In today’s world, it is crucial for individuals to realize their potential and develop the necessary skills in response to ongoing innovations, ensuring they thrive in the “digital age.” This is the primary aim of the project Empowering Future Leaders in the Digital Era, which seeks to contribute to the development of digital skills and innovation among young people in Georgia. The project involved 100 young participants from various regions of Georgia, offering workshops, online training sessions, webinars on digital professions, and individual mentoring. Notably, each session was interactive and practical, enabling participants to apply their newfound knowledge in real life. Saba Khergiani, the project manager, shares more about this initiative. With over eight years of experience in management consulting across the private, non-governmental, and public sectors, Saba is also actively involved in both formal and non-formal education. He serves as a guest lecturer at several universities (including the University of Georgia, Caucasus University, and GIPA) and as a facilitator and a trainer in international projects.
Saba, can you tell us about the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Program and why it interested you?
The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity funded by the European Union, designed to bring together individuals passionate about improving society. It allows applicants to implement initiative projects within their community, region, or country. This program allowed me to launch the Empowering Future Leaders in the Digital Era project. My goal within this project was to support the development of digital skills among young people in Georgia, and the EaP Civil Society Fellowship made this vision a reality.
What was the main goal of this project, and why is it important for young people?
The project’s primary mission was to enhance young people’s digital skills and prepare them for the challenges of the modern world. The overarching goal was to foster innovation in Georgia by supporting the development of young leaders. We selected 100 young individuals from various regions of Georgia to participate. They attended workshops focused on digital leadership, digital literacy training, and interactive educational activities. Particularly in rural areas of Georgia, where limited access to digital resources hinders personal and professional growth, this project created a platform for young people to thrive in the digital world. It equipped them with the knowledge and motivation to use digital tools for both personal and social development.
What activities were held, and who were the primary participants?
The project included training sessions and workshops on digital leadership, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and utilizing digital platforms. Participants, primarily young people from different regions of Georgia—especially those from rural areas—were chosen based on their need for this type of knowledge. The sessions were interactive and hands-on, allowing participants to apply what they had learned to real-world situations immediately.
Can you share a notable success story or significant achievement from the project?
One inspiring story isn’t about an individual participant, but about an organization – the Ozurgeti Independent Living Center. We held a series of workshops with this organization in the Guria region, and it was an incredibly motivating experience. The organization is led by dynamic, active, and supportive individuals who are working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities in their community. Their work is truly inspiring, and I look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.
What would you say to young leaders about the importance of digital literacy?
Simply put – never stop developing your digital skills! Digital literacy is essential not only in a technology-driven world but also for personal growth and effective communication with the global community. It empowers young people to become leaders, innovators, and agents of change in their communities. Without digital skills, no one can overcome the challenges of the modern world -because I believe the future is digital, and the choices we make today will determine how we prepare for it.
If you were to address young people, why is it important to participate in such projects?
Participating in projects like this offers a unique chance to gain practical knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and discover your own potential. It’s not just an opportunity to learn, but also to create meaningful change in your community, region, or country. The power to make a difference is in your hands—what matters most is taking proactive steps toward your goals.
What are your future plans?
I plan to expand similar initiatives and introduce new projects focused on youth leadership and digital transformation. As part of this project, I traveled to various regions of Georgia and personally met with the participants. I was deeply impressed by the many exceptional young leaders in our country. It is inevitable that Georgia will become a nation where young people are fully equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern world, actively using technology to foster personal and national development. My goal is to continue contributing to this progress by strengthening the capabilities of both individuals and organizations.
