Babale is a pioneering social enterprise in Georgia dedicated to supporting the independent living of individuals with Down syndrome. It operates the only program in the country that provides a full professional orientation and employment pathway specifically for people with intellectual disabilities. Designed for youth aged 12 and above, Babale’s program guides participants through creative, pre-professional, internship, and supported employment stages, offering real work experience, practical skill development, and continuous mentorship.

 

The program is entirely free for participants and funded through Babale’s enterprise activities. All Babale products are “thoughtful, purpose-driven items” created collaboratively by professional artists and young people with Down syndrome. Through these products, the enterprise promotes social entrepreneurship, preserves cultural heritage, and raises public awareness about inclusion.

Babale strengthens the local community by:

• equipping youth with Down syndrome with the skills and confidence needed for meaningful employment;
• supporting families in fostering their children’s independence;
• offering employers a diverse, inclusive workforce;
• building a more informed, accepting society.

Despite its success, Babale faces key challenges: limited workshop space restricts participation to 26 youth while over 57 remain on a waiting list; the program operates only in Tbilisi, leaving other regions without access; and sustainability is difficult because product sales alone cannot cover program costs.

Babale currently offers employment and traineeship in woodwork, ceramics, and painting and aims to expand into printing. Introducing a medium-sized printing machine would open new training and employment opportunities while diversifying the enterprise’s income and strengthening long-term sustainability. The organization already has a designated space for this new printing track, provided under usufruct agreement by Tbilisi City Hall, which will require renovation before the equipment can be installed and used.