Mariam already had some experience in media and information literacy. During an internship at Georgia’s Media Development Foundation in 2023, she worked as a fact-checker, assessing whether information was reliable. She later joined GAFE, the Georgian Association for Equality, a youth-led organisation that supports equality clubs at universities. She continues to support GAFE’s work with young people as a volunteer.

The HEY tutored online course on media and information literacy was an opportunity for Mariam to build on this experience and explore a broader question: how can the way information is created and consumed affect human rights? The digital-footprint exercise made the issue personal, highlighting how online information can affect privacy. More broadly, images can be taken out of context and personal details misused, risks that are especially concerning in information environments vulnerable to disinformation. Mariam also wanted to update her knowledge in a field shaped by rapidly evolving technologies. AI-generated content and deepfakes can threaten privacy and blur the line between freedom of expression and harmful content. The course helped her explore these challenges through a human-rights lens, including their implications for privacy and data protection.

In September, Mariam travelled to Spain for the Training of Tutors (ToT), held as part of the 25th University on Youth and Development. Alongside 21 other alumni who had completed HEY online courses, she learned to facilitate online learning using the HEY methodology and platform. Having taken the course as a learner, she could now consider how to support others: introducing a topic, encouraging participation, gathering feedback and making space for different opinions.

The training also helped her consider how to share knowledge about human rights with young people and explain the legal standards and frameworks that underpin them. Learning alongside peers from Europe, Africa and the Middle East broadened her perspective. Their conversations went beyond the formal programme and highlighted how people’s backgrounds can shape their views. One discussion led Mariam to consider how a young woman seeking education might be seen as determined in one context and stubborn in another. It was a reminder of the value of listening carefully and being open to different perspectives.

Back in Georgia, Mariam is bringing the experience she gained through HEY into her work with GAFE. She is exploring ways to introduce new non-formal learning activities on information literacy and human rights, and plans to share the methods and skills she acquired during the Training of Tutors with her colleagues. She also hopes to facilitate a HEY online course as part of the Cascade Programme and to help GAFE connect with other youth organisations, exchange expertise and develop joint initiatives.

Since the HEY programme began almost two years ago, 48 HEY alumni from 30 countries have taken part in the Training of Tutors after completing the online courses. Mariam plans to stay involved in the HEY community and contribute to these opportunities for collaboration and learning.

Mariam Niguriani, 25, is from Georgia. She holds degrees in International Relations and European Studies from Tbilisi State University and the College of Europe in Natolin. She currently works as a Business Consultant at Experto Consulting, engaging with stakeholders across Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Mariam is also committed to youth empowerment. She previously worked with the Georgian Association for Equality (GAFE), a youth-led organisation promoting human rights, equality and inclusion, and continues to support its work as a volunteer.

Her interest in media literacy began in 2023, when she worked as a fact-checker at the Media Development Foundation. Since then, her academic research has focused on disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference. Taking part in the HEY online course on Media and Information Literacy and its Training of Tutors brings together her interests in media literacy, human rights and creating learning opportunities for young people.

The HEY online training course on Media and Information Literacy, the Training of Tutors (ToTs) and the University on Youth and Development are part of iLEGEND III: Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue (2023-2026), Joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe: co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. The overall objective of the project is to increase the active engagement of EU member States, candidates and potential candidate countries’ citizens (in particular young people) in safeguarding sustainable development and confronting global challenges and inequalities at local and global level.