Mkurnali’s attic extension complete at last

Our partners, Mkurnali, provide a home and skills training for young people who have experienced homelessness. One of their most challenging tasks has been completing a loft extension. The work took much longer than anyone expected — materials have become more expensive and finding skilled craftsmen at a fair price has become increasingly difficult. But despite every setback, they never gave up. Now the loft has been completely transformed. Bright, cozy, and furnished, it stands as one of Mkurnali’s proudest achievements. The late George Guest and his group helped make it possible, and his legacy continues to inspire everyone here.

Today, British volunteer Rachel Lewis uses the large study room to support children who have fallen behind at school, helping them with their English and homework — giving the space new life and purpose. This room can also serve as temporary accommodation for families. Two residents are currently staying in two converted bedrooms nearby, and Mkurnali’s next plans include upgrading the kitchen and enclosing a small balcony.

Mkurnali is home to seven adults and five children, with two older boys visiting daily for homework. Having missed school, the boys are learning to read and write, while many adults are gaining skills and confidence through the shelter’s support.

George and Shirley Guest – RIP

We are very sorry to announce that George Guest and his wife, Shirley, for many, many years a mainstay of St Gregory’s Foundation, have both died earlier this month. Before she died, his wife, Shirley, suggested that those who would like to remember George give a donation to the Foundation in his memory.

Continue reading George and Shirley Guest – RIP

Medical care for Mkurnali resident

One of Mkurnali’s residents, Dato, has also developed serious health problems. He was diagnosed with a severe stage of polyarthritis and his walking and sight have greatly diminished. Sadly the treatment he received has not yet been effective. He now needs a medicine that costs 5,000 GEL (£1,228) per dose. It turns out that Dato will need 4 doses a year. In spite of Dato’s current second degree disability, such medicines are not provided by state funding.

Mkurnali’s director, Nino, and her helpers have tried to earn this amount but this has proved difficult in the current climate. Nino told us: “I turned to my friend, Dr Marina Ramazashvili, who has her own eye clinic and who has helped with free treatment for some Mkurnali’s beneficiaries in the past. Marina ran a free check and confirmed that arthritis caused Dato’s sight deterioration. Thankfully she connected us with another clinic in Tbilisi where the required medicine and treatment will become available in two month’s time with support from Germany. Amazingly this local clinic led by Ms Darejan Shelia will match Marina’s free offer for Mkurnali and serve our beneficiaries free of charge if there are cases of cardiac problems”.