After graduating from a technical college with a degree in agricultural studies, Mamuka (34) did not manage to find a job in his profession. 

Thus he took up painting, tile laying and other casual jobs in the construction sector in Georgia, for several years also in the Ukraine. Over time, Mamuka gained enough experience to become a supervisor of a team of construction workers. Nevertheless, he was convinced that going abroad for while to earn some extra money was virtually the only way that he could create better living conditions for his family. With this end in sight, Mamuka left for Western Europe.

Yet by the time he reached Lithuania Mamuka had realized that getting a profitable job in Western Europe might not prove easy, especially under the conditions of the economic crisis. He also missed his family back in Georgia. Therefore when he learned about the IOM Vilnius voluntary return assistance, he decided to apply for it and to try to re-establish himself in Georgia, even if that meant he would have to settle for a more modest pay for his work.    

Mamuka returned home just before Christmas 2010. Soon after presenting to IOM a business plan that was well founded as well as in line with his previous experience the returnee also received a reintegration grant. With IOM’s assistance, he purchased some construction tools and equipment. 

Mamuka currently lives in Narazeni village in Zugdidi district and is engaged in carrying out construction, reconstruction and repair works in different objects across the country. During the reintegration monitoring, he told IOM staff that he feels he made no mistake in choosing his reintegration activity: there is no lack in clients and profitable projects, and his income allows him to provide for his wife and two children. Moreover, having earned a good reputation over the years spent working in the construction sector Mamuka is already managing a brigade of 32 workers. The returnee acknowledged that the reintegration assistance significantly improved his situation upon return: without professional tools and equipment, it would have been much harder for him to get employed and, later on, to successfully withstand competition in the industry. Mamuka thanked IOM for stretching out a helping hand to him and said that, despite the difficult economic situation in Georgia, he is hopeful about the future.