We had to leave Akhalgori in August 2008, after the introduction of troops. An uncertain tomorrow, chaos throughout the country, getting used to a new environment, new people, new problems, a divided society ... I hardly realized that this is a reality in which I had to learn to live, fight, and rejoice.
Up to 8,000 people began to live in Tserovani, who miraculously escaped the bullets of the war, lost loved ones, received physical or spiritual injuries, and had to face the consequences of the war every day. The current environment was very harsh.
At the first stage of exile, we mentally waited for help, and it was terrible. I feel very offended if I feel sorry for someone. I cannot rely on others, rely on others. When my friends first called me and offered to help, I told them that I did not want anything but work. No matter what kind of ministry it was, it gave me back my faith. Moreover, all plans, dreams, and ideas were associated with Akhalgori. Once I took a training on social entrepreneurship and planned to hold it in our village, and this is where the history of the Ikorta enterprise began.
We are much stronger today than we imagined many years ago, and we are struggling to move to the next stage of development. Ikorta is hope and faith for people who are at a critical stage in their lives and can hardly imagine the future. Ikorta is an example of how with diligence you can overcome all difficulties. They already turn to us not to talk about difficulties, but to share their experience of success. Ikorta made me proud.
Our past is our experience. We remember and try to express our relationships and feelings through art. Therefore, on the anniversary of the August war, we made poppy pins, the purchase of which will help not only a social enterprise but also with a brooch attached to clothes, remind the whole world of the tragedy of 10 years ago and help us build a better future.