The Counselling, Training, Employment Placement and Micro-credit project (CTEPM) aimed at enhancing the employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency of the local population in the Samtskhe Javakheti region of Georgia. The breakdown of the economic structures and the isolation of the region have thwarted the local economy, resulting in labour migration, often irregular, to neighbouring countries. A specific set of challenges deriving from the distinct ethnic composition of the area, the prospect of gradual withdrawal of the Russian military base in the region and the possibility of repatriation of the deported Meskhetians, held the risk of further economical deterioration, as well as the development of violent conflicts. The project assisted the local population to secure employment at home, thus decreasing migratory pressures. Activities consisted of studying the local labour market and its development trends, individual assessments, counselling and establishing training opportunities for persons in need of employment or willing to expand their businesses. Assistance was rendered both to individuals and to communities which were supported to develop and realize economic development options. The project included a small micro-credit component. Women-headed households, returning labour migrants, and persons at risk of losing their jobs with the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki also qualified as target groups.
The proposed 1035 contribution enabled start-up activities and achievement of meaningful goals, providing encouragement for donors to broadly participate in an expanded programme.