Struggling to rebuild his life after returning to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia, Atif found new hope through a Solar Photovoltaic installation training. Today, he has not only regained financial stability but is also contributing to a sustainable future in the country’s growing energy sector.
Fadi is one of many people in Jordan who dream of a career abroad. He used to think that vocational training in Germany was out of reach for him. This changed thanks to the support of the German-Jordanian Centre for Labour Mobility (GJC).
Forsa-Street 2024: Promoting Careers of Young Tunisians
On 29 October, the Tunisian-German Centre for Migration and Development (CTA) organised the fifth edition of Forsa-Street in Tunis, an event that brought together young Tunisians to explore career opportunities in Tunisia and abroad.
Fiza’s journey: New opportunities through skill development
After finishing her higher secondary education, Fiza was struggling to find a job. Looking for guidance, she turned to the Pakistan-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC). With the support and training she received, Fiza is now working at a renowned university in Pakistan as a front desk officer.
Emmanuel received a scholarship to study in Germany
After completing his bachelor's degree, Emmanuel found himself with limited career opportunities. Seeking guidance, he approached the Nigerian-German Center for Migration and Development (NGC). Now, he is furthering his education at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, supported by a scholarship
The Nigerian-German Centre for Migration and Development (NGC) focuses on reaching women with its service offerings. Eseosa Okuku explains how the NGC does this and why it is so important.
Finding work in The Gambia through training: Kaddy is a welder
I’m Kaddy. I originally wanted to become a journalist, but now I’m a welder. I’m proud of my profession. It was the right decision to use practical training to learn something useful.
Job application training in Egypt: Noha`s first steps into the labour market
Noha wanted to make a fresh start in Cairo. But the big city, far away from her family, overwhelmed her. She couldn't find a job and felt lost. A further education programme enabled her to find new self-confidence and prepare for a job: With job application training but also with opportunities to get to know herself better. Today, Noha is happy - and proud.
Chaimae has turned her vocational dream into reality after returning to Morocco: the Moroccan-German Information Centre on Migration and Vocational Integration supported her in opening a hairdressing salon.
Starting a business in Morocco: Mouhcine becomes self-employed
After 10 years in Europe, Mouhcine took the risk of returning to Morocco – where he fulfilled his dream of becoming self-employed. Learn here about the support he received with starting a business in his home country of heritage. It is now successfully producing shoes and sandals.
I returned to Tunisia with my family after 8 years in Germany. The advice and support I received from the CTA enabled me to start a new chapter in my life. Now I’m happy and run a shop selling stationery.
Tunisia: My workshop is giving me a new lease of life
I returned to Tunisia after 11 years in Europe. The advice and support provided by the CTA enabled me to fulfil my dream of starting my own business in Tunisia.
I emigrated from Tunisia to Europe in search of a better life. But I wasn’t happy there, so I returned to Tunisia. Support from the CTA enabled me to fulfil my dream and start a business breeding livestock.
New web-based training (WBT) on Atingi helps participants to explore how to market a business on social channels. Available in English and free of charge.
Training for rural women entrepreneurs: "I am working on my first website"
The internet, social media and digital tools offer many opportunities for women entrepreneurs. In Pakistan's provinces, however, they often lack the necessary knowledge and access. A PGFRC training shows them what tools they can use and how to use them to attract more clients and customers and grow their business.
Kwaku Yeboah is a counsellor at the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development (GEC) in Accra. In this interview, he talks about how the GEC team supports families who have returned to Ghana.
How Milica is starting a new life after spending time in a detention centre
Milica’s start in life was very difficult. Support from DIMAK enabled this young Serbian woman to undergo training, with psychosocial services helping her to make a new start in life. She is now mentoring children and young people in difficult situations. And she writes poems about her experiences and feelings. Here she reports on her impressive progress.
For the first time, the PGFRC is offering targeted programmes for vulnerable groups. The programmes include training that prepares budding entrepreneurs for self-employment. The Culinary Arts Training, for example, goes far beyond cooking.
Return to Nigeria: a new chance with own trading company
Christopher returned to Nigeria because he had no prospects in Germany. The Nigerian-German Centre helped him set up his shop for spare parts for cars.
Ghana: successful training in drone flights, photography and graphic design
The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development is mostly keen to reach women with its drone and camera training courses. The participants are delighted – especially with their new job prospects.
Ghana: migration training for traditional opinion leaders
The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development has provided training to traditional and religious opinion leaders concerning all aspects of migration. They are important conversational partners for many people in Ghana.
Returning to your country of origin isn’t always easy. Yet support from the GMAC and its partner organisation Heartland Alliance International enables women to establish their own businesses in Iraq. This is also what returnees Nahlah and Ahlam experienced. These two women are running successful online businesses in Baghdad respectively selling clothing and cosmetics.
Returning to Ghana: Richard works as a self-employed baker in his dream job
Returning to Ghana was not easy for Richard. But the team at the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development (GEC) gave him professional and psychosocial support. After retraining, he was able to successfully open his own bakery business.
"My childhood dream has come true, now I'm a make-up artist"
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hairdresser Cecilia worked as a street vendor. A referral from the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and reintegration meant that she continued her professional development and changed her life.
Anyone looking for a professional opportunity in solar technology in Pakistan can take part in a training course organised by the PGFRC. 20 participants made use of this offer – and already have clear ideas for their future.
I spent 3 years working as an electrician in Saudi Arabia. But I wasn’t earning enough and I missed my family. So I returned to Pakistan in 2018. A PGFRC training course enabled me to become self-employed.
The advisory centres will in future be providing more information on regular migration to Germany, Europe and within the respective region. The centre in the Ghanaian capital Accra is making a start.
The Ghanaian-European Centre relies on team spirit and teamwork
The Ghanaian-European Centre (GEC) had invited people to attend an event on International Migrants Day. Its main focus was the role of the community. People who had been assisted by the GEC were able to present their products and talk about their experiences at an associated trade fair.
Job training for young people and returnees in rural Ghana
The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development is offering intensive training courses in rural regions. The “Sprinter Project” supports young people and returnees with their new start in the Ghanaian job market.
I spent eight years working in Germany to provide a better life for my family. But I missed them, so I came back home. I had no idea at first how to find my feet again. I’m now self-employed as a bricklayer thanks to the PGFRC.
A trade fair in The Gambia helps with making useful contacts
The trade fair for young women and men in The Gambia’s agricultural and tourism sector is an important stage and networking venue. The Gambian-German Advisory Centre supported entrepreneurs with their presentation.
Electrical and mechanical engineering are the focus of training courses and training for employment programs offered by the EGC through Siemens Energy. Up-to-date qualifications improve people’s opportunities on the labour market. A participant and a trainer talk about their experiences.
Opening up, speaking about your experiences and gaining confidence: a GMAC workshop gave returnees the opportunity to do just that. It also included discussion of trauma and gender-specific challenges.
The process of searching for employment involves multiple stages that are vital and intricate. Often, individuals lack the necessary understanding of the most effective job search methods. To support you in the process, we have produced a series of videos that concentrate on the four primary steps of finding a new job.
Self-employment in Serbia: therapist Jelena is establishing her own practice
My name is Jelena. I’m 36 years old and have two sons. One of them suffers from autism, and I supported and cared for him myself for many years. This made me realise that I can also help other people.
I now run my own business in Pakistan thanks to the training courses and resources offered by the PGFRC centre. I am delighted to be near my family again.
I came back to Pakistan in 2018 after spending some time abroad. I wanted to be with my family again. The Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre – PGFRC – enabled me to take part in a cookery course. That formed the basis for the snack van that I’m now running successfully.
Working in a hotel offers great job prospects for many Albanians. The country is attracting ever more tourists – but there’s a shortage of trained personnel. Artan and Sidorela took part in an eight-week intensive training course.
The “Amal” association cooperates closely with the German-Tunisian Centre. Their common objective: advising, supporting and training women in difficult situations.
Building a future in The Gambia through educational mobility
Studying abroad is a dream for many young people in The Gambia. Clients attending an event at Westfield Junction, Serrekunda were given information on the various options, scholarships and application procedures.
I spent many years working abroad as an electrician, but I missed my family. When I came back to Pakistan in 2018, I wasn’t initially earning enough. A friend told me about the services offered by the PGFRC. And that’s how my new start began.
“We want to sell organic cosmetics all over the world”
Robert and Yvonne have succeeded in making a fresh start with an organic cosmetics company. The Ghanaian-German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GGC) has supported the couple on this path.
Twice now I’ve emigrated to Germany and then returned to Serbia. Thanks to DIMAK, I’ve finally found an opportunity in Serbia. Things are now a lot better for my family and me, even if it's not easy.
Supporting children and young people is one of the priorities of DIMAK’s work in Serbia. The Center for Youth Integration is a significant partner in doing this.
Albert was a street kid. It took a lot of staying power and support from the Center for Youth Integration for him to attend college and move into an apartment, but now he’s working in catering and has big plans for his daughter.
For its anniversary, SOLWODI (Solidarity with Women in Distress) is placing the spotlight on the women who receive advice and support from the organisation. An interview regarding a special exhibition and Return in Dignity.
Karima came back to Morocco after 10 years abroad. She started to produce natural cosmetics. Help from EIMA meant she could develop her micro business. And she still has many plans for the future.
The Ghana Job Fair had a focus on green issues this year. Several thousand people visited the various locations over the four days of the fair - all looking for jobs, new ideas and training options.
After graduating, Matilda dreamed of having a job in the media industry. When this wish didn’t come true, the job fair in Ghana encouraged her to start her own business.
I had to come back to Morocco after a few years in Europe. Help from EIMA meant I could open my own, modern hairdressing salon. I’m now devoting myself to something I love.
This is where you can start a career. People looking for jobs and companies in Kosovo can get together again at a job fair in November 2022 – both in person and online.
Frederick has become self-employed after coming back to Ghana. He was helped to do this with support from the Ghanaian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GGC), among others. Today he’s continuing his training in his specialist welding company. Frederick is optimistic about the future.
It wasn’t easy being back in Morocco. A lot had changed since I left the country as a young boy. But the EIMA really helped me to open my own grocery shop. Now I have a loyal customer base.
The Iraqi-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GMAC) in Baghdad provides the best possible psychosocial counselling to help returnees. In an interview, health advisor Ali explains how that works. He sees it as extremely important that people feel comfortable with him.
“Programming lets me look at the world from a different perspective”
Whether a novice or already advanced – the Egyptian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration offers programming courses for anyone who is interested. Music teacher Nancy reports in an interview about her experiences on the computer.
Contacts with companies, careers advice, tips on the best training, promotion of employment and raising awareness of different opportunities in The Gambia: all of these were the focal point of the job fair on the campus of Gambia College. More than 1,000 participants benefited from these opportunities.
I came back to my family in Pakistan during the corona pandemic. The PGFRC helped me to start my own business as a photographer. My photo studio is now very successful.
Jasmina and Milica became self-employed fruit growers to make a better life for themselves and their families in Serbia. The German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) helped these two women.
Exclusion, migration, domestic abuse: Ana had a lot of problems to overcome. Help from the DIMAK information centre meant that this Albanian woman was given psychosocial counselling after her return and was able to start a new career in a call centre.
Majlinda already had the talent, dedication and ambition to be a hairdresser. After her return to Albania and with some help, she was able to fulfil her dream of having her own hairdressing salon.
I returned to Kosovo and now run my own dry lining business. The DIMAK and its other partners helped me with my start-up. I’m positive about the future and glad that I came back.
Together with the GTTI, the GGAC is offering young people in Gambia a 9-month training course, which is intended to improve their career prospects. It prepares them for jobs in the welding industry, construction and the solar technology sector.
Ivana Ristićević advises people from the local population and returnees from all communities at the German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) in Belgrade.
Thousands of women and men made direct contact with potential employers at the first digital job fair in Tunisia. It was a great success for both sides.
Learning from role models and making contacts - this extraordinary opportunity has been offered to young artists through the art master class “Made-In-Nigeria”.
It’s not just adults who come back to Kosovo after spending longer periods abroad. Families, and especially their children, often find this hugely challenging. The German Information Centre for Migration, Vocational Training and Career (DIMAK) in Pristina offers support to everyone. Ramadan Islami, a DIMAK coordinator, explained more in an interview.
I worked in a company that had to close down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So I started an online retail outlet selling traditional clothing. My business has become a success thanks to the help that I was given by the Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre.
I’ve found what I am looking for: I’m self-employed as a driver in my home country. The Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre helped me to find this opportunity.
Soap, shoes, food – these were just some of the products on offer that were available to buy at the two markets in Lagos and Abuja. The Nigerian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration organises these markets for its former course participants.
I went to Germany to be able to support my family. My mother became ill, so I decided to come back. The Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) helped me to open a tailor shop.
Where can I find a job? This is a question which troubles many people in the area around the town of Vladičin Han such as seasonal worker Dejan. Support from the German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) helped him find the right path.
Learning a new profession or starting your own business is something many people dream of. The Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) helps turn dreams into reality. It cooperates with partner organisations to run vocational training courses, including for instance a one-month photography course. A glimpse behind the scenes.
Learning a new profession and starting your own business is something many people dream of. The Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) provides help, including a culinary arts training course.
A new start with a training course in motorbike mechanics
Learning a new profession and starting your own business is something many people dream of. The Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) helps by providing a training course in motorbike mechanics.
Support from the German-Tunisian Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration enabled me to qualify in a completely new field of work – and find a job straight away.
Anyone founding a start-up has a lot to consider and some obstacles to overcome. The German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) and its partner organisations help young companies in Serbia to do just that.
When I returned to Pakistan after several years, I was very worried about how to feed my family. But then I had a business idea - and got support. Now I have a stable income. One of my dreams has been fulfilled.
“Kosovo – a country with lots of potential for its people to develop.”
We provide our clients with very individual advice on training, starting their own business or employment. Kosovo is an aspiring country with good job opportunities.
The organisation SOLWODI ("Solidarity with Women in Distress"), a partner of GIZ, advises and accompanies women who have experienced human trafficking, forced prostitution or relationship violence. Read here about the most important questions in counselling.
Coach Gildas Bagné, who works for Social Impact’s StartHope@Home project, helps returnees develop a business idea and a business plan for a fresh start in their country of origin. He plans each coaching individually to achieve maximum impact.
Participants in a training course organised by the Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation gained new knowledge and new confidence. Here, four of them tell us how their businesses can take off successfully.
Conversations with potential employers, workshops on important career issues, and above all plenty of encouragement: impressions from the Ghana Job Fair 2021.
Getting to know your future employer online – virtual job fairs make it possible. The German Information Centres for Migration, Vocational Training and Career (DIMAK) in Serbia and Albania also use this format. In a joint interview, Marija Brankovic from DIMAK Serbia and Earli Shima from DIMAK Albania talk about their experiences with virtual job fairs and the challenges and opportunities of the concept.
What is the main focus of your conversations with returnees? Markus Fiebiger from Zentrale Rückkehrberatung Südbayern (ZRB – Central Return Counselling for Southern Bavaria) in Mühldorf talks about his team’s work.
Kalie is an advisor at the Iraqi-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration in Iraq (GMAC). In the interview, she explains what her job entails and which kind of outcome makes her happy.
The Nigerian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (NGC) advises people who are seeking new opportunities. This sometimes involves them having to confront their own experiences from the past – and here too the NGC team provides counselling.
Many people make their way to Europe from the Tunisian coastal city of Sfax in the hope of a better life. Advisor Oussema from the German-Tunisian Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (CTA) reveals some alternatives to migration.
Nighat Aziz is an advisor at the PGFRC and the central contact person for women and persons in need. Together with the centre's partner organisations, she addresses their specific requirements.
Helping women in difficult situations and empowering them: that’s the goal of human rights organisation Solwodi (Solidarity with Women in Distress). Solwodi is partnered with GIZ to assist women in Germany who are thinking of returning to their home country.
The material from which new beginnings are fashioned
Samuel left Ghana in search of a better life in Europe. He has now returned to Ghana after a difficult last few years, and wants to establish a new livelihood in his home country. He began to carefully plan the operation of his own weaving mill even while he was still in Germany.
Twice I left Ghana for Europe, twice I returned. Thanks to the Ghanaian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GGC) I now have an optimistic outlook for my future.
Anyone wanting to run a successful business requires commercial know-how. A course run by the Sparkassenstiftung shows how this knowledge can be gained in a playful manner.
Those who can demonstrate practical training in Germany have a much better chance of finding a job in their home country. That's why those interested in returning are for instance practising with scissors, hairdryers and dyes in Dinslaken.
A training program run by GIZ in Albania prepares young men and women for employment in the hotel industry, and successfully increases their chances of finding a job.
David Yaw-Mensah Tette is the director of the Ghanaian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (MIAC) in Accra. In a short interview he speaks about the work done by the centre and about what motivates him personally.
Stefan Grünbaum is one of around 20 GIZ reintegration scouts spread across almost every state in Germany. They act as an interface between return counsellors in Germany and those working in the countries of origin.
Plans for going back during the corona pandemic – questions and answers
Returning to your home country involves many questions even under normal circumstances. The corona pandemic adds completely new uncertainties. Here you can learn the most important facts about the situation at present. Eight questions and answers.
Openness and credibility have resulted in many people placing their trust in DIMAK over recent years. That's paying off now. Advisors Halisa Duka and Dorisa Lala talk about their work during the corona crisis.
Making masks to earn a living – and to contain the pandemic
Cynthia was planning to open her own fashion store in Nigeria – then along came the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Cynthia is sewing face coverings, but this public order gives her some financial security even during the crisis.
Integration into work is continuing, just differently
Training courses can't be held, departure is impossible – and labour markets in the countries of origin are facing pressure: the Newplacement International project has reinvented itself in the corona crisis. Four questions and answers.
Starting a company that focuses on internet marketing gives him hope: Emiliano has built a new future for himself in Serbia after returning from Germany. Today, he is planning to further expand the business and hire several new employees.
Using your own company to create new opportunities
My name is Saša. I was born in Kruševac in central Serbia and have returned there after several years in Germany. Because in the meantime I was able to start my own company in Serbia – something I'd always dreamed of doing. But I also received some support. This is my story:
My name is Naa; I'm 29 years old and come from Ghana. I used to work as an event manageress. In 2015, I went to Germany to start a master's degree course in Development Economics and International Studies. But it was clear to me from the start that I would return after I finished. I wanted to help my country develop. At the same time, I was uncertain how I could build a future there.
My name is Derrick; I'm 29 years old and come from Ghana. I studied computer science, but couldn't find work in my home country. I came to Germany as a tourist in 2014, stayed there and worked in a restaurant. But my life was not as I had imagined it.
My name is Agim and I come from Kosovo. I used to work in the marble industry, but the pay was bad. The wages didn't allow me to support my family. So in 2015 I took my wife and three children to Germany. We applied for asylum.
My name is Said and I grew up in the Fès district in Morocco. That's where I learned tailoring. I had the feeling that opportunities would be better elsewhere, so in 2015 I first went to Turkey and then Greece. Eventually I ended up in Germany. At that time I was 30 years old and hoped to find work opportunities in Germany.
I'm Kweku and I live in Ghana. After graduating from university, I initially considered emigrating. But with a little help I then actually found a job in Ghana. Now I'm making all sorts of plans for my future here in my homeland.
Hi, I'm Khaled. I’m 34 and I come from Tunisia. My family owns a fruit and vegetable outlet where I worked for a long time. But it was always my great dream to live in Europe. I made my way there in 2008 when I was 24 years old. Initially I spent a year in Italy. Then I travelled to Germany via France and Belgium.
My name is Safet and I come from Serbia. After working in my homeland for a long time as an unskilled bricklayer and decorator, I tried my luck in Germany. Although it was difficult to find a job there. So I considered returning to Serbia. Then the decision was made for me. The German authorities deported me.
My name is Jerry and I come from Nigeria. A scholarship enabled me to study engineering in the UK for a year in 2014. After that it became clear to me: I wanted to return to Nigeria and utilise my knowledge in my homeland.
My name is Yassine and I come from Morocco. I completed Islamic Studies in Fès, but couldn't find a job after graduating. Then I was fortunate to participate in training provided by the Promotion of Rural Youth Employment (PEJ) project.
My name is Bilal. After the financial crisis, I left Iraq and went to Germany in 2015. I wanted to find a better life there. I arrived in Germany after 12 days of travelling without proper meals or accommodation. My hope was to discover a solution to my problems.
My name is Bestoon; I'm 32 years old and come from Erbil in Iraq. I am married and have two children. We all went together to Germany in 2018, because the situation in Iraq was very difficult for us. But we didn't have a great time in Germany either. Today we're back in Erbil and I have a new career. Now I'm a hairdresser.
My name is Igrita and I come from Albania. I emigrated to Germany with my husband and three daughters in January 2016. What did we want? A better life! It actually went well: my husband found work as a welder, I as a cleaner and the children attended school. They quickly learned German. Yet we missed our family, our friends and our culture in Albania. So we returned in January 2017.
My name is Realf and I am 25 years old. I went to Germany in early 2018 and wanted to start a career there. But after five months I realised that would be difficult without a legal status. So I returned to my homeland, Albania – then completely new opportunities opened up for me there. What happened was that
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