Mariam GERSAMIA, Georgia
PROJECT: Solidarity Journalism for Peace and Security

Mariam Gersamia is a professor and media psychologist at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU, Georgia). With 25 years of experience in academia, she is an author of teaching courses, training modules and educational programs. She was in charge of the journalism and mass communication department in the past and for now, she is a head of the English taught graduate program “Media Psychology and Communications” at TSU. In 2015, Mariam Gersamia founded the NGO Media and Communication Educational and Research Center, known as “Media Voice,” where she serves as Chairwoman.

As part of her fellowship, Mariam worked to combat disinformation originating from Russia, which often focused on the misrepresentation of Ukraine’s history and the violation of human rights. The fellowship facilitated the creation of a supportive network between civically engaged citizens from Georgia and Ukraine, raising awareness among journalists and civic activists about solidarity journalism and the importance of preserving Ukrainian history. As part of this initiative, the “History Keepers” award was established, which annually recognizes civically active individuals working to fight disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and beyond. The project, titled “History Keepers,” has made significant progress regionally and involved fellows from Ukraine.

‘History Keepers” – under this title and series of activities (educational/training modules, podcasts, training and discussions), the fellowship gave me a unique chance to establish a supportive network between Georgian and Ukrainian civically minded citizens. This network gathers ‘History Keepers’ who counter disinformation in the media, educate others, protect human rights and European values, on a daily basis. We know what we are fighting for – for Freedom, human rights and peace ’ – Mariam Gersamia.

Solidarity Journalism for Peace and Security

Fellowship Summary: To contribute to mitigating misinformation through joint training activities with Georgian and Ukrainian journalists, development of a module for media and CSOs, and broadcasting podcasts.

Under the captivating banner of “History Keepers,” Mariam Gersamia spearheaded a transformative Fellowship project aimed at fostering solidarity journalism for peace and security. Her project encompassed a wide array of activities that strengthened the bond between civically minded citizens of Georgia and Ukraine, all while elevating awareness concerning media coverage of vulnerable groups in Ukraine.

One of the notable achievements of this initiative was the creation and implementation of a joint training module and syllabus for universities titled “Solidarity Journalism in a Global Era.” This syllabus, approved and executed at Tbilisi State University’s graduate program “Media Psychology and Communications,” was a resounding success, engaging 15 students in the fall semester, including international students from Europe. The syllabus marks a pivotal step in shaping the future of journalism and nurturing a new generation of journalists focused on solidarity.

The project extended its reach through diverse activities, including webinars, training sessions, discussions featuring renowned journalists and civic activists, and an awarding ceremony for the “History Keepers.” Additionally, Mariam’s team produced podcasts, academic blogs, social media content, and quizzes focused on the history of Ukraine, Russian disinformation, and the essence of solidarity journalism.

The impact of Mariam’s Fellowship project has been far-reaching. Beneficiaries include students, media organizations, educators, and civil society organizations in both Ukraine and Georgia. The legacy of this project is one of increased awareness about solidarity journalism, the history of Ukraine and its people, and the establishment of the “History Keepers” programme. This initiative has fortified networks of support and understanding between Georgian and Ukrainian communities and promises to shape the future of journalism, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across borders.

Check some of the resources produced by the project:

Fellowship Programs 2022
Country Georgia
Areas of Interest Awareness raising
Capacity development
Topics Media
Mitigating misinformation
Project duration May - November 2022

Disclaimer: The information on this web page has been collected from the data presented by the Fellows themselves. The content of this web page is the sole responsibility of the respective Fellows and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

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