Let’s Change the World: A volunteer-based organization helping children

Shalva Akhrakhadze was inspired to start Let’s Change the World by the kindness of his own children. Today, the organization is helping children in need from across Georgia and is nurturing a culture of volunteerism in the country.

How did Let’s Change the World come about?

Let’s Change the World Together was founded with a mission to support children’s health by funding various medical procedures. The charity was established by Shalva Akhrakhadze, a financier, strategic business consultant, executive coach and associate professor at Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA). The inspiration for the foundation came from Shalva’s children, George and Ana, whose inclination toward kindness inspired him to write the book, The Book of Kindness – Let’s Change the World Together. This book played a significant role in shaping the core values of the foundation and also inspired its name. The foundation’s journey began with its first beneficiary, a six-year-old child named Ioane, who required financial support for medical treatment after severe burns. Ioane’s successful recovery stands as a testament to the foundation’s impact.

Please provide more information about your policy of donating every tetri of support to the beneficiaries.

Our policy ensures that every single tetri of donations is directed exclusively to children’s health needs. None of the donations we receive are used to cover any operating costs, allowing every contribution to have a direct and meaningful impact.

The sustainability of our foundation is made possible through two key factors. First, we are fortunate to collaborate with numerous companies that generously support our operations by providing their services free of charge. For example, Nexia TA manages our accounting books, and Grant Thornton Georgia conducts our financial audit, all on a pro bono basis. Second, we rely on a dedicated team of volunteers who actively contribute to various operational aspects without any financial compensation.

This unique model enables us to maintain full transparency and direct all donations to our beneficiaries. To reinforce trust, we publicly share monthly bank statements on our website and social media platforms and undergo an annual independent audit.

Please tell us more about your beneficiaries.

We currently support children in urgent need of medical assistance, working closely with trusted sources such as clinics like Iashvili Children’s Central Hospital. Doctors provide us with firsthand information about critical cases, ensuring the accuracy and urgency of the needs we address and minimizing the risk of fraud. Our internal procedures involve thorough communication, verification of medical documentation, and careful evaluation by our committee before any decision is made.

To further ensure transparency, we make payments directly to the clinics or pharmacies rather than to families. This system, supported by formal agreements with our partners, guarantees that funds are used solely for their intended purpose. Each case we support brings significant positive change to the lives of children and their families.

How many volunteers do you have now? Please describe the volunteering process in more detail.

Currently, we have a growing network of dedicated volunteers (currently up to 20 volunteers). They play a crucial role in various aspects of our organization, including managing social media, communicating with partner organizations, and working directly with beneficiaries’ parents and related hospitals. Our volunteer sign-up process is simple; any interested individual can apply through our website. Volunteers are vetted based on their motivation, skills, and availability and receive orientation to better understand their roles. Challenges such as balancing volunteer commitments with personal responsibilities are common, and we provide support and guidance to help them stay engaged.

In your view, how is volunteering developing as a culture in Georgia?

The culture of volunteering in Georgia is gradually developing, with more individuals becoming aware of the importance of community support. However, finding committed volunteers remains a challenge. To nurture a culture of volunteerism, we actively engage with local communities, educational institutions, and corporate partners to promote the spirit of giving and social responsibility. We have conducted awareness campaigns to encourage more people to volunteer and have formed partnerships that have been instrumental in promoting our mission.