Ada’s Journey from Returnee to Entrepreneur

Ada’s* return to Kosovo with her children in April 2019 marked the beginning of a challenging yet transformative journey. With four small children, all under the age of eight years old, Ada and her little ones were warmly accepted by her family in a city in the south-eastern part of Kosovo. The acceptance of Ada and her children by her family has played an important role in the process of their rehabilitation and re-socialization in Kosovo.

After years of absence, she was confronted with the daunting task of rebuilding her life in a homeland that seemed both familiar and foreign. At 31, with no immediate prospects for employment, education, or career development, Ada faced an uncertain future, her concerns centred on the well-being and safety of her children in this new reality.

The initial encounter with Ministry of Internal Affairs officials revealed Ada’s reluctance to engage with reintegration and assistance programmes. Overwhelmed by the immediate challenges of survival in a changed environment, she could hardly envision a pathway forward for her family.

However, the commitment of local institutions and partners to support returnees like Ada set in motion a series of interventions designed to ease their transition. R&R plans tailored to meet the specific needs of Ada and her children included not only immediate assistance but also comprehensive strategies for societal reintegration, encompassing training, education, and health initiatives.

It was the Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme, implemented by Community Development Fund (CDF) with support from GCERF, that ignited Ada’s path to self-sufficiency and empowerment. Demonstrating a keen interest in tailoring, she embarked on a professional course, laying the groundwork for a future she had not imagined. The programme not only equipped her with vocational skills but also provided the grants and equipment necessary to turn her newfound passion into a viable business endeavour.

Ada’s engagement in tailoring, supported by her work for a private company, marked a significant milestone in her reintegration journey. Beyond the economic stability it afforded her family, it served as a beacon of hope and a testament to the potential for transformation through targeted support and education.

Today, Ada envisions expanding her business, driven by a newfound confidence and a clear sense of direction. Her story is one of resilience and determination, reflecting the broader impact of reintegration programmes on individuals and communities alike. Her children, once at risk of societal exclusion, now thrive as active members of their community, attending school regularly and embodying the successful integration of their family back into society.

Ada’s journey from uncertainty to empowerment underscores the critical role of comprehensive reintegration efforts, including vocational training and social support, in facilitating returnees’ successful transition back into their societies. It highlights the importance of collaboration

between individuals, local institutions, and international partners in creating sustainable pathways for development and integration. Through her achievements, Ada not only secures a brighter future for her family but also contributes to the cohesion of her community, encapsulating a story of hope and resilience that resonates beyond her own case.

* Name changed to protect the identity and privacy of the beneficiary.