Fellowship for Ethical Leadership

The Akaki Bakradze Fellowship for Ethical Leadership is a four-week summer program that will offer university students a unique opportunity to explore leadership rooted in Georgia’s values, cultural heritage, and democratic ideals. Participants will take part in intensive seminars on Georgian literature, historical experience, and democratic thought. The students also benefit from mentorship, professional development, and a series of cultural outings and events.

The program is held in Tbilisi and is free of charge for all accepted students. Most meals will be provided, and each student will receive a ₾1000 stipend to help cover travel and incidental expenses. Students coming from other cities will also be provided with complimentary accommodations.

Note: Please refer to the Georgian version of this page to learn more about the program.

  • Intensive Seminars
    • Students will study foundational texts in Georgian Literature to gain a deep understanding of Georgian national identity, values, cultural heritage, and qualities of leadership. 
    • They will examine Georgia’s historical experience and reflect on what lessons and consequences it offers. 
    • The seminars will also introduce critical works in democratic theory, fostering a dialogue on the ways Georgian cultural heritage and democratic principles complement each other and where the potential points of tension may exist. 
  • Professional Development and Mentorship
    • Participants will take part in workshops focused on professional growth, including resume building, political and academic writing, and leadership development. They will attend lunch discussions with distinguished practitioners and will have the opportunity to visit key government institutions and agencies, connecting their learning to the real world and public service.
    • As a core deliverable, students will write essays and policy memos, with the opportunity to have their work published in the Society’s journal.
  • Cultural Activities
    • Fellows will explore Georgian culture through visits to historic landmarks and cultural sites in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Telavi, and Kutaisi.
    • They will also participate in informal events such as Georgian movie nights and discussions.

If we do not once and for all cast off the traits of Kvachi Kvachantiradze and Teimuraz Khevistavi and fail to revive the spirit of Amirani, Avtandil, the Widow of Otaraani, and Mindia, we will not only fail at build an independent Georgia, our very existence as a nation may come into question.

 

A nation should not live in the past. The past should be remembered and honored. But life must always face forward. Every nation, every individual, must live with the future in mind, with their gaze set ahead.

 

Democracy is not only a form of political rule—it is also a way of thinking. And far more difficult than establishing democratic institutions is cultivating a democratic way of thinking and norms.

– Akaki Bakradze