Can you introduce yourself?

Hello everyone, my name is Ketevan (or Keti). I am a newly elected Board member - my position is Member Organisations Officer.

I graduated Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University,  Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences and have B.A. in Computer Technologies. I am also the Vice President of Georgia Youth Eco Movement - SAEM and Member of Women Techmakers Tbilisi (Google Developers Group). I like to use my technical abilities for developing partnerships on technology innovation and environment and for communications. My first experience of working on environmental topics was in early 2008, when I presented my paperwork at conference and got first Quality Diploma in Chemical Section (Water Topic) from Georgian National Youth Palace. The same year I earned First quality Diploma at Youth Conference in the Ecology and Natural Science Section from Borjomi Children and Youth Federation. I was born and still live in a small resort town called Borjomi, in Georgia. I work here for almost four year in Mineral and Fresh Water Treatment company as a Quality Manager. When I am not working, I like to to travel and get inspired by the beauty of the Mother Earth.

Which YEE member organisation do you belong to? What are the main activities of your organisation?

I am the Vice President of Georgia Youth Eco Movement - SAEM, organisation which is 22 years old and is a non-governmental, non-for-profit youth environmental organisation uniting mostly schoolchildren and students under the age of 30. Main aims of SAEM are: popularising nature studies, enhancing environmental awareness and improving public participation.

How did you get involved in YEE? What was your first impression about YEE?

My organisation is a full member organisation of YEE since 1995. I have been involved at Georgia Youth Eco Movement from 2013. In 2014 as a representative of SAEM I attended a project co-organised by YEE - training Course "Step UP! Ensuring Quality in Project Management". I spent a week learning about how to ensure higher quality in youth projects - there were sessions about project management skills, how to enhance the level of practical skills and competences necessary for managing international projects (in particular skills in conducting needs assessment), fundraising, developing application, using social media, working with international team.  

I was tired.

I was enlightened.

I was confused.

I was curious.

I was inspired by the YEE team, well qualified and truly motivated young people who care about the environment and who coordinate the work of the whole network. It was also nice to meet well motivated Board members with interesting ideas and with diplomatic leadership skills. Since then I have participated in several projects of YEE: trainings, youth exchanges and YEE Annual Meetings. For example: I was a group leader at the youth exchange “Three Rs for the Environment” in Moldova in 2015, participant at the training course "Give international dimension to your projects" (July 2015, Czech Republic), training course “Be(e) the Change” and YEE Annual Meetings 2014, 2015, 2016.

What is YEE for you?

YEE for me is a platform for European youth environmental organisations, which gives organisations an opportunity to grow and develop. YEE is a bright network for developing and improving key important and successful skills for future successful projects.

Why did you want to become a member of YEE Board?

This month I celebrated my election as a Board member of YEE. I love YEE! I joined YEE Board because I felt excited for this opportunity not only to give back by sharing my expertise, but also to gain new skills. I think mandate at YEE Board at its best will allow me to bring my full potential to the organisation – my emotional connection to the network, my commitment to the overall sector, my own life experience, skills, and the good head on my shoulders. I think I will fall more in love with YEE. The closer I will get to the network, the more passionate I will become about protecting the environment.

What is your main aim as a 2016 - 2017 Board member?

Firstly I will prepare for Member Organisations Officer Working plan, as it will help me to keep track with YEE main goals and for me personally to become more task-oriented. I will work closely and support YEE Secretariat and Board. For me the main aim as a Members Organisation Officer is to use this motto: "How can I contribute to this community which people will find truly helpful?" And then work hard to extend that help - whatever it is - to as many relevant people as possible.

Why do you care about the environment? What does the environment mean to you?

I will give my favourite quotes by John Muir: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” and by Aldo Leopold: “I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness.” And I don't what to write a letter to my grandchildren explaining why we destroyed the environment!