Mari Mgebrishvili, a dedicated leader and WYC Affiliate from Society Biliki in the Republic of Georgia, visited us at World Youth Clubs headquarters in Orlando, Florida for a week of connection, learning, and collaboration.

A highlight of Mari’s visit was a trip to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota club, who recently sent a group of youth club members to the Republic of Georgia for a cultural exchange program. Mari’s visit to the Sarasota club was a joyful reunion and a full-circle moment that reinforced how impactful these global exchanges can be. Mari also visited the Bradley-Otis Family Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, to observe local programming and speak with club staff about best practices in youth engagement and club operations.

These peer-to-peer learning moments are essential to our work at World Youth Clubs. Her time with us was a celebration of global connection, purpose and the power that our World Youth Clubs Affiliates have when they bring communities together. We are in awe of the work Mari is doing in the Republic of Georgia and grateful for the chance to spend time with her in person.