Achievement Stories

“In my Muslim community, it is almost unheard of for a minor, especially a girl, to have her own smartphone, to use the Internet, to learn, let alone move to the city for her studies.

I was one such young woman. I hadn’t even browsed online properly. I didn’t even speak proper Georgian—the official language in the country. My fate seemed clear: marrying a stranger at 18 according to local customs, and living in a village.

Then, GiveInternet.org reached out, and gave me a personal computer and an Internet connection. I started browsing the web, getting to know my academic options, my dream university, the city, university exams. Everything.

I sat my parents down to discuss my options. I explained that I needed to obtain a proper education. I wanted to contribute to the society. I didn’t want to stay and marry a stranger. My parents married out of love, and I wanted to do the same, on my own schedule.

The Internet has brought about a real revolution in my family. They didn’t know the meaning of learning, activism. Today, they support me wholeheartedly. I’m a fourth year student in the capital city. We talk to each other every day online.

But my journey has also inspired others in my local community. I became a journalist, working at a local news outlet for a year. I became interested in women’s issues in rural areas. At first, my respondents would frown upon my visits and even refuse an interview altogether. A young girl with a camera, asking questions. Soon, they started talking, especially about local issues like clean water. They realized that it’s a solvable problem, and it has, in fact, since been solved. Today, weddings of minors are also getting rare in my town, maybe even nonexistent.

None of my recent accomplishments would have been possible without the Internet. So, please, Give Internet access to more students. I cannot imagine anything more life-changing."

Saida is ethnically Azeri. She lives in a domonantly Muslim community in Georgia. Most of her neighbors don't speak proper Georgian which makes it that much harder for them to participate in their own society. Saida, who has always been determined to speak Georgian impeccably, has been teaching fellow members of her community and helping them with documentation and what not. 

Her video will not leave you untouched.