts while also developing coping skills. In addition to daily work with the children, Mercer students will organize bi-weekly skill development sessions in the evenings with teenagers and adults. These sessions will focus on coping with stress, using technology effectively and practicing the English language. Audiences for the evening programs include Ukrainian refugees, members of the local queer community and socially vulnerable individuals.
For over a decade, Mercer has partnered with the Peace Cathedral to serve people whose needs are not met by other sources. At present, thousands of Ukrainians are living in Tbilisi as war refugees, and serving the needs of Ukrainian refugee children is the purpose of this program.
Students and faculty will offer a day camp for Ukrainian refugee children ages 7 to 15 that will enhance the children’s education in English and STEM as well as offer recreational and cultural opportunities. As important as the educational program is, the team will also build bridges to help the refugee children cope with issues of being displaced from their homes and the trauma they have experienced as a result of the war. Additionally, students will be provided the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that may include hiking in the Caucasus, visiting important historical sites, taking part in workshops with Georgian university students, and exploring the ancient and modern wonders of the vibrant city of Tbilisi.
These children have been uprooted from their homes with no idea when they could ever return. After a few days, they began to open up to us. Telling us that they miss their fathers who are serving in the war, scared that they will never see them again. They fear the uncertainty of not knowing if their families will ever be reunited again. This experience reminded me that my problems are not as big as I make them out to be.
Students are required to sign up for six hours of credit. The registrar will enroll you in courses for your program, including one class from each of the program's faculty. Students will choose two of the following courses.
