Generation of Independent Georgia: In Between Hopes and Uncertainties

FES Youth Study Georgia  was held first time in 2017, after 7 years we have an opportunity to present renewed results. Study  presents a country wide empirical research, which provides analytical insights into the young generation’s perceptions, awareness, expectations and approaches towards the changing realities. The study determines challenges young people face and identifies urgent tasks within the society. Model and point of orientation for the study is the renowned Shell Youth Study, which is being carried out in Germany since 1953. A similar survey is implemented  by FES in a range of other Eastern European and Central Asian countries.  During the presentation it was discussed main challenges and finding youth are facing in Georgia, such as:

• Almost three-quarters of young people (72%) say they are mostly or very satisfied with the quality of education in Georgia. More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) are confident that their education will prepare them for the labour market. Despite the high rate of satisfaction, 58% of young people say they do not have a job. Men (43%), Tbilisi residents (45%), representatives of older age groups (49%) and those with a higher education (59%) are more likely to be employed than women (26%), those living outside the capital (30%), 18 to 24 year-olds (38%) and those with only secondary education (41%).
• Most young people in Georgia report having no interest in politics. About 38% reported a low level of interest, while respondents with higher education and those who are employed tend to be more interested than those with secondary education and those who are unemployed.  Despite reported apathy towards politics, more than half of young people in Georgia access information on political events, with one-third (34%) doing so every day. Close to one in five (22%) access political news at least once a week. Ethnic Georgians, those outside Tbilisi, employed respondents and those with higher education are more likely to follow political news.
• Sixty-three percent of young people believe that their interests are not represented at all or are poorly represented in national politics. Nonetheless, the majority (80%) say that they would probably not (18%) or would not take up a political function (62%) themselves.
• Almost two-thirds (62%) of young people in Georgia agree that Georgia is a European country.
• Young people in Georgia have a predominantly positive opinion of Europe. Forty-five percent identify Europe as a place of democracy and the rule of law, while for 38% Europe is associated with cultural and scientific achievements. Close to one-third (35%) characterised Europe as a place of economic prosperity and wealth. Only a negligible share associates Europe with negative sentiments, such as it being an unwelcoming place (3%) characterised by moral decline and the loss of traditional values (5%), or being hostile to Georgia (3%).
• The European Union (79%), international organisations (75%), international financial institutions (73%) and NATO (73%) are believed to play a positive role in Georgia. Accord¬ing to discussions in focus groups, respondents associated Georgia joining the EU with financial and other benefits.