Since its inception in 2012 and with two cohorts (2012-2014, 2014-2019) of participants that passed through it, the Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) sought to enroll young leaders of different backgrounds from across Europe, young people who were and are a voice and not an echo – eager to learn, to try, to grow… Like raw diamonds to shine after the grind.
And we believe that most of these 46 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.
Today we share with you the story of Nika Chixradze, a very talented person from Georgia.
Nika studied Economics at Caucasus University and his current occupation is in computer science. His organization provides technical support for companies like Samsung and Phillips in more than 37 countries. But in Roots Nika is more known as a musician and a great atmosphere-maker!
When Nika joined Roots, he didn’t have any other experience in this field.
“Roots had a big impact on me, it affected my personal and professional life. I got to know so many wonderful people, new cultures and traditions. On a personal level, I gained some useful soft skills. It helped me to overcome many difficulties at different stages of my life.
I have faced various issues – insecurity, lack of information, lack of confidence… Every time at Roots events, I get a lot of answers to the questions in my mind. It gave me motivation, inspiration to move forward and make little steps for big changes,” Nika says.
Nika is very actively involved in the activities of his local YMCA. Right now in the framework of Roots, they organize various initiatives and projects to empower and bring together different ethnic minority groups from all over Georgia. It started when YMCA Georgia won the Peace Award with the Roof for Roots project and now continues to grow and engage more people.
“I remember almost all moments spent in the Roots family and they are very special to me. But my favorite moments are when we have the evaluation of the session in the end and I see how I have grown, how others have changed and what kind of strong impact it had on participants of a particular event.
For me, Roots is about support, empowerment and safety. It has literally changed my life and I have seen other people too in this way. The impact is tangible and real, it might not change the lives of all involved, but will surely convince people to take steps for better changes, which is already a huge achievement for me” concludes Nika.
Since 2007 and ever growing, from the South to the North, from the East to the West of Europe – the Roots has always been there for those striving to make this world a better and safer place, a peaceful home for all. We go where the need is, responding quickly to the emerging issues with the legacy and mandate, capacity and adaptability gained for all these years.
By donating to the Roots, you invest in youth opinion leaders from all corners of Europe – varied by age, ethnicity, religion, race or wealth, but united with one strong conviction – Peace is the only way!
