Rokas Keršys

Education

• Master in Public Policy, cum laude (Sciences Po, France)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences and Humanities (Sciences Po, France)
• Exchange at the University of Groningen (The Netherlands)

Experience:

• 3 years of work experience in the public and non- governmental sector, in the fields of education, communication and human rights: Communication Assistant, European Parliament Office in Lithuania (Schuman traineeship), Board Member, Lithuanian Debate Centre, Project Assistant, Equal Opportunities Development Centre, Communications Assistant, Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights

Motivation

Growing up, emigration seemed like the only ticket to happiness. When my closest friends and family members left Lithuania, it became an inevitability – you can’t stay alone. However, after leaving, it became apparent that not all that glitters is gold. The promised dream of the West is proving elusive for many – especially migrants – and better salaries and opportunities come at the price of alienation, exclusion and lost connections. I chose political science because I was convinced that a better world was possible and that political and economic change is most effective where you know the people, the culture, the community, the troubles and the dreams. That is why I sought the opportunity to return to Lithuania and to create a Lithuania that people would not want to leave (except for holidays). I want to create a Lithuania where everyone’s basic needs are guaranteed and opportunities for growth are unbridled, so I am delighted to have been given this opportunity in the Create Lithuania programme.

Rotation