Ukrainian Refugee Opens Second Café in Georgia with Microfinance Loan
Introduction
Located in the city center of Batumi, a port city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, “Like at Home” café stands out with its vibrant murals and Ukrainian symbols. Owned by Irina Dotsenko, a 67-year-old Ukrainian refugee from Kharkiv, the café has become a popular destination for both locals and refugee families.
The Ukrainian Soul in Georgia
Irina describes her café as the embodiment of the “Ukrainian soul in Georgia.” The name, “Like at Home,” was inspired by the heartfelt compliments of Ukrainian customers who found comfort in the dishes reminiscent of their homeland, such as Borsch, Holubsti, and Deruny. Irina brought with her cherished recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother in Ukraine before Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in 2022.
Unable to cook for her own family who remain in Ukraine, Irina channels her care into cooking for other Ukrainian refugees and the local community.
The Pain of Ukraine
Irina says, “The pain of Ukraine is my pain. But it’s a nighttime pain. During the day, my mind is occupied with the people – their worries, and the hustle for work.”
Supporting Ukrainian Refugees
Amidst the chaos of full-scale war and the influx of Ukrainian refugees to Georgia, Irina initially organized food banks to support those in need. However, she soon recognized the employment challenges faced by many Ukrainians and decided to hire some of them. Currently, 30 out of 44 employees at her café are Ukrainian refugees, while the rest come from various nationalities, including Georgians.
A Financial Solution for Refugees
Crystal, a microfinance institution in Georgia, offered a financial product specifically designed to assist refugees from Ukraine.
Irina faced a dilemma when her small café only required half the number of staff she had hired. Instead of letting people go, she decided to open a second café. With limited financial resources, she came across an advertisement for Crystal and promptly applied for a micro-credit loan. Within three days of meeting with Crystal, she received the loan, which allowed her to purchase the necessary kitchen appliances and equipment to open the second café in December 2023.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere
- Indicator: No specific indicator mentioned in the article
-
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation
- Indicator: No specific indicator mentioned in the article
-
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
- Indicator: No specific indicator mentioned in the article
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
1. SDG 1: No Poverty
The article mentions Irina Dotsenko, a Ukrainian refugee who opened a café in Georgia with the support of a microfinance loan. This demonstrates efforts to alleviate poverty by providing financial resources and opportunities for refugees to start their own businesses.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Irina Dotsenko’s café provides employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees and individuals from various nationalities. This contributes to the target of promoting decent job creation and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The café’s employment practices, which prioritize hiring Ukrainian refugees, promote the social and economic inclusion of individuals regardless of their nationality or refugee status. This aligns with the target of empowering and promoting the inclusion of all individuals.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere | No specific indicator mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation | No specific indicator mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | No specific indicator mentioned in the article |
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Source: unrefugees.org
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