While studying in Tbilisi, David dreamed of returning to his home region of Racha to start his own workshop. Despite Racha’s underdevelopment and limited job opportunities, David was driven to create employment for his community. With support from Caritas Czech Republic, he opened a metal and plastic workshop, employing five people. Now, David plans to expand, grow his team, and continue contributing to the development of his beloved Racha.
Moving back to Racha-Lechkhumi
David moved from the Racha region in Georgia to the capital, Tbilisi, to pursue his university studies. However, his desire to return home grew stronger, and after three years working in a local workshop during 2020, he realised that his true dream was to start his own business in Racha. With determination, David applied for a grant from Caritas Czech Republic, and at 34 years old, he now owns a successful metal-plastic workshop in Oni, a town in the Racha-Lechkhumi region.
The Racha-Lechkhumi region, located in western Georgia and in the valley of the Rioni River, is surrounded by the breathtaking Caucasus mountains. Despite its natural beauty, the region remains sparsely populated and underdeveloped, with few job opportunities. Many locals leave for bigger cities, but David was determined to return. “I went to the university in Tbilisi, and I worked there, but I could not stop wanting to return back home to Racha for many reasons. I missed the beauty of my home region and mostly I wanted to create a positive impact for my community,” David shares.
David makes his own plastic and metal windows and doors
After working in a workshop in Oni for three years, David used his expertise to open his own business. Currently, his workshop primarily produces windows, doors, and nets to protect against insects. He initially struggled with obtaining the necessary equipment, but the grant from Caritas Czech Republic allowed him to purchase a crucial machine and expand his business. Just in one day, his business can arrange ten doors with the efforts of the whole team. “My metal-plastic enterprise now employs five people and has a high demand for products, particularly during the summer months when weather conditions are ideal for home renovations,” David confidently mentioned. However, the work is not difficult for him because he has been doing it for so long and he enjoys his profession. Even when customers need a product in a short span of time, David is always more than happy to help.
Although most of David’s customers are from the Oni municipality and neighbouring Ambrolauri, he occasionally receives orders from Tbilisi. However, transportation from the remote region to larger cities can be challenging. Despite these difficulties, David enjoys his work, having gained extensive experience over the years. “I take deep pride in running my own business and providing employment in a region where finding a job is difficult, and I am just happy to have my own workshop and work with a great team”, David stated.
How is Caritas Czech Republic supporting entrepreneurs and the healthcare system in Georgia
Looking to the future, David hopes to expand his workshop further by introducing aluminium products to meet growing demand. Though the necessary machines are costly, he remains optimistic that his business will continue to grow and employ more people, helping not only his own success but also contributing to the development of his cherished Racha region.
Thanks to the support from Caritas Czech Republic, David has been able to follow his dreams and create opportunities in an area where few remain. Our organisation’s goal is to assist local entrepreneurs by providing grants which help to employ others in their community and in turn revitalise the economic landscape of Racha-Lechkhumi. As a result, Caritas Czech Republic is helping to create jobs and establish economic chains in Racha, Georgia thanks to the financial support of SlovakAid and in cooperation with the organisation Ekocentrum SOSNA.
Additionally, Caritas Czech Republic has been focused on strengthening the primary care sector in Georgia by improving medical education for rural doctors, peer to peer knowledge sharing, and developing a unified electronic management system for the healthcare system.
We are also able to help thanks to our donors. Donate and help with us.