The mentorship program, designed and implemented through a collaboration between USAID's Energy Future Ensuring Program and the NGO "Women in Energy," took place in Georgia. This initiative, conducted from January to June 2024, aimed to spark interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and renewable energy sectors among high school girls nationwide. Twenty high-ranking female professionals in Georgia's energy sector were selected as mentors and paired with twenty high school students from across the country based on their interests. Over six months, mentors shared their knowledge and experience, providing guidance on future career paths and engaging in various activities. These activities included visits to the National Dispatch Center of Georgia's State Electrosystem, Zemo Avchala Hydropower Plant (Zahesi), the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC), a solar power plant, and the Kartli Wind Farm. Several mentors enriched the program with additional webinars based on their initiatives. The mentorship program significantly enhanced participants' knowledge of the sector, providing insights into various nuances and career opportunities within the field.
As part of this program, Nana Berdzenishvili, Head of Environmental and Social Projects at CCEH, the investor company of Bakhvi Hydropower Plant, was selected as a mentor. Natia Shavadze, a student from Mtispiari Public School, participated as her mentee.
Natia Shavadze - Student at Mtispiari Public School: "Nana taught me a great deal during our meetings and throughout the mentorship program, both personally and professionally. This program simplified my career choice, convinced me of my decision's correctness, and broadened my perspective. It's crucial to have someone who confirms you're on the right track or offers advice to ensure future correct decisions. I am grateful for Nana's support; she became a valuable teacher at this stage of my life. Additionally, I thank each organizer of the mentorship program for allowing me to participate in such an interesting and comprehensive program."
Nana Berdzenishvili - Head of Environmental and Social Projects at CCEH: "I believe this program imparts two crucial things to young people: courage—courage to dream, aspire, and set goals—and the importance and necessity of sharing culture. I believe that sharing knowledge and experience can significantly impact a person's life for the better. My goal is to improve the lives of young people. I am confident that for the youth involved in this mentorship program, this process will be a tremendous source of motivation that will develop them and make them bolder in both the present and future. I believe they will develop an interest in the energy sector, and the combination of courage and interest is a wonderful recipe for success."