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 Lika Kadagishvili, an amazing youth worker from Georgia.
Lika is 28 years old. She studied Sociology as a Bachelor and is about to start Master’s in Social Psychology.
“All my work life is connected with children and youngsters and I know how important it is to be fully realized as a successful person in society and to do so, it is very important to be aware of yourself and set the right attitude towards the people and events in life. And I think my Master’s degree will help me to be more useful for young people (and not only) around me,” shares Lika.
Lika joined Roots in 2015 and is still actively engaged as the project transitioned to online activities lately. She is really looking forward to meeting all Peace Work Institute alumni again! Before Roots, she didn’t have any experience in peace work. Here she had a chance to get acquainted with the theoretical and practical part of the conflict analysis and peace work activities.
“Roots gave me the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world. It made me think of many global issues around me and those concerning my personality. Thanks to this experience, I opened up to this new world and improved my communication skills. I had been a member of the YMCA before Roots and it helped me to go through this journey very smoothly and achieve a lot as a result. I believe that if I become a little better as a human, people around me will feel better too! So this is the main impact for me,” Lika says.
Every participant of Roots is a family member, we say. And Lika is a very special one, as she always makes people smile. Lika is caring – a person who always shares, gives and doesn’t wait for feedback.
“During Roots, I experienced a lot of amazing moments. It does not have to be a big WOW to become an unforgettable case. The whole project stays in my memory as a great long-lasting emotion. But, I can remember the moment at Camp Orange when during a Roots event young participants from different countries (those with serious political issues with each other) hugged, sang and cried together! That was WOW with tears of happiness… I would describe Roots as Unity, Love, and Friendship,” says Lika.
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!
