Sprache en
    Menu

      Menu

      Experiences

      Pakistan

      Success as a photographer in Punjab

      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.

      More Information >
      Albania

      Empowered for a new start in Tirana

      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.

      More Information >
      Albania

      Talent leads to opening a hair salon

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      Serbia: six new advisory centres nationwide

      The "hotspot" centres are in Novi Pazar, Kraljevo, Bor, Novi Sad, Kruševac and Niš.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      Self-employed with my own dry lining business

      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.

      More Information >
      Gambia

      Advisory centre officially opened

      Mit einer Feier hat das GGAC in Serrekunda seine Räume für Ratsuchende offiziell eröffnet.

      More Information >
      Gambia

      A future career for young people

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      New jobs thanks to a water filtration system

      I returned to Senegal after 29 years in Europe. My family and I operate a water filtration system. The CSAEM helped me when my turnover reduced, and now I want to expand my business.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      Priority is given to children and single mothers

      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.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      Digital leap into the job market

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      A comic that is moving and informative

      The Senegalese-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (CSAEM) has introduced a comic presenting the risks of irregular migration, as well as the opportunities available to people in Senegal.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      On the way to stardom

      Learning from role models and making contacts - this extraordinary opportunity has been offered to young artists through the art master class “Made-In-Nigeria”.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      “We help children to cope with changes”

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Hard work is rewarded

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Searching for better opportunities

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Clandestino – a comic dealing with the risks of irregular migration and the opportunities available in Senegal

      Clandestino tells the story of Modou and Samba, two Senegalese friends who emigrate to Europe by boat.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      Young entrepreneurs win new customers

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Tailored support for successful self-employment

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      “Now I earn a decent wage”

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      A happy shop owner in Pakistan

      The support provided by the Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre means I’m now successfully running my own business.

      More Information >
      Germany

      Together we create opportunities

      Reintegration specialists are collaborating closely in Munich to enable women and men to make the best possible new start in their country of origin.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Finding new opportunities through photography

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      My new start growing vegetables

      Good preparation while I was still in Germany meant I could carry on working on my project straight away after I came back to Senegal. And soon I’ll be self-employed.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Start-up in Senegal: sustainable waste disposal to make my country better

      Having my own waste management company is a dream come true. I’m also grateful for the support provided by the CSAEM. I’d like to increase environmental awareness in Senegal.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      First steps for entrepreneurs and young people who are self-employed

      The Senegalese-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (CSAEM) offers practical training initiatives that in particular empower women and young people in Senegal. The qualifications they obtain help them on their way to earning their own income from self-employment.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      A training course for a career in catering

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      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.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      Success as a digital marketing manager

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      A future for my son and opportunities for others

      I was supported by the German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) and its partner organisation HELP to set up my therapy practise “Senzor Gym”. This is where I help disabled children to learn motor skills.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      Success through agriculture in Tunisia

      Agripreneur 3.0 aims to motivate young people from rural areas of Tunisia like Oeurfeli to become agricultural entrepreneurs.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      Making start-ups fit for the future

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Standing on my own two feet with the rickshaw

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      Firmly established as a physiotherapist

      I received help in 2019 to open a physiotherapy practice in Serbia. I’m really happy now. You can also realise your ambitions in your own country.

      More Information >
      Germany

      “Taking the time to reassure women”

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Overcoming trauma

      War, migration, unemployment: Cynthia has had a lot of problems to cope with. She received psychological counselling at the House of Hope to finally enable her to look forward again.

      More Information >
      Egypt

      “I’ve found my vocation – teaching German”

      The Egyptian-German Center assisted me with choosing my career and helped me to improve my chances of getting a job.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Finally back with my family

      A training programme taught me how to manage my own taxi business.

      More Information >
      Germany

      "Precisely tailored to the person"

      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.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      A new life with his own fabric shop

      My wife and I have continued to run our business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      A versatile businessman

      The advice and help I got from the PGFRC made it possible for me to get my business up and running not long after I returned.

      More Information >
      Gambia

      The goal: entrepreneurial thinking

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      Strengthened for the next step

      Conversations with potential employers, workshops on important career issues, and above all plenty of encouragement: impressions from the Ghana Job Fair 2021.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      New drive for a life as a farmer

      The help I received meant I could start over again as a farmer.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      A delivery service on two wheels

      Starting my own delivery service means I can offer career prospects to other young people.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      Successful as “Mama Fish”

      The knowledge I gained from a training course in fish farming meant I could set up my own company.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      Now that I’m a fashion designer, I’m leaving the past

      My sister and I set up our own fashion label in my native Nigeria.

      More Information >
      Albania

      Virtual job fairs – a format with a future

      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.

      More Information >
      Germany

      “Trust is our most important currency”

      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.

      More Information >
      Albania

      Using a traditional craft to make a future for myself

      Training in how to start a business enabled me to turn my hobby into a career.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      Starting over with cucumbers and radishes

      After our return, my wife and I started all over again: growing vegetables is now our future.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Successful with fast food

      I run my own restaurant in my home town. Thanks to some important support, I can constantly develop my business and so also cope with crises.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      “We offer the opportunity for a new beginning”

      Selar is an advisor at the GMAC in Erbil. Here she talks about the daily routine her work provides.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      Responsible advice given as equals

      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.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      “Our objective is to find a solution for everyone”

      DIMAK advisor Nexhmedin Basha can provide psychosocial support if mental stress makes it difficult to earn a living or find a job in Kosovo.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      We started our business as a married couple

      My wife and I have opened two grocery stores in Ghana. It was a difficult journey to get to this point, but we managed it together.

      More Information >
      Morocco

      My new start at an organic nursery

      I have created a little green world in my home village in Morocco. It allows me to earn a living and is my contribution towards sustainability.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      Seeing the whole person

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      My dream is to revolutionise African fashion

      My time in Germany was a great experience, but I couldn’t work there. Back in Senegal I now run a sewing workshop and I’m thinking about opening a retail outlet.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Entrepreneurial spirit and tradition

      I’ve set up a fabric business with assistance from PCFRC. My marketing includes using social media.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      Starting over as a baker

      Three participants of an apprenticeship in bakery and confectionery talk about their experiences.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      Contributing my experiences from Germany to Iraq

      Establishing my own workshop has transformed my life.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      New ideas for a traditional craft

      Wool in organic quality for the weavers in my region – this idea brought me success.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Fashion for mothers and children

      I’ve set up a business in Senegal making maternity and baby clothing.

      More Information >
      Pakistan

      Supporting women to make a new start

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      “My work gives me financial security”

      I’ve successfully set up a cleaning service in Serbia.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Seizing the opportunities that my brother didn’t have

      Lots of people in my town are unemployed. I’d like to set up my own business to help change that.

      More Information >
      Morocco

      My goal is to give young people an opportunity

      I became self-employed as a logo designer in Morocco – a good decision that I hope will benefit others.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      Success in establishing a chicken farm

      Now I’m now back living with my family in Nigeria and raising poultry. It is possible to achieve something here.

      More Information >
      Germany

      Independent action

      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.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      Start-up assistance leads to self-employment

      I now have my own hairdressing salon in Kosovo. It also offers career prospects for my children.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      After coming back home, the family is focusing on education and training

      A father with four daughters is hoping for a good future for his children. The German Information Centre for Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) is assisting the family on its path.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      Happy to be home again

      I found my new professional home in a beauty salon in Serbia. My path to get here was a long and difficult one.

      More Information >
      Germany

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      Encouraging exchange

      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.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      Using my skills in my own country

      Now I’m a carpenter fitting out entire restaurants. Only in a roundabout way did I find possibilities to be successful in my dream job.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Things finally look promising

      I thought moving to Europe would solve all my problems. But I didn’t make it there. Now I’m living in Senegal and doing well – thanks to psychosocial support from the “House of Hope”.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      New start with a dream job

      My route to Europe ended in Libya, but now my brother and I are running our own tailoring business in our home country of Nigeria.

      More Information >
      Germany

      Knowledge gained

      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.

      More Information >
      Senegal

      Tailoring combats the crisis

      Fashion designer Touty has opened her own tailoring business with assistance from the "Successful in Senegal" project.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      Taking the fast track towards working in tourism

      Two state-run vocational colleges in Tunisia are teaching young women and men how to start their careers in catering and the hotel industry.

      More Information >
      Egypt

      "Many people return to their home countries when there is a crisis"

      Sahar Aly heads the new Egyptian-German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (EGC), which opened in Cairo at the beginning of November. During a conversation she talks about what the center does – and why she has high hopes for it.

      More Information >
      Germany

      New start with a transportable skill

      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.

      More Information >
      Albania

      Breaking into the job market

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      “I’ve come back home to help”

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      "These people's problems are also my problems"

      A family that returned from Germany is looking for a school for their children. Women and men from a village in the south of Serbia want to know how to find a job. Tamara Vučenović assists them and others. An insight into the everyday work of an advisor at the German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) in Serbia.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      Building bridges to enable people to return

      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.

      More Information >
      Germany

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      From footballer to baker

      My dream of becoming a professional footballer in Europe was unrealistic. Now I have my own bakery in Ghana and can take good care of myself.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      Back to family

      I went to Germany to get ahead in my career. Discover why I'm living in Erbil again and how I managed to return.

      More Information >
      Albania

      "DIMAK is now a well-known brand"

      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.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      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.

      More Information >
      Germany

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      Trust can also be established online

      Ernestina Adu from the Ghanaian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GGC) talks about her work during the corona pandemic.

      More Information >
      Germany

      We are creating an even stronger network of people

      How StartHope@Home's business start-up advice is functioning during the corona pandemic.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      My own IT company

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      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:

      More Information >
      Ghana

      The uncertainty was gone

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      A new start in your own shop

      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.

      More Information >
      Kosovo

      A better future for my family

      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.

      More Information >
      Morocco

      An independent tailor shop in Morocco

      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.

      More Information >
      Ghana

      Exploiting opportunities in Ghana

      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.

      More Information >
      Tunisia

      New dreams in Tunisia

      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.

      More Information >
      Serbia

      Safety and a family

      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.

      More Information >
      Nigeria

      My company, my future

      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.

      More Information >
      Morocco

      Natural cosmetics from Morocco

      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.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      Success as a hairdresser in Erbil

      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.

      More Information >
      Iraq

      Satisfaction on the menu

      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.

      More Information >
      Albania

      Bakery skills with a future

      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.

      More Information >
      Albania

      New job and renewed happiness in Albania

      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

      More Information >
      More Less This website uses cookies. These cookies are used solely to ensure the technical functionality of our website.
      Personal data is not stored. See our privacy policy for further details. Please note that essential website functions are not available if you do not agree to the use of cookies.
      I agree