Name of the Association Girl Scouts of Georgia - "Dia"  Dia - is an ancient Georgian word. It means a woman, a goddess, a planet             (Jupiter)       Development of The Movement In Georgia        The Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Association was the first national organization promoted Guiding and Scouting Movement in Georgia. The 27th August 1992 was the official beginning if mutual activities between WAGGGS and Georgian initiative group.         In November 1992 the representatives of Georgian Girl Scouts were invited to the PACE Conference, held by WAGGGS in Pax Lodge, London.        In 1993, due to the majority of boys' membership and the request of the girls representatives, the Association was renamed to the "Guides and Scouts Association of the Republic of Georgia".        Supervised by WAGGGS and the link organizations - Irish Girl Guides and Northwest Georgian Girl Scouts Council (USA, Atlanta, Georgia), Georgian Association managed to achieve much success in promoting Guiding methods all over the country through their joint activities in 1993-1994. Much humanitarian aid was provided to support vulnerable groups, victims of the country's severe political and economical collapse. Service projects (summer camps) for children from IDP's families operated in the same period.       Furthermore in 1994-1995 Georgian Girl Scouts were invited to summer camps in Ireland, Wales and a study visit and a camp to the USA (Atlanta). It was the first study visit of Georgians and the first chance for them to get more practical knowledge on Guiding. Starting Autumn 1995 a "Training Center" was set up to encourage Georgian Girls to get basic knowledge of Guiding training methods and programs. In Summer 1996 a separate health-educational program for Georgian Boy Scouts was designed. It was the starting point for the foundation of "Chauki" (Knight) - a separate and independent NGO, designed to take care of the healthy educational needs of Georgian boys. The Girl Scouts is now a girls only organization.       In 1996 representatives of the Girl Scouts Association attended the XXIX World Conference in Canada.       The First National Conference of the Girl Scouts Association of Georgia, held on the 19th of April 1997, adopted the Constitution. The Second National Conference was held in 1998 and the Girl Scouts of Georgia "Dia" was "formally" and legally established.       In 1998 representatives of the Association attended the 9th European Guide and Scout Conference in Luxembourg.       From March 1998 "Dia", in cooperation with WAGGGS, is carrying out the project "Non-formal Education of Girls in the Caucasian Area". It is proving to be an efficiently organized project with a packed scheme of regional and international training for leaders. The project was a great impulse for the growth of "Dia", as well as serving to raise the organization credibility and status.       Initial development of the Movement was based in the capital Tbilisi, including work within the Abkhazian refugee population (know as the Abkhazian Regional Organization of "Dia" with members in different parts of Georgia). Now development is successfully advance in six other regions of the country: Zugdidi (samegrelo), Gori, Tskhinvali (Shida Kartli), Akhmeta (Kakheti), Borjomi (Samtskhe-Javakheti), Rustavi, Marneuli (Kvemo Kartli). The development of the regions is carried out according to a strategy for development which will be further expanded in the future. "Dia" includes a balance of ethnic groups and population sectors. This is especially important in Georgia which has many nationalities within it. It is active in both urban and rural areas.       "Dia" is expects to have its Associate Membership of WAGGGSXXX World Conference in Dublin, Ireland, July 1999.       Relations of the Society      Promotion on Guiding and Scouting in Georgia commenced in 1992 and was initially supported by the Ministry of Education. Since then the Association has maintained good relationship with relevant Parliament Committees, and the State Department of Youth Affairs recognized the Movement. Together with Georgian Youth Council, UN Association of Georgia, georgian Children Federation etc., the Association participates in the implementation of the national programs relating to the needs of Youth and women in the country.       The Association is a founder member of the National Council of Georgian Youth Organizations. Joint activities with the above mentioned Youth NGOs is conducive to the growth of membership. At the time of reporting the Association is fruitfully cooperating with numerous local and international organizations, Youth NGOs, Georgian government, Parliament and Georgian Orthodox Church.       The Girl Scouts have a good image with the public, work is underway to increase their profile. Efforts are being made to cooperate wi the Scout organization.