American Friends of Georgia, Inc.

Personal Observations from the Executive Director: Lena Kiladze has been the volunteer art teacher with the former street children at Dzegvi Orphanage/Bediani Village since 1995.  Aware of the value of art and music in the development of these vulnerable children, Lena has now expanded the program to include socially unprotected children from other AFG sponsored projects.  Her program includes teaching art by bringing volunteer artists and musicians to the children, taking the children to their first ballet, concert and museum as well as bringing art, puppet shows and music to bedridden children.  The children benefit psychologically from these social opportunities.  They also benefit from exposure to Georgia’s wonderful tradition of art and culture. 

An additional benefit has been that the artists, while volunteering, have discovered that the happiness they are bringing to the children is matched by their own joy in being able to provide it.  Interaction with artists, musicians, actors, clowns and magicians quickly crosses all language and cultural barriers.  For children who have grown up in a country going through transition and turmoil, beauty and laughter have become as essential to their psychological health as food and shelter. 

AFG Accomplishments: Thanks to a large grant from the Evelyn Stefansson Nef Foundation, AFG has: