The Words of the Maksimov Family |
Tbilisi, Georgia - On May 25, UPF Georgia invited about 20 African students and athletes to our office. We talked to them about UPF's peace principles, and the African guests talked about the history of the African continent and their understanding of human nature. Everyone enjoyed African traditional cuisine and vibrant dances. The spirit of the event was very delightful.
We also organized two presentations at school 136 for students in the 10th grade. Our African friends shared with them about African history and culture. The children were very excited, and we agreed to arrange more meetings in the future.
Then we went to the Jvari monastery, a historic place near the old Georgian capital of Mtskheta. This monastery was built in the sixth century. The Africans were impressed by Georgia's historical heritage and enjoyed the magnificent view from the mountain where the monastery is situated.
Our day together ended with an evening barbecue party, with people singing and dancing for each other. Everybody was happy and delighted.
We spent only one day together, but we were able to establish bonds of heart. It was that first time somebody had organized such an event for and with the Africans in our country. Raimond, an African who has been living in Georgia for three years, offered to coach football at the school we visited. He said he feels that a new era coming for black people in Georgia.
This was also the first time the Africans had met each other, and they decided to organize an "African Union" in Georgia.
We plan to continue to work together and support each other.