“Mzungu: A Thirst for Change”
A personal exhibition by photographer and researcher Anna Daftari.
Suli is a new charitable initiative of photographer Anna Daftari together with Ekaterina Gurdina, launched in Georgia. This exhibition became the starting point for the creation of a foundation that will support Georgian families in difficult life situations. There are many problems, and we see this project as an opportunity to start making a difference here and now.
The exhibition features works by Anna Daftari, taken in some of the poorest regions of Africa. These images became the catalyst for the foundation: they not only open our eyes but also inspire action. The exhibition will also present stories of specific Georgian families who can be supported directly during the event - through donations or participation in the auction.
Ia Chalatashvili’s Family
KVARELI, VILLAGE SABUE
Ia and her family of six live in extremely difficult conditions in the village of Sabue, near the school and Kvareli-Tbilisi bus station. Their home, already fragile, has become dangerously unstable due to recent snowstorms and rainfall. They live in constant fear of the roof collapsing.Ia is recovering from brain surgery and lives with a speech disability.
Ia (mother), her husband (suffers from chronic heart illness), her mother-in-law (elderly, retired, and unable to work), and three young children — Giorgi (12), Ani (11), and Gaga (8).
- The family survives on her mother-in-law’s pension and minimal government assistance — barely enough to cover food and utilities.
- The children do not have proper clothing.
- They owe 300 GEL in hospital bills.
- Their house is in urgent need of repairs to keep the children safe.
Suli means "soul" in Georgian. It is not just a humanitarian initiative - it is an honest, heartfelt project born from the need to help children - both here in Georgia and beyond.
The photo exhibition "Mzungu: A Thirst for Change" was the first step: During her time filming in Africa, Anna Daftari witnessed firsthand how children suffer from a lack of basic necessities - food, medical care, access to clean water. These photographs are not staged - they reflect a harsh reality, where children drink from puddles, battle infections, and live in conditions where every day is a struggle.
The Suli project is a bridge between those who are willing to help and those who cannot cope alone. Thanks to this exhibition and in collaboration with international investments, a filtration system will be installed in one of these regions, so that at least one community can experience change.
But the main focus is right here in Georgia, where the project was born - we are launching the next phase: targeted assistance to individual families in need. We see how many subtle yet urgent issues surround us and feel the responsibility to act locally.
Salome Abshilava
TSALENJIKHA, OLD HOSPITAL BUILDING
Salome has lived with her husband and two young sons in an abandoned hospital building in Tsalenjikha for 15 years. Because the space is not officially recognized as a residence, they cannot get gas installed and rely on firewood for heat.
Salome, her husband (recovering from major spinal surgery), and their two children — Gigi (7) and Nikolozi (5).
- The building is structurally unsafe.
- They have no indoor toilet.
- The children need warm clothing and food.
- Salome supports her family through social assistance and is forced to buy food on credit from a local shop.
Nana Abuladze (Khobalia)
TSALENJIKHA, TVALTVADZE ST. 10
At just 32 years old, Nana is raising two children alone while expecting a third. Her husband is in prison, and she has no other reliable income apart from social assistance. She also suffers from a thyroid condition.Nana's only support is her mother, who has no pension.
Nana, Daniel (7), Sanda (5), and a baby on the way.
- The family has no refrigerator, television, or gas heater.
- They still use a wood stove, even though gas is available on their street.
- Clothing for the children comes mostly from churches.
- Food and basic necessities are extremely hard to afford.
Nino Gvaramadze
KVEMO KHVITI, GORI MUNICIPALITY
Nino is the mother of four children and lives in harsh conditions in the Gori municipality. They rely entirely on social assistance to survive, and their home requires urgent roof repairs.
Children: Mariam (15), Giorgi (13), Barbare (8), and Anamaria (2).
- The roof is severely damaged and unsafe.
- The children are in need of proper clothing and daily meals.
- The family also needs a gas stove for cooking.
Khatuna Barkaya
TSALENJIKHA, MSHVIDOBIS ST. 9
Khatuna lives with her two youngest children in Tsalenjikha. Her son Nika (7) lives with cerebral palsy , cannot speak, walk, or eat on his own, and has undergone hydrocephalus surgery.The father stays home to care for Nika while the mother tries to earn a living.
Children: Megi (10) and Nika (7).
- Nika requires ongoing medical care, but Khatuna cannot afford follow-up appointments.
- They owe 1,026 GEL in hospital debt.
- Nika uses size 7 diapers, which are expensive and hard to access.
- The children need warm clothing and food.
Highlights
Scan the QR code or tap the link to give whatever you can — every lari helps keep these families safe and warm today. Your gift goes straight to urgent roof repairs, food, and clothing they desperately need right now.
Event facts
