Kakheti Youth Forum 2015
200 youth from Kakheti region participated in Kakheti Youth Forum 2015 “Active Student Today – Active Citizen Tomorrow” to summarize youth activism in the region and present their main directions to guests from different national and international organizations. The youth forum was organized by World Vision (WV) Georgia’s Kakheti Area Development Programme in the framework of global campaign - "ACTION-2015".
“Kakheti youth forum was an evaluation of WV Georgia’s 2014-2015 youth programming. Through the forum World Vision Georgia created a platform for youngsters from rural areas to raise their voices in order to be heard at regional and national levels. It’s amazing to see the progress of hundreds of youngsters from different villages. It also helped stakeholders and governmental agencies to explore local youth needs and key priorities”, said Irakli Giorbelidze, Youth Officer at World Vision Georgia.
During the event students from 17 youth clubs proudly presented pictures from their activities: summer camps, awareness raising campaigns, trainings, public debates, outdoor activities, national and international forums, etc. They also shared inspiring stories of transformation and talked about the importance of youth clubs in their schools and communities. “The time spent with my club members is very meaningful for me. This is a very interesting place with interesting people and activities. We learn, develop and grow together.” says Sandro, 13 from Kisiskhevi Community.
Four representatives of youth clubs lead the speeches in front of the huge audience, they presented youth work in the following Areas: non-formal education in school based youth clubs, peer education, debate clubs and Sunday schools.
“Youth club members are united with the aim to provide a better life for themselves and their surrounding communities by sharing their knowledge and implementing different developmental activities. I am very proud to be a part of this team and I wish there were more youth clubs to better spread this positive energy.” Says Ana, 15 years old.
The guests invited at the event included: The Georgian Youth Ambassador to the UN, representatives from local government, the Church , and Educational Resource Centers and schools. Also guests from the following national and international organizations: “Children and Youth Development Fund,” publisher agency “Radarami,” International Organization for Migration, Netherland Institute for Multiparty Democracy, Telavi Education and Employment Center under PH International (Project Harmony), Bemoni, professional college, “Sunny House” “Georgian Institute for Debate and Education,” “Management and Education Team “and professors from Telavi State University.
Telavi district governor – Alexandre Shatirishvili: “I am amazed by today’s forum, the talent that these youth have and the work that they are doing. I have always thought that World Vision was providing only material support for our community but what I saw today was beyond my expectations. I am very impressed and very proud of your youth. They are fully ready to successfully present Georgia in any international forum.
Deputy Gela Samkhareuli: “I’m very glad to attend this event and meet so many energetic youth. Their role in our community is crucial. I assumed that that during the event, World Vision would present its work frame but instead I met so many youth and heard about their lives. I’m very impressed with the work that World Vision and our youth are able to do.”
“Youth (12 -19 years) play a huge role in Georgia’s socio-economic development. It is at this crucial stage that they develop their values, attitudes, ways of thinking, and integrate into society. However it’s very important to support and guide them during this time. It helps them to better present themselves and their potential in the society. This is exactly what World Vision Kakheti Aread Development Programme has been during the past 5 years. “ Says Nana Atuashvili, Kakheti Area Development Programme Manager.
Youth empowerment is World Vision Georgia’s priority direction. Until now Kakheti Area Development Programme has established 17 youth clubs where 300 youth, from the age of 13 to 17 are fully engaged.