Youth Energizes Georgian Parliament
For the past ten months, eleven young Georgians and the Parliament of Georgia have become inseparable.
These young people are interns in the Georgian Parliament. Their internships are supported by USAID’s Parliamentary Strengthening project, implemented by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Launched two years ago, the internship program emphasizes the need to engage youth in the work of the Georgian Parliament.
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| The 2006 Parliamentary interns pose with U.S. Ambassador John Tefft (back center),
Parliamentary Strengthening Manager Jim Hart and NDI Country Representative Mike Kelleher (back right) at the July graduation ceremony |
“Young people are the future of a country, the leaders of tomorrow, the ones who will play a vital role in transforming Georgia into a prosperous democracy,” said Jim Hart, NDI Senior Parliamentary Program Officer, “and it was our aspiration to contribute to their professional growth by assigning 11 bright young Georgians to various committees, factions, and departments of the Parliament, where they would be exposed to the day-to-day activities of this institution.”
“This program opened my eyes to new ways about how and why strengthening institutions, especially the Parliament, is important to my country’s development,” said Mikheil Shavtvaladze, an intern in the Rules and Procedural Issues Committee of the Parliament.
For most interns, their internship was their first encounter with Parliament. Yet this has not stopped them from becoming integral members of the committees and factions with which they work.
David Jijelava, an intern in the ruling National Movement faction, came to the Parliament with a background in international relations. At Parliament, he found himself engaged in the daily activities of the faction. Like other interns, David assisted the parliamentary staff with analytical work, research, and translation. The internship has increased his interest in politics and, next year, he will further his education at Central European University in Budapest.
Intern Levan Kasradze, who is assigned to the Legal Department of the Parliament, has been very successful in representing the Parliament of Georgia at a number of court cases. Upon completing the internship, he will be hired by the Parliament of Georgia.
“In the Legal Issues Committee we have had NDI interns for the second year and it has been a wonderful experience. The qualifications, motivation and open-minds of these young individuals are inspiring. [Intern] Giorgi Beridze was assigned to work on the new draft for the amendments to the Election Code on an equal basis with the leading specialist of the committee. He did a magnificent job and he deserves credit for the legislation that was developed,” said MP Levan Bezhashvili, Chair of the Legal Issues Committee.
According to the interns, their internships have helped them improve their analytical skills, teamwork, and future career opportunities. Clearly, these eleven young interns are looking towards a bright future.
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