Nino, a 19-year-old young girl from the charming village of Kvemo Khodasheni in the Telavi district (East part of Georgia), has a story that embodies resilience, growth, and the power of community. Growing up, Nino completed her schooling in her village, but her journey was uniquely shaped by her early and transformative connection with World Vision.
All changed at the age of six when a World Vision Georgia (WVG) representative visited her family and informed them that Nino had been enrolled in the sponsorship programme. This connected her with a personal sponsor abroad who was eager to learn about her life and provide the support needed. Nino fondly recalls the moment when she took her first photo clutching a small piglet. This photo marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.
As she grew older, Nino's involvement with World Vision programmes deepened. WVG representatives started creating school clubs in villages focusing on various topics like youth participation, bullying prevention, personal development, and many more. Active and enthusiastic, Nino was one of the first to participate in these activities. There she learned how to manage her emotions. She discovered that life is full of stress and anxiety but there are many strategies how to cope with stress and resolve conflicts. Understanding and controlling her emotions became a cornerstone in her development, helping her navigate life's challenges more effectively.
Our organisation instilled in Nino the values of humanity, equality, and empathy. She learned that everyone deserves help and support, and this philosophy guided her actions. Later on, Nino became an integral part of her school’s anti-bullying committee, conducting trainings, creating engaging games, and working tirelessly to reduce bullying in her community. Her efforts paid off, and within a year, there was a significant decrease in bullying cases—a testament to her dedication and leadership.
“World Vision was not just an organisation in my life; it was a catalyst for my growth and success. Recently, I participated in the competition and was selected as a SKYE Leader within the EU-funded project SKYENet,“- says Nino.
Now she leads the SKYE youth club in Kakheti, empowering other young people through skills development and mentorship. Here she is gaining valuable experience working with youth leaders from different regions to share experiences and understand the existing needs of young people to better respond and advocate for their rights.
SKYENet project aims to empower young change-makers and provide them with the tools to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable social businesses. The project focuses on accelerating youth-driven social entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on green and digital economies. So every week she mobilises local youth and leads the planned sessions on leadership, team building, entrepreneurship and other thematic topics. With great enthusiasm, she devotes herself to bringing positive change to her community, inspiring those around her with her passion and commitment.
Despite her responsibilities, Nino excels academically. She is a dedicated student of food technology in winemaking at Telavi University. This field is close to her heart, as winemaking is a cherished tradition in Kakheti, where almost every family has a vineyard. Nino's family is no exception, and she has been involved in the grape harvest and pressing process since childhood. Following her father's advice, she chose this profession and is now excited about the prospect of developing the family business alongside him. Her father has always been a pillar of support, helping her achieve her dreams.
“I am deeply thankful for the opportunities World Vision has provided me. I truly believe that my life would have taken a completely different path without your support. Your organisation opens up excellent opportunities, and we, the young people, are eager to seize and utilise them for our growth and development. Today, I am a strong, independent person, striving to make a positive impact in my community and beyond,” – says Nino.
Nino's story is a testament to the power of community, support, and determination. Her journey from a small village to becoming a leader and role model for others is truly inspiring. She remains grateful and committed to giving back, showing that with the right support and a strong will, anything is possible.
