We're making dreams come true for Georgians returning home from France

Published: Mar 6, 2024 Reading time: 4 minutes
We're making dreams come true for Georgians returning home from France
© Photo: People in Need

A hair salon, a car valeting service, an enamelling shop, a makeup studio, and a tailor's workshop. These are just some of the small enterprises opened by Georgians who migrated to France and then returned home to Georgia. 

Reintegration into the country of your origin can be very challenging. Since leaving, rules, society, and places may have changed, your friends may not be in the country anymore. Finding new connections and livelihoods may be difficult. With support from the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) we help Georgians to become a part of their former home in Georgia and enable them to start the business of their dreams.

OFII assistance encompasses travel arrangements, financial support, and administrative aid for travel preparations. Upon arrival in Georgia, returnees receive a one-time financial support payment.

Ana

Ana decided to return from France to Georgia in order to help her sister, who was going through some difficult times. Although she has a background in computer science, her big dream was to become a hairdresser.

Ana applied for an internship in a VIP salon, where she developed her hairdressing skills. She was positioned as one of the best students in class. As for now, she works as a hairdresser in the town of Kobuleti. However, she is still enhancing her skills and turning her passion into both an art form and a reliable source of income. Ana is not just a skilled professional but she is an inspiration for those who dare to dream and turn those dreams into success.

Davit

Davit returned from France to Georgia with the vision of starting a new business. He wanted to open a car washing service in Batumi. Thanks to the financial support from OFII, he was able to buy some equipment, aggregates, and machinery and, therefore, enhance the quality of his services. 


The services offered by Davit's car wash encompass sedan and jeep washing, dry cleaning, carpet washing, and soft furniture dry cleaning. The business swiftly gained traction, attracting a steady stream of customers in a short span. Today, Davit enjoys a stable monthly income. However, he already has plans for developing his services and improving his business.

Giorgi

Giorgi's journey began with a decision to venture to France during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon his return, armed with determination and the support of OFII, he redirected his destiny toward a familial passion—the art of enamelling. He resurrected the family business, establishing an enchanting enclave on Janelidze Street, where the doors to his enamel workshop swung open in April 2023.

However, his success did not come quickly. At first, he embarked on a three-month mentorship to gain some valuable skills from the experienced goldsmith. He was able to secure a place for his shop and buy essential materials.

Currently, Giorgi is not only a skilled craftsman with a promising future and greater artistic aspiration, but he is also an inspiration for the local community.

Nino

Nino had to move to France due to her health challengesbecause of her health. However, after some time, she decided to return to come back to Georgia with a big dream –. to She wanted to establish a new sewing workshop since she had a lot of experience in tailoringis an experienced tailor. With the our support, of the French Office for Immigration and Integration she was able to create a successful business, .


At first, she opened her shop in a small street of the town ofin Tkibuli. However, the initial days posed challenges as orders trickled in mainly from familiar faces, leaving Nino contemplating the viability of her business. Recognizing Recognising the need for change, she decided to move her workshop to the bustling Rustaveli streetStreet No.5, a decision that would prove to be a game-changerprofoundly positive. Situated in the heart of Tkibuli, near the agricultural market and the railway station, the relocated workshop became a beacon for new customers seeking quality tailoring.

The strategic move paid off. The once-slow business flourished, attracting both individual and corporate clients. The positive impact of her business echoes through Tkibuli and its surrounding areas, where clients actively seek her services. Grateful to the French people and the OFII for their support, Nino envisions a future where her sewing workshop continues to evolve. Her next chapter involves expanding the range of services, focusing on custom designs to cater to the diverse preferences of her growing clientele.

Our team at People in Need Georgia collaborates with OFII to implement reintegration programmes for Georgian citizens. Our team is involved in aiding the integration process, assisting with settlement in Georgia, providing guidance for launching business startups, facilitating access to vocational education, and helping clients find suitable employment opportunities within the Georgian job market.

Autor: People in Need

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