Matkhoji is one of the biggest villages in Khoni municipality, Imereti region. This area, which accommodates around 450 households, including considerable number of returned migrants and families with members who migrated abroad, was lacking a common recreation zone or the entertainment square.

To this end, in the framework of the project “Sustainable Reintegration and Community Revitalization Pilot Initiative in Communities of Return”, random polling was conducted, in which 60% of the locals participated, revealing that the creation of the entertainment square was the number one priority for the community.

Through International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Khoni municipality joint efforts, now Matkhoji village already has a beautiful recreation area equipped with the high standard, modern inventory.  

“This is for us a big source of pride and content that we have made something like this beautiful playground, and we have contributed to restoring and reenergizing life in the community,” said Chief of Mission of IOM Georgia, Mrs. Sanja Celebic Lukovac on the official opening ceremony of the newly built recreation zone in Matkhoji village.

The newly opened square enables the local inhabitants of different age ranges to socialize and relax; gives chance to the kids to entertain and have fun, as well as allows the youths to gather and pastime in safe and lovely surroundings. 

“I am beyond happy that such a great and fantastic relaxing area and playground is built in our village. This new recreation zone has already become one of the most visited places for the locals to relax and interact,” said Deputy Head of Khoni Municipal Assembly, Gela Chogovadze.

In the near future, Khoni municipality, as its contribution, will take care and plant additional trees and flowers in the square to make it more attractive, healthier and beautiful.  Besides this, the municipality on its turn, with the active involvement of the local community, will provide the recreation area preservation, to keep it tidy, clean, and functional.  

“Me and my schoolmates frequently come here, as we are just fond of the colorful playground and newly installed swings, we enjoy playing here immensely,” said little Mari.

The community initiative was jointly implemented in cooperation with the project co-funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the International Organization for Migration Development Fund (IDF) – “Sustainable Reintegration and Community Revitalization Pilot Initiative in Communities of Return” and Khoni Municipality.