Aspiring historian works to better others' life stories in Georgia
Heriknaz Papyan, an 18 year-old ethnic Armenian from the small city of Bolnisi, Georgia, dreams that one day she will make an important discovery that might change the course of history.
In the meantime, she's actively involved in changing the lives of young people in her hometown in the country's eastern Kvemo Kartli region.
"It's very important to be socially active - this creates a foundation for tolerance and integration, which are crucial in multi-ethnic Georgia," Heriknaz says. "Common goals and aspirations help integrate people of different backgrounds and nationalities into a society. This sense of belonging, in turn, brings with it a responsibility to help that society reach its goals. Young people must take steps to make life better."
Learning the state language
Kvemo Kartli lies south-east of the capital Tbilisi and borders both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ethnic Azeris and Armenians make up more than half of the population in the region. Many members of ethnic minorities don't speak the State language, which contributes to their social isolation.
In 2004, Heriknaz started attending various language and computer courses at the youth centre in Bolnisi run by a local non-governmental organization. "It changed my life. Before I took these classes, I was scared to speak Georgian. I thought that people would make fun of me if I made a mistake," Heriknaz says. "But learning at the centre together with young people of many different nationalities helped me to open up and become more confident. We started helping each other learn and I've made lots of friends."
The same year, Heriknaz was selected to participate in a youth camp in Kobuleti in western Georgia to learn about conflict management. She then applied this new knowledge and skills back home in Bolnisi, where she and fellow students from the youth centre launched a project called Getting Society Interested in Young People's Lives. The project included a youth roundtable and sports activities.
Later in 2006, she participated in a youth debate camp in Bakuriani where she won the "Best Debater" award - a noteworthy accomplishment given that her mother tongue is Armenian. She also took part in youth debate projects in Rustavi on environmental issues and in Bolnisi on Georgian-Russian relations. In both cases, Heriknaz was named the best debater, once for her entire region.
Protecting the environment
At the youth centre in Bolnisi, which is funded by the OSCE Mission to Georgia, Heriknaz is working on a project proposal to safeguard the environment, which is envisaged for Kvemo Kartli. The project focuses on raising young people's awareness of the importance of environmental protection issues - particularly the pollution of a local river caused by a nearby gold mine - and includes a clean-up drive in their own city. "The environment affects every stage and level of life. A dynamic society aspiring to a fruitful life must therefore be interested in safeguarding what is given to it only once."
Heriknaz encourages young people to raise their voices and articulate their needs. She participates in a group that organizes roundtables and discussions on vital problems of the environment, politics or society in Kvemo Kartli.
Encouraging young people to pursue their goals
"Along with the ultimate goal of world peace, one of the most important goals for me is that Georgia's young people are given better opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge through fulfilling careers," Heriknaz says. "We have a lot of talented young people who for various reasons, whether psychological, financial or social, are not making the most of their potential."
A more flexible labour market, particularly for non-native Georgian speakers, is particularly important. "Take my case," she says. "Without this youth centre, I would probably never have spoken Georgian well enough to compete and win debates in it. I wouldn't be in a position to share my knowledge with other people of my age."
While she prepares for her entry exams to pursue her dream of studying history at university, Heriknaz continues to change lives in the present.
"The younger generation is the root of life and the architect of fresh ideas. But it's important to create the conditions necessary to have freedom of choice about our future," Heriknaz adds.