Mariam Avakova, a dedicated young professional enthusiast from Tbilisi, Georgia, has secured a coveted spot at the prestigious Hertie School in Berlin, with a 50% scholarship for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. Like many a Georgian student seeking opportunities abroad, despite Mariam’s skills, talent and passion for creating a positive societal impact, she faces financial hurdles, particularly in securing the funds required for the blocked account mandated by Germany. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, challenges, and aspirations, seeking support to fulfill her educational dreams and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Mariam, congratulations on securing a 50% scholarship at the Hertie School. Can you tell us more about your journey and what led you to pursue a Master of Public Policy?
Thank you! My journey has been driven by a deep passion for public policy and a commitment to creating positive societal change. Growing up in Tbilisi, I witnessed firsthand the impact of effective policies on communities. This inspired me to pursue a career in public policy, and the Hertie School, with its focus on innovation and sustainability, seemed like the perfect fit.
My journey to the Hertie School has been a testament to perseverance, and now, securing adequate financial support of €14,000 remains crucial to realizing this ambition. As a self-made individual from Georgia, driven by a profound passion for societal impact, every milestone along my professional path has been hard-earned and deeply cherished.
This passion led me to pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the prestigious Hertie School in Berlin, which is renowned for cultivating global leaders and offering unparalleled career advancement opportunities. However, this dream-come-true journey has not been without challenges.
What first drew you to the Hertie School?
In 2022, during the Wechange Forum in Berlin, I first encountered the Hertie School while walking towards the DAAD office. Its vibrant atmosphere immediately captivated me, and, on learning about their MPP program, I found their emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and policy analysis perfectly aligned with my aspirations as a changemaker. The school’s faculty, diverse community, and Berlin’s dynamic environment promised an exceptional educational experience.
What was your reaction to receiving the acceptance letter and scholarship offer? What challenges are you facing in securing the remaining funds for your education?
Receiving the acceptance letter with a 50% scholarship was a moment of triumph. However, the reality of funding my education soon set in. Despite the generous scholarship, the remaining tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs pose significant financial challenges. I still need to cover the remaining expenses, including the mandatory blocked account required by Germany for international students. This account ensures that students have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay, but it poses a considerable financial challenge for me. Despite my skills and talent, without sufficient financial support, it will be difficult to continue my education.
How have you been addressing these financial challenges?
I’ve explored various avenues for additional scholarships and grants via the Hertie Funding Navigator and other platforms, which revealed constraints such as German language criteria, partner university affiliations, citizenship requirements, and deadlines, complicating the process. This necessitated finding alternative funding solutions, prompting me to initiate a crowdfunding campaign. While challenging, this endeavor underscored the invaluable support I received from both familiar faces and unexpected allies who recognized and backed my passion. I have been exploring various avenues for financial support. I’ve reached out to Hertie alumni via LinkedIn too, seeking guidance and potential funding opportunities. Alongside all this activity, which is not enough, I am actively seeking business sponsors who can support my education and help me achieve my goals.
What drives your commitment to public policy?
My commitment to public policy stems from a deep-seated drive to address climate change, promote sustainability, and preserve natural resources. At Hertie School, my focus within the MPP program will center on Organization and Leadership, particularly emphasizing sustainability and the green economy. The thematic intersections of sustainability, innovation, and policy design inspire me to craft impactful solutions, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future. I aim to work on projects that promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development. My goal is to leverage my education to drive sustainable and innovative public policies that can address pressing societal issues. The Hertie School’s curriculum and network is an excellent opportunity to provide me with the tools and connections needed to make a meaningful impact.
What message would you like to give to potential sponsors and supporters?
I am deeply passionate about public policy and committed to making a positive difference in society. With your support, I can overcome the financial barriers and complete my education at the Hertie School. Your investment in my education is not just an investment in me, but in the future of public policy and sustainable development. Together, we can create a brighter future.
Can you share more about your professional background and achievements?
My career has traversed diverse fields, advocating passionately for climate action, ocean conservation, and youth engagement. As an activist, I’ve initiated numerous projects and volunteered extensively. Early in my diplomatic journey, I proudly represented Georgia as both a Young European Ambassador and Black Sea Ambassador, as a Youth4Ocean Advocate, pioneering our nation’s participation in European Maritime Day Events. My commitment to promoting ocean literacy and climate awareness among youth has been further amplified through my role as a country coordinator for COP COY initiatives, locally and internationally. Additionally, serving as a Mobile Journalist for Ocean missions has allowed me to spotlight Georgian startups leading the charge in marine conservation and environmental protection.
Equipped with a robust international education from esteemed institutions such as the Swedish Institute (SAYP – Sustainable Public Management) and Malta University (Ocean Governance), along with a Master’s in Natural Sciences, and having participated in several high-level EU conferences as a delegate or speaker, I am embarking on a transformative journey into public policy at Hertie School. This decision marks the enhancement of self-built skills and early career achievements, positioning me to drive profound global change.
How have you been managing the financial requirements, particularly the blocked account needed for a German visa?
I haven’t managed it yet, and I am in the process of conveying my needs to potential sponsors and supporters. While studying abroad has long been a personal aspiration and a significant milestone, I’ve encountered the stark reality that financial support is crucial to navigating challenges like the stringent German visa regulations. These regulations mandate a blocked account holding €12,000 for a needs-based scholarship, underscoring the necessity of substantial financial resources. For many, including myself, lacking that safety net of supportive relatives, this poses a formidable barrier. Thus, securing adequate financial support is pivotal in realizing my ambition.
What steps have you taken to secure the remaining funds?
Initiating a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe and co-managing “Better Place” with a former Erasmus group mate are steps towards this goal. Beyond funding my education, these efforts symbolize unlocking my potential to drive sustainable global change. My journey to Hertie School stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future, not just for Georgia but beyond.
You have even reached out to alumni. What motivated you to do so, and did it work out?
Honestly, no, it didn’t. Only three Alumni responded and donated. But while reaching out to them, I got the idea of proposing the Alumni Foundation. I believe in the power of community and the positive impact that alumni can have on current students. The idea of the Alumni Foundation stems from the concept of experienced professionals investing in the education of future leaders. It’s about creating a supportive network where alumni can give back and help students overcome financial barriers, much like angel investors do in the business world.
Have you explored other financial options like scholarships or programs?
Yes, I’ve explored several options, including Brain Capital, but I face restrictions due to my non-EU citizenship. Many scholarships and programs have specific eligibility criteria or expired deadlines, which has been quite challenging. Even in reaching out to foundations, decision-makers, and NGO heads such as KAS.de, DAAD, FNF, and others, securing support has been challenging. Many opportunities had expired deadlines, required German language proficiency, or were limited to specific demographics like U.S. citizens or EMPA applicants. Despite these obstacles, I remain determined to find a solution.
Why do you believe it essential for you to complete your education at Hertie School?
In today’s political climate, Georgia urgently requires leaders nurtured by institutions like Hertie School, capable of thriving in dynamic and diverse communities. This is why I am reaching out to businesses to secure adequate financial support, which is not merely about funding my education but also about unlocking my potential to drive sustainable change on a global scale.
Thank you, Mariam, for sharing your inspiring story. We wish you all the best in your journey and hope you find the support you need.
Mariam’s journey to the Hertie School reflects her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. By supporting her education, sponsors have the opportunity to invest in a future leader who is poised to drive significant change in public policy and sustainability on a global scale.
Support Mariam:
• GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/8737bd19
• BetterPlace: https://www.betterplace.me/unterstuetze-mariams-weg-an-die-hertie-school
Connect with Mariam:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-avakova/
By Katie Ruth Davies
