Meet Two Mariams: Young Leaders Giving Back

In the city of Zugdidi in western Georgia, there are two girls with the same name, Mariam, and they share the same passion. Both Mariams are leaders of the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) Club in Samegrelo region, working side by side. Despite being at different stages of life, they share a common vision for positive change in their community.

SKYE Clubs were established by World Vision Georgia with the support of the EU, aiming to promote youth development, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide equal opportunities for girls and boys to acquire new skills and become future leaders.

Mariam Kursua is 25 years old and has already graduated from university with a degree in Public Administration. She now works for a local NGO in youth and non-formal education. Mariam Darsania, 18, is freshly enrolled in university, and at the beginning of her higher education journey.

Apart from sharing the same name, they have many similarities and many things that connect them. They are both active, brave, and eager to learn and share their knowledge with others. Both began their journeys as ordinary SKYE Club members. In time, they gained valuable experience, developed new skills, and eventually stepped forward as leaders to guide the next generation of young people.

“My first impression of Skye Club was colourful, positive, and innovative. Through it, I discovered the world of non-formal education. It was something completely new for me. I gained new skills, friendships, and valuable connections —a turning point that shaped my current career,” Mariam Kursua recalls.

As leaders, both Mariams have embraced significant responsibilities: planning sessions, organising activities, facilitating teamwork, fostering creativity among youth, and guiding members in developing meaningful projects to benefit their community. They used SKYE Club’s curriculum to create team-building exercises and group projects on topics such as active citizenship, communication, diversity, culture, environmental issues and values. 

The club was housed in the building of a local monastery, where, in a peaceful environment, members gathered once a week to collaborate and share ideas. The leaders encouraged participants to address real-life challenges. Together, club members and leaders identified community problems, explored possible solutions, developed projects, and brought them to life.

“Our modules and group work were designed to make participants reflect on the challenges their community faces and the kind of change they could bring. They learned how to work as a team, how to design projects that are not just theoretical, but have real impact. The best projects received funding, giving young people the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality,” explains the elder Mariam.

Some of the most memorable community initiatives the girls highlighted were:

Revitalising an Old Cinema – Zugdidi doesn't have a cinema. It's something for years young people have been asking for. Skye Club members researched old Georgian films and organised screenings in the hall of a local monastery where their youth sessions were held. They screened iconic films and even invited a contemporary filmmaker to engage in discussions with the audience. The events were open to everyone, bringing Georgian cinema back to life in the community.

Environmental Awareness Campaign – After successfully undergoing training on ecological challenges, club members themselves organised sessions for schoolchildren and local residents on environmental protection and sustainable development. By sharing their knowledge, they raised awareness in the community and inspired others to take action for the environment and develop eco-friendly habits.

Professional Orientation Project – Due to the lack of jobs and employment opportunities for youth in the region, one of the sessions focused on career opportunities and included a visit to a vocational college. For many participants, this was the first time they learned about professional paths in fields such as construction, design and others. The experience opened new possibilities and encouraged them to think differently about their future.

Mariam Darsania also recalls growing up with the club. She first joined as a schoolgirl, participating as a member in earlier youth clubs. When she heard that a new club was about to open, she was extremely happy and eager to take on the role of a leader this time.

"When I learned about this opportunity, I applied, successfully passed the interview, and was selected as a leader — a significant achievement and responsibility for me. During our sessions and activities, the club members were so motivated and determined, that I had to be a hundred times more organised, doing my best to engage them, support their growth, and keep their interest alive," she says with a smile. 

She explains that SKYE Club provided her with many opportunities. While leading a large group of youth, she also grew both personally and professionally.

“For me, SKYE Club will always be a place of development, progress, and the courage to step out of one’s comfort zone, all within a supportive and positive environment. It is a space that inspires self-belief, where everyone is treated equally and free to share their ideas, showcase their talents and strengths, and learn from one another,” she notes. 

According to her, this experience developed her leadership skills, boosted her self-confidence, and helped determine her professional path. As a result, she successfully enrolled at one of Georgia's prestigious universities and continues her higher education

"SKYE Club made me think more about the visual side and presentation of projects, as I was responsible for the visuals and design of all meetings. This was a very enjoyable process and, I believe, played an important role in shaping my future career choice. Now, as a student, I continue my studies in Media Production and Design in Tbilisi, a field I truly enjoy and am passionate about."

As both girls note, Zugdidi faces a lack of youth spaces, economic challenges, and limited job opportunities, prompting many young people to leave the city or even the country in search of work. According to them, youth clubs and projects like this are therefore essential for creating opportunities and supporting local youth development.

"I want to express my gratitude for this amazing experience and opportunity. We need more clubs and initiatives like this, and I hope future generations will also have the chance to grow, rediscover themselves, and become changemakers for their region," says Mariam Darsania.

With the support of the EU, World Vision Georgia has established 10 SKYE Clubs across the country, involving more than 300 young people from different regions. The clubs provide opportunities to gain new insights, exchange experiences, build connections, and shape future goals.

Through countless engaging sessions, young people are empowered to develop essential skills, strengthen their leadership abilities, learn about social entrepreneurship, master pitching, and more — all helping them grow into future leaders and professionals.

By Lika Chigladze, World Vision Georgia