ESC'ers 2024 Amuka en Alessandro

Amuka Koridze uit Georgië

Hallo daar! My name is Amirani, but I go by Amuka. Don’t think that Amuka is a regular, common name in Georgia, because it’s definitely not. It’s a name my family decided to make up; it has no meaning, no backstory, and no attachments - such a clean slate, right?! Whether intentional or not, I turned out to be the one who always defined my path, my views, and of course, my name. My Georgian upbringing in a post-Soviet, politically and socially tumultuous environment fuels my commitment to human rights and education, because I believe everyone should have access to basic necessities and accurate information. So, I usually try to participate in different trainings, mostly in the fields of human rights, inclusivity, media literacy and education. In the same way, in 2023, I earned my bachelor’s degree within my field - in journalism and mass communications at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
During all these years, I have strived to use my knowledge and skills to promote these values, but on a more personal level, my creativity is ‘warm like a gun’. From a young age, I've been deeply rooted in the arts. My time at an art school honed my singing, dancing, playing skills and taught me the beauty of vulnerability. Nowadays, you can only see me dancing at raves and when I'm clubbing, which is one of my favourite activities when hanging out with friends. Furthermore, expressing myself through writing, singing, dancing, and even taking pictures/creating videos has always been a significant part of my life.
Music, swimming, spending time in nature, or on the beach on sunny days are the things I absolutely love, as I enjoy taking long walks on balmy summer nights. And, just to spice things up, I have a soft spot for Georgian cuisine and can whip up some delicious meat-free dishes! :) Okay, now it feels like I’m writing a bio for my Tinder account, but jokes aside, all of these activities mentioned above serve as channels for my creativity, allowing me to articulate my thoughts and emotions. I genuinely thrive on expression and connection. As American singer, songwriter, producer and poet Lana Del Rey once said in one of her poems - “be the art that life is breathing” - and like that, I’m making creativity the essence of my being. That’s why I chose to apply for the ESC project in Destelheide & Hanenbos. I believe these organizations can provide what I’m looking for in this stage of my life – new creative ventures, exploring different cultures, and space to grow and become more independent.