"My most interesting story is that with the help of The local Investments in Networks for Knowledge and Skill-share (LINKS) project, I quickly moved from a closed life to an active phase. I would advise the youth in my region, and not only them, to definitely use all the chances that will add positivity to their lives, discover many new opportunities and teach them to believe in themselves." - Ketino Salukvadze, participant of the computer skills and entrepreneurship training and paid internship program of the LINKS project.

Ketino is currently doing an internship in Ozurgeti, in a non-governmental organization, (student-youth council) as an office manager.

"I can say that the LINKS project completely changed the rhythm of my life. Let's start from the fact that I had a very interesting time with the help of online trainings during the lockdown period of the coronavirus, and then I discovered a lot of things through the same trainings and started working. Frequent communication with teenagers and finding a common language made my life even more diverse. I suddenly moved from being indoors all the time to a very active phase: trainings, meetings, forums" - says Ketino.

Before joining the internship, Ketino took the courses offered by the "LINKS" project and with the acquired knowledge and experience became a part of the team of the student non-governmental organization. 

"As for the courses, the computer skills course is directly related to my work. This course helped me a lot to improve my skills and overcome the challenges I faced in the work environment. Saba Khergiani put all his energy into this work and the result was quite impressive.” 

The lecturers involved in the "LINKS" project are really outstanding. I have received special knowledge and experience from them, therefore, It will be difficult for me to single out one, although I would be happy to single out a few: I will start with Tako Mikadze, who met me during the period when I was already desperate for any interesting job to appear and as a mother of 2 children, I would be able to find employment. Tako gave me hope which was justified later. Mariam Khuchua and Sofo Vasadze helped me to compile my resume, write a motivational letter and inform me about what would be best for my career." 

Ketino also has advice for young people who, like her, are looking for new opportunities and experiences: "I would advise the new recruits in my region, and not only them, to definitely take advantage of all the opportunities that will add positivity to their lives, discover many new opportunities and teach them to believe in themselves." 

The local Investments in Networks for Knowledge and Skill-share (LINKS) is implemented with the financial support of the European Union and the cooperation of the United Nations Association of Georgia (UNA Georgia) and the Open Society Foundation Georgia (OSGF).