Meet Vazha, a social entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, vision, and the transformative power of opportunity. Vazha grew up in the city of Kutaisi, surrounded by family and the comfort of a close-knit community. Today, he is a determined and visionary entrepreneur transforming his dreams into reality through “Knowledge Oda”, a unique space for youth empowerment in western Georgia.

“I spent a beautiful childhood in Kutaisi,” recalls Vazha. “But it all changed when I moved to Tbilisi to study law. There, I met very active young people who had already participated in exchange programs and initiatives. That’s when I asked myself—why didn’t I have these opportunities in my hometown?”

This question became the inspiration for a life-changing mission: to create a learning and development centre for the youth in his own region.

Bridging the Gap with “Knowledge Oda“
Vazha’s dream took shape in “Knowledge Oda“—a multi-functional youth center built on the foundation of his grandfather’s house, now in finale phase of renovation with the support of World Vision Georgia under the SKYE NET project, funded by the European Union.
 

“In our regions, young people often lack access to information and role models to be inspired,” says Vazha. “They need mentors who can show them the future they might have and how small steps can lead to big changes.”

“Knowledge Oda“ is designed to provide exactly that: a physical and intellectual space that combines a library, a conference room with computers, and an outdoor area for workshops and cultural events. Vazha plans to offer sessions on computer technology, graphic design, career development, as well as human rights and civil activism, all at affordable rates for youth.

“The first opportunity that changed me was a 3-day debate club,” he says. “That small step led to bigger ones—it’s a chain reaction. Now I want to offer those same first steps to others.”

The Role of World Vision Georgia
Vazha’s plans became reality when he joined the SKYE NET project. After discovering the program during a social entrepreneurship forum in Tbilisi, he applied through an open call and successfully pitched his vision.

“We had already started renovating the space with my father, but we didn’t have enough funds to complete it,” Vazha explains. “Thanks to SKYE NET, I received around 14,000 GEL support, which was crucial in bringing “Knowledge Oda“ closer to completion.”

SKYE NET—launched by World Vision Georgia and co-funded by the European Union under the EU4Youth Programme—aims to empower youth across Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova by boosting entrepreneurial and career management skills, supporting social entrepreneurs, and encouraging regional cooperation. In Georgia alone, the project has supported ten young entrepreneurs—one of them is Vazha.

“SKYE NET didn’t just offer financial support,” says Vazha. “It opened doors to new partnerships and learning experiences.”

But it wasn’t just the funding that made a difference. Through SKYE NET, Vazha participated in the Social Entrepreneurship Forum in Moldova— a cross-border event organised within the project that connected changemakers from Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova, - a moment he describes as a turning point both personally and professionally.

“In Moldova, I met entrepreneurs who were running youth centers and social cafés, where young people not only gained skills but were also employed. It showed me how powerful connections can be. I saw what others had already achieved and thought—why not us? Why not our community?”, he shares.

The forum also offered a stage for Vazha to speak at a panel, sharing his journey and exchanging insights with peers from across the region.

“For me, it’s important to expand my network. I’ve made contacts in Moldova, Armenia, and even Seattle, USA. For future I’m planning cross-country initiatives for young people. I want to break borders—connect youth from different places for common goals.”

A Family Legacy
What makes “Knowledge Oda“  especially meaningful is its deep connection to family. Vazha’s father—an engineer—has been his biggest supporter.

“The house belonged to my grandfather. Rebuilding it with my father, who knows everything about renovation, gave this project soul. It’s our way of giving back to the community.”

For Vazha, success is not measured in money or titles, but in the people who believe in you.

“Success, to me, is having the right people besides you—those who believe in you, inspire you, stand by you like comrades in battle. You can’t do everything alone. You need trust, commitment, and a shared purpose.”
 

Vision for the Future

Vazha sees “Knowledge Oda“  as more than a youth centre. It’s the first step toward a larger vision: a vibrant educational and cultural complex, complete with a small hostel, music and cultural festivals, and a path toward long-term sustainability.“Right now, we are investing everything in our goal” he says. “Step by step, we’re creating something that will benefit not just today’s youth—but generations to come.”

He encourages young entrepreneurs to seek purpose and partners:

“My advice? Find what’s missing in your community, and think how you can improve it. Don’t be afraid to look inside yourself—and also outside—for what can be better. Be open to new ideas. Sometimes the people you meet unexpectedly become your strongest allies.”