Vazha’s journey – finding purpose in giving back to the community

From the heart of Kutaisi to the forefront of youth empowerment, Vazha’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and purpose. Growing up in a close-knit family in western Georgia, he dreamt of opportunities that once felt out of reach. Today, through ‘Knowledge Oda’, he is turning those dreams into reality – creating a space where young people can learn, connect, and unlock their potential.

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

That question sparked a life-changing mission: to bring learning and inspiration back to his community.

Vazha’s dream took shape in ‘Knowledge Oda’ – a multifunctional youth centre built around his grandfather’s old house, now in the final phase of renovation with the support of World Vision Georgia under the EU4Youth SKYE Net – Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment Network 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 precisely 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 for young people on computer technology, graphic design, career development, as well as human rights and civil activism, all at affordable rates.

“The first opportunity that changed me was a three-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.”

Vazha’s plans became reality when he joined the EU4Youth SKYE NET project. After discovering the programme 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 in support, which was crucial in bringing ‘Knowledge Oda’ closer to completion.”

Launched by World Vision Georgia and co-funded by the European Union under the EU4Youth Programme, the SKYE NET project empowers young people across Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova to develop entrepreneurial and career management skills, start social enterprises, and strengthen regional cooperation. In Georgia alone, this EU-funded project has supported ten young entrepreneurs, one of whom 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 centres 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 says.

The forum also offered Vazha a stage to speak on 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 in Seattle, USA. For the future, I’m planning cross-country initiatives for young people. I want to break borders, connect youth from different places for common goals.”

What makes ‘Knowledge Oda’ especially meaningful is its deep family connection. 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 about how you can improve it. Don’t be afraid to look within yourself – and also outside – for what can be better. Be open to new ideas. Sometimes the people you meet unexpectedly become your strongest allies.”

The EU4Youth SKYE Net – Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment Network project fosters active participation of youth in both democratic and economic life by enhancing their entrepreneurial and career management skills, with a focus on disadvantaged youth, as well as supporting youth-led social enterprises that address community-level problems and focus on digital and green transition in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova.