Since its inception in 2012 and with two cohorts (2012-2014, 2014-2019) of participants that passed through it, the Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) sought to enroll young leaders of different backgrounds from across Europe, young people who were and are a voice and not an echo – eager to learn, to try, to grow… Like raw diamonds to shine after the grind.
And we believe that most of these 46 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.
Today we share with you the story of Ani Kalabegashvili, an amazing young leader from Georgia.
“I come from Tbilisi and I’m happy to be back home after being in so many places, missing my family for the better part of the last 5 years. I’ve been studying Psychology in Germany since 2017. Right now I’m a little far from my major profession and work as a freelancer remotely. In the crazy pandemic world, working from home became a normal way of life, I guess,” shared Ani.
Roots was her first experience in a peace work related project. She joined it in 2012, the Program Festival in Artsakh, Shushi being the starting point.
“I cannot explain how different and new this experience was for me. I was 18 at that time and everything was so new and fascinating for me. The people, same as me, who have the same issues as me, same expectations in life, same stories… I felt like a piece of something bigger and I still remember that feeling. I am honored to be one of the first participants, who could observe the whole creation and organization process,” says Ani.
In her speech, Ani also mentioned that the project has been an eye-opening and mind-blowing experience from day 1.
She said with no doubt that Roots has given her a bunch of new experiences, new friends, and connections all over the world that she cherishes till today. Ani changed her perspective on many things and as she says, has definitely become more understanding and empathic towards people from different backgrounds.
“One of the latest reunions we had with the group was in Toledo, Spain. We came together after approximately 2 years since I’ve seen Roots’ people and it was really great to meet them again. It was amazing to see how everyone has grown, listening to their stories from the last couple of years. Just to feel being a part of it again. Roots is a family across borders.
I would definitely recommend young people from conflict regions to join this program. I think we’ve created a safe environment for them to speak up, share, find friends and be heard, regardless of what they have to say. In fact, I have already advised my sister and my brother to join, and they’ve been active in YMCA’s latest camps and events, for that I’m very happy. I want them to have the same perspective and amazing experiences I have had in the last 10 years”, concludes Ani.
Since 2007 and ever growing, from the South to the North, from the East to the West of Europe – the Roots has always been there for those striving to make this world a better and safer place, a peaceful home for all. We go where the need is, responding quickly to the emerging issues with the legacy and mandate, capacity and adaptability gained for all these years.
By donating to the Roots, you invest in youth opinion leaders from all corners of Europe – varied by age, ethnicity, religion, race or wealth, but united with one strong conviction – Peace is the only way!
