Giorgi Adikashvili is a medical student and one of the recipients of the YMCA Generation Next Scholarship in Georgia. Five years ago, he attended the YMCA Georgia’s Camp Orange community project, a moment that fundamentally changed his trajectory. He realized that his values and aspirations greatly align with YMCA’s mission which evolved into a deeply rewarding commitment to youth leadership and community development. He then became a volunteer at YMCA Georgia which later on led to his acceptance into the Generation Next Scholarship.
“As a medical student, I face significant academic demands. The scholarship was crucial, as it removed the financial pressure of university costs and enabled me to pursue both formal education in medicine and non-formal education in leadership. This balance is rare, most young people must choose between academia and leadership development. The program opened doors to opportunities I was genuinely passionate about while maintaining my academic focus. It was an investment in my potential as a leader within the YMCA ecosystem and my community,” remarked Giorgi.
In 2025, Giorgi participated in YMCA Leadership Academy gaining not only knowledge, but also leadership skills, critical skills, essential theoretical grounding, and a space where he could practice leadership in a supportive international environment. The two international sessions and the local community project gave him real-world experience, exposure to diverse leadership models, an international network, different approaches to community work, as well as a better understanding of the YMCA movement.
“The following year I was invited to join YMCA Leadership Academy as a junior trainer. Being part of the organizational team after being a participant made me feel a profound sense of responsibility and honor. This role is not simply a promotion, it represents recognition of my growth and a chance to contribute to the development of other young leaders,” said Giorgi.
Through this experience, Giorgi discovered something important as a trainer: the best way to understand something deeply is to teach it. Engaging with the material and participants in a different role challenged him and helped him consider different perspectives. Teaching became his most powerful learning experience.
“I’ve learned that sustainable development happens when young people are equipped with confidence, international perspective, and access to mentorship. The Leadership Academy planning team deserves special recognition for creating a brave and safer space where volunteers like me could develop authentically. Their dedication modeled what inclusive leadership looks like in practice.”
Giorgi’s role as the Generation Next Scholarship recipient gave him a clear path – to be part of building safer, braver, more inclusive communities. Whether through medicine, youth leadership, or both, he is committed to this mission. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity and the people who believed in his potential.
“As the journey continues, I am more committed than ever to contributing to a better world that YMCA aspires to create.”
