Campaign content
It all started with my grandmother's harmless hobby of making Christmas toys.
I'm sure most of you would have noticed a wrapped senior woman on a stand with glittering angels, reindeer, snowmen, ballerinas... sound familiar? She is the one, my grandmother. I started a small business for her years ago, calling it 'Bebosia'. Then, I thought I would give her a toy, but it turned out a weapon of destruction. Since then, she hasn't stopped; she's been painting Christmas tree ornaments in March, June, August, and January – all year round. Our house was sparkling with glitter all the time, covered in glitter dust. When she sold a piece on New Year's and used the money to buy gifts for her grandchildren, she was both proud and happy.
One day I heard about a social project for the elderly that offered 6-week courses. I filled out the ceramics application and soon received a positive response. I attended the classes. At that time, such intensive contact with this age group was new and foreign to me, and I observed their magical transformation with great interest. I watched how diligently the gray-haired boys and girls worked, how they conscientiously completed their tasks. After the lesson, they didn't just leave, they sat down to enjoy coffee in the cafe next door. They started calling each other at home, forming close friendships. My grandmother started dressing up, even buying new clothes for herself, which was a first in many years. It was as if these gray-haired folks had breathed new life into each other. However, as courses came to an end, they had to return to their homes and old routines. The joy in my grandmother's eyes gradually faded once more.
At that moment, I realized for the first time the rejuvenation of old age in our country and how older individuals are unfairly deprived of a fulfilling life. They often grapple with the sense of losing their financial independence and becoming dependent on other family members. Recognizing the inadequate elderly services, I aimed to establish a sustainable space for socialization, where those over 60 could explore new hobbies, develop skills, build friendships, find employment, and achieve financial independence.
I am a professional artist with 12 years of experience in teaching art, while my partner specializes in ceramics. When I shared my ideas with him, it became clear that our visions aligned. Together, we decided to combine our knowledge and expertise to bring this concept to life.
We moved to Martkopi, renovated the studio ourselves, and established 'Ulevi Ceramics We thought a lot of the name, to choose one that will express our idea in a best way possible, Ulevi is a georgian word that means something that does not end, something that doesn't diminish with age, the spirit of life is more than age or numbers. The Heart Never Ages' embodies our belief that age is an advantage, not a disadvantage, as it represents life experience and knowledge.
We hope that the unhealthy empathy towards the elderly, which is stereotypically established in the society, will be replaced by the deserved respect for them, We believe that the quality of the products crafted by the elderly artisans at Ulevi Ceramics will serve as convincing proof that individuals over 60 are a competitive workforce, full with energy and enthusiasm.
To help our enterprise take off, we need your help to purchase a ceramic kiln. Support us in bringing this idea to life by providing the elderly of Martkopi with a free pottery lesson!
