Happy new year ! გილოცავთ ახალ წელს!! Have you seen how much snow fell over Tbilisi?? For the greatest joy of our french volunteer Gaspard. And like the snow falling and disappearing, leaving an ephemeral beautiful memory, our Italian volunteer Giulia left us. We’ll miss her. But new fresh blood is already pumping in DRONI’s heart!! The young and phlegmatic Jakub from Czechia will be around for two months, and Florian from France is settling in Tbilisi until the end of August as a long term volunteer. Let’s see if he complains less than Gaspard. But who dares criticize it?! It’s the french way of living.
Read more about everything that happened in January in this month’s edition of DRONI Wrapped :
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Local Events
→ Get Ready Workshop: “Art of Storytelling”, 15th January
On 15th January we conducted the workshop “The Art of Storytelling “ where participants explored the Canary Islands’ history and culture. Also, they found out who are Guanche people, who have a crucial role in the canary islands’ history. We offered interactive games and teamwork activities, where they had an opportunity to use storytelling tools and methods and gain the experience of telling the story interestingly. Overall, the workshop was very informative and entertaining for the audience.
→ Get Ready Workshop: “Outdoor Learning”, 20th December
On 20th January we conducted the workshop “Introduction to outdoor learning” for participants who were interested in this field and/or wanted to know how it works.
We started the workshop with a Bingo icebreaker so everyone could get to know each other, then we talked about the history of outdoor education and one of the main figures- Kurt Hahn. Described important models like Kolb’s experiential learning cycle and comfort, stretch and panic zones. We talked about the importance of reflection and shared the different techniques that can be used in non-formal education.
Between the theories, we had activities about comfort, stretch and panic zones, “do you agree or disagree” with statements regarding outdoor education and passive listening activity followed by a visual card reflection. Participants engaged in these activities, shared their experiences and opinions and helped make the workshop insightful. We ended the workshop with the Kahoot game that consisted of questions about the topics that were discussed. The winners were rewarded with small prizes.
→ Get Ready Workshop: “Germanuli filmi”, Angst essen Seele auf (1974) by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 21th December
The screening of the 1974 film “Angst Essen Seele Auf” went quite well. The participants really appreciated the film and were interested in the story. At the end of the screening, they were open to discussing it. The German volunteers were also happy to share a piece of their history and culture.
→ Get Ready Workshop: Screening of Into the Wild (2007) by Sean Pean, 11th December
A discussion about materialism, escapism and how to find happiness in loneliness has been held before the start of the screening. That pretty recent and popular movie has been appreciated by the audience, who wants to listen on repeat the beautiful soundtrack by Eddie Vebber.
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Winter of kindness Team volunteers’ adventures
→ Visits to Qedeli Community and SOS village
On January 9, within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ project Winter of Kindness, our volunteers visited the Qedeli community.
We delivered previously discussed necessities for the beneficiaries, including food, drinks and snacks. After introductions, we engaged in both group and individual activities with people with disabilities. Lotto, chess, puzzles, painting, face painting and beadwork, accompanied by Georgian and Christmas music, created a warm and joyful atmosphere.
We were kindly hosted by the head of the community, who introduced their work and welcomed us with a delicious meal at the end of the visit – a heartfelt gesture after our long journey to the Alazani Valley.
On January 14, our team visited SOS village. After brief introductions, volunteers organized a variety of engaging activities. Some children enjoyed puzzles and board games, while others took part in drawing, coloring and bracelet crafting. The space was filled with laughter, energy and creativity as children and volunteers spent meaningful time together.
Each child was free to choose the activities they enjoyed most, with volunteers ensuring that everyone felt included. Before leaving, the children received small gifts in handmade gift bags, filling the room with smiles and joy. The visit ended with warm goodbyes and positive emotions.
→ Exploring Georgian culture and Tbilisi
Alongside their volunteering activities, our ESC and Erasmus+ volunteers continue discovering Georgia and its culture within the Winter of Kindness project. They took part in a Visual Storytelling workshop, where they learned how to create postcards using Canva. Afterward, volunteers explored Tbilisi through photography, capturing moments of the city that later turned into personalized postcards – memories they will take home as a reminder of their two months in Tbilisi.
The volunteers also joined a Khinkali workshop, discovering one of Georgia’s most iconic traditional dishes. Guided by a professional chef, they learned about the history of khinkali, prepared it themselves and of course enjoyed tasting their handmade creations.
With snowy days in Tbilisi, the team also spent time walking through the city together, enjoying its winter beauty, creating memories and strengthening bonds beyond the project activities.
→ Visit to Caritas children’s home
On December 29, within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ program, our volunteers visited the Caritas Children’s Home, continuing our Winter of Kindness activities.
The visit began with introductions, as volunteers and children got to know each other and created a friendly, open atmosphere. Soon after, the space was filled with laughter and movement as we organized a variety of engaging activities. Different corners were set up for board games, dancing and singing, face painting, Christmas decorations and interactive games, allowing each child to freely choose what they enjoyed the most.
One of the most touching and memorable moments was spending time with the younger children. Their enthusiasm was so contagious that our activities moved from indoors to the yard, where we played football and volleyball together – a match that joyfully ended with the children’s victory. We concluded the visit with dancing, and the children shared their happiness and positive emotions with us, leaving everyone with warm hearts and unforgettable memories.
→ Visits to Tsnori elderly home and Like at home
On January 15, they traveled a long distance to reach the Tsnori elderly home, ready to share warmth, care and positive energy. The welcome was truly special, the beneficiaries greeted the team with singing, cheering and dancing even before introductions began.
After a round of applause, volunteers introduced themselves and organized playful activities such as chess, backgammon, and lotto, while others offered manicure sessions.
Conversations quickly filled the space with laughter, and volunteers received priceless life advice that made the visit even more meaningful. Before leaving, the team ensured the elders received all the necessary resources. The day ended just as it began – with traditional Georgian music, heartfelt singing, dancing and a room full of joy and positive emotions.
On January 21, the volunteers visited another elderly home called “Like at Home”, where they were once again welcomed with warmth and kindness. After introductions, activities began right away. A friendly lotto tournament brought excitement and smiles, while others crafted bracelets and shared heartwarming stories together.
The elders joyfully showed childhood photos to the volunteers, creating moments filled with laughter and emotional connection. The visit was also an opportunity to deliver clothes donated by DRONI members, along with food supplies for the beneficiaries. The day ended with warm goodbyes and gratitude from both sides for the special moments shared together.
→ Visits to Elderly Club and Barbare 21 elderly house
On January 23, they visited an Elderly Club, where they contributed to a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Through sincere conversations, board games and handcraft activities, volunteers and beneficiaries spent quality time together. The visit became especially meaningful as the elderly participants shared their wisdom and life experiences, leaving everyone feeling inspired and genuinely happier by the exchange.
On January 28, the Winter of Kindness volunteers visited Barbare 21 elderly house. The visit began with a heartfelt welcome and introductions, during which both residents and volunteers shared about themselves and the DRONI organization. The atmosphere quickly turned into a warm conversation space, where beneficiaries expressed their hospitality by offering sweets, honey and homemade drinks.
Throughout the visit, residents shared stories from their lives, offering guidance and inspiration to the young volunteers. The day was filled with mutual respect, love and understanding. Before leaving, the volunteers delivered donated food packages and concluded the visit with warm and sincere goodbyes, carrying with them meaningful memories and gratitude for the connection they shared.
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International Projects
→ “Design Your Sustainable Youth Path”, held in Tenerife, Spain
18 – 25 January 2026, DRONI members participated in the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Design Your Sustainable Youth Path” in Tenerife, Spain. The project focused on sustainability, outdoor learning, teamwork, and personal development through connection with nature.
During the first days, participants explored the geological history of Tenerife and the Canary Islands through interactive and creative activities. Despite rainy weather at the beginning, the program was smoothly adapted to the needs of the group, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Throughout the week, DRONI members took part in environmental activities, first aid training, orienteering, teamwork exercises, and planning tasks. Hiking in Anaga Rural Park and Teide National Park allowed participants to experience Tenerife’s unique landscapes, reflect on sustainability, and strengthen cooperation and leadership skills.
The project ended with reflection sessions, evaluation, dissemination discussions, and intercultural activities, where participants shared traditions and experiences from their countries. The exchange was a meaningful journey full of learning, connection, and unforgettable memories.
→ “Youth inclusion LAB”, held in Gaziantep, Turkiye
From 12th to 20th January, the participants of the training course explored various forms of exclusion, including social, economic, educational, cultural, and racial or ethnic exclusion. We discussed possible solutions aimed at preventing the separation or marginalization of individuals. Working in groups, we created and presented short performances that illustrated each form of exclusion and proposed solutions, using creative approaches decided within our teams.
In the final sessions, we focused on the EU Trilogue Mechanism involving the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union. In group work, we analyzed a Commission proposal, drafted two amendments, and developed our political positions. A key highlight was the opportunity to ask critical questions to the Commission and engage in negotiations with the Council, assessing whether the final text met democratic principles and youth rights standards.
The program also included a visit to Erdem College, where we participated in workshops such as candle making, köfte preparation, and AI education. The visit concluded with a mini concert performed by talented teachers and students, featuring the song “Saydim” by Ogün Sanlısoy. We were honored that our member, Nikoloz Gogia, also participated by performing on the guitar.
Additionally, we visited the Muzeyyen Erkul Museum and the Gaziantep Panorama 25 December Museum. These visits provided insight into Gaziantep’s tragic and violent past, as well as its future-oriented development, including advancements in robotics.
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Thanks for reading DRONI Wrapped – January 2026! We hope you could gain some insights into the ongoing events at DRONI Youth Association and would love to see you soon at our upcoming activities. Follow our website and social media to always stay on top of what’s next! From now on, DRONI Wrapped will be posted here on our website monthly again.
If you have any feedback, questions or proposals for new workshops/events, we’ll be happy to hear from you! See you next monts!