UNICEF National Ambassador conducts master class for young people from Pankisi Gorge and nearby villages

AKHMETA, Georgia, 3 August 2021 – Nearly 50 young people from the villages of Akhmeta municipality met with the UNICEF National Ambassador, Nikoloz Rachveli, and participated in a musical master class. The class, led by the famous Georgian composer and conductor, took place in the Akhmeta youth centre, in partnership with the Kakheti Regional Development Foundation, and gathered youngsters from Pankisi Gorge and Akhmeta. The event was part of a series of events organized by UNICEF dedicated to its 75^th anniversary, with the slogan, ‘Reimagine the Future’.

Rachveli shared with youngsters his path to success and his life experiences, inspiring them to focus on their dreams and to persevere despite the existing challenges. The National Ambassador also performed some of his musical pieces for the children, encouraging members of the audience to also share their skills and musical talent. Among others, the event was attended by 15 young girls from Pankisi, who earlier participated in the 4-week training programme organized by UNICEF to learn advocacy and digital skills. The girls were the ones who initiated the master class and invited the UNICEF National Ambassador to meet with them and their peers.

"By sharing the personal example of my career path and what it took for me to achieve my success, I wanted the young people to realize that most challenges can be solved by hard work, self-confidence, and a goal-oriented approach." - Nikoloz Rachveli

“I was delighted to meet with this wonderful and motivated group of youngsters,” said Nikoloz Rachveli, UNICEF National Ambassador. “I was impressed with their thoughtful questions and insightful discussion that followed the meeting. By sharing the personal example of my career path and what it took for me to achieve my success, I wanted the young people to realize that most challenges can be solved by hard work, self-confidence, and a goal-oriented approach. Music is a great power that can convene people with different backgrounds and culture. It is even more so when it comes to the regions that are populated with diverse ethnical and or religious communities”.

The master class by the maestro was followed by a discussion about the issues identified by young people. The event was attended by a UNICEF Communications Specialist who stressed that, as the COVID-19 pandemic widens inequalities hitting the most vulnerable children, it is important to rebuild and reimagine the future for every child by actively engaging children and young people, especially from rural areas.

"Nikoloz showed interest in us, listened to us attentively, and shared exciting stories with us." - Maka Giorgashvili

“I could never imagine I would ever meet such a famous person. Nikoloz showed interest in us, listened to us attentively, and shared exciting stories with us. The key point that I took from today’s meeting is the belief that if you try very hard, you will make it. Nikoloz’s life is proof of that,” said Maka Giorgashvili from Duisi village.

"I also think that no matter where you’re born or what problems you have – if you set a goal and do something to achieve it every day, you’ll by all means deserve success." - Giorgi Abramishvili

“I was happy to meet in person with such a prominent person. Nikoloz told us about the hardships in his life, which surprised me, as I thought things always came easily to successful people. Now, I also think that no matter where you’re born or what problems you have – if you set a goal and do something to achieve it every day, you’ll by all means deserve success,” said Giorgi Abramishvili from Bakhilovani village.

Under the theme of ‘Reimagine the Future’ for every child, the UNICEF 75 concept is built around a child-centred, solutions-oriented, and partnership focused approach, which puts the meaningful participation of children and young people at the heart of everything, opening a space for intergenerational collaboration.