President Salome Zourabichvili Hosts Volunteers for 'Your Voice for Europe' Campaign at Orbeliani Palace
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, hosted volunteers at the Orbeliani Palace within the framework of the Your Voice for Europe campaign. The President noted that volunteering is a manifestation of civic responsibility, which is one of the fundamental European values.
"Volunteering is primarily a manifestation of citizenship. Society and the country rely on personal initiative. This means, at the same time, feeling responsible, recognising that we are all equally responsible for this country and its people. We all have something to contribute, and it's called volunteering. You represent this great force that no one can hold back.
You embody Europe because Europe represents a free understanding of the needs of the society or country around you. Volunteering is not a new concept; volunteers were on strike in 1924 when, together with Cholokashvili, they fought against the foreign regime that was trying to establish itself. It was pure volunteering," said Salome Zourabichvili.
The President of Georgia expressed admiration and respect for Georgian volunteers who have chosen to fight in Ukraine. She emphasized that these volunteers, by making a free and voluntary choice, are representing the dignity of the Georgian people. She paid tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives, recognizing their immense value.
Additionally, she mentioned that volunteers played a crucial role in facing a disaster on June 13, setting an example for the city through their actions.
"Volunteers are Georgian warriors who are fighting in Ukraine today. Through their free, voluntary choice, they embody Georgian dignity. I want to pay tribute to those individuals who have sacrificed their lives and are immensely valuable to us. Volunteers were the young people who fought against the disaster on June 13 and were able to set an example for the city," said President Zourabichvili.
The President awarded a medal of honor to Sofi and Giorgi Karalashvili and Davit Beriashvili, who tragically died in the Shovi disaster.
According to the President's administration, they were co-founders of "Knowledge Cafe" and were honored by the President for their special personal contribution to the development and popularization of volunteerism, as well as for their strong and active civic position.
