Defence Minister for a day
Young girl’s dream becomes reality

A 17-year old girl found herself in the seat of the Minister of Defence of Georgia for one day thanks to the Ministry’s efforts to offer a unique and cheerful experience for youth suffering from cancer.

Defence Minister Tina Khidasheli and officials from the Ministry and the Georgian Armed Forces hosted Nana Tughushi today and showed her about the duties and responsibilities of the Ministry of Defence.

It was a dream come true for the 17-year old who learned about the Ministry's inner workings. Today she also helped plan future Ministry-related events.

Tughushi was assisted by Deputy Defence Minister Ana Dolidze as she learned about the Ministry’s inner workings. Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.

We should do everything within our means to offer as many positive days to children as possible. ... I would like to thank Naniko for her interest in managing the Defence Ministry, the office of special responsibility," Khidasheli told reporters while speaking about the initiative.

After meeting Khidasheli, the young visitor was hosted by Deputy Ministers Ana Dolidze and Besik Loladze and reported to by experts of the Ongoing Operations Centre.

In a return visit Minister Khidasheli was at the Father Andria Fund which cares for Tughushi and other cancer patients under the age of 18. Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.

Tughushi was under the care of the Tbilisi-based Father Andria Fund, which supported cancer patients under the age of 18 and their families. The Fund supported the medical treatment, rehabilitation and quality of life project for children and youth under its care.

In a reciprocal visit Minister Khidasheli earlier visited the Father Andria Fund and met Tughushi and other young people living with cancer.