Ireland U-20s Visit ‘First Step Georgia’ In Tbilisi
Yesterday the Ireland Under-20 players, management and backroom staff visited ‘First Step Georgia’, a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children with special needs by providing direct care, public advocacy, family support services and training.
The Ireland Under-20 players and management spent time interacting with the kids at the Tbilisi centre and learned about the work that those at ‘First Step Georgia’ carry out.
Today some of the FSG children attended the Ireland Under-20s’ training session where they watched the players in action and then took to the pitch themselves where they passed and kicked the ball around with members of Peter Malone’s side.
The First Step Georgia project was set up in 1998 by Irish woman Jane Corboy, and at present caters to approximately 400 children in the Tbilisi area. FSG has strong links to Ireland though its founder Jane, a number of Irish trustees, as well as working closely with the likes of St. Michael’s House.
First Step Georgia’s mission is to enhance the quality of life, and promote the rights, of children and youths with intellectual and physical disabilities. Their vision is a Georgian society where every child with special needs has access to the resources needed to better their personal wellbeing, has the rights and the ability to be an equal member of society, and is a participating member of their family and community.