The stories of Some of Us

Originally from the Oho Cuisine project area, I live and work in Essen. Ekaterine is a junior doctor now but is passing exams to become a senior doctor. She wishes to develop her polyclinic in Sachkhere Municipality and a personalized medicine project. Oho Cuisine will support Ekaterine financially in achieving her goals.

Teona Katsitadze: A Journey of Resilience, Empowerment, and Community ImpactTeona Katsitadze's life story is a testament to the power of resilience, empowerment, and a deep connection to her roots. Born in Georgia during a time when the Transcaucasian region was recovering from the collapse of the Soviet Union, Teona grew up witnessing the socio-economic challenges that shaped her community. In her early years, Georgia, like much of the region, faced economic instability, scarce resources, and limited access to essential services, particularly in rural areas. As a child, Teona felt the weight of these hardships. However, the support from international organizations like USAID and UNICEF became a lifeline, providing access to education and healthcare. These programs helped stabilize her community and introduced her to ideas about empowerment and the potential for social change. Through these experiences, Teona's passion for community development began to take root. Teona's desire to make a difference grew stronger during her teenage years. Motivated by the lessons she had learned from the support programs in her childhood, she sought out opportunities to give back. Her volunteer work took her across Europe, where she gained valuable experience in community-building projects, learning about sustainable practices and cultural exchange initiatives. During these years of volunteering, she broadened her perspective, reinforcing her belief in the power of communities to drive change when given the right tools and opportunities. After her time in Europe, Teona returned to Georgia with a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey eventually led her to Kazbegi, a beautiful mountainous region in northern Georgia, where she was inspired by the untapped potential of the local community and the richness of its cultural heritage. The move to Kazbegi marked a turning point in her life. Here, Teona laid the foundation for Oho Projects, starting with Oho Cuisine. This project combines her love for food, culture, and sustainability with her commitment to community empowerment. In Kazbegi, Teona saw the opportunity to create something that would preserve the region's unique traditions and provide practical support for the local community. Oho Cuisine became the heart of her efforts—a restaurant and cultural hub that promotes sustainable food practices supports local farmers and offers educational programs on health, nutrition, and the environment. Teona's work with Oho Projects now extends far beyond the kitchen. Her initiatives include apprenticeship programs, youth leadership training, women's empowerment projects, and environmental awareness campaigns, all aimed at giving the people of the Transcaucasian region the skills and opportunities to thrive. Through Oho Cuisine and Oho Projects, Teona continues to build on the values she instilled during her childhood and teenage years. Her story is one of personal and collective transformation as she works to uplift her community, much like the organizations that once helped her rise above her early struggles. Her work has brought hope and a sense of possibility to the people of the Transcaucasian region.

Currently living and working in Rome. Originally from Perevi,that Nighbors Oho Cuisine project area and Russin Occupied region of Samachablo. Maia, an active forager in Perevi, has left her beloved place in the search for better economic opportunities to strengthen her family in Skhvitori. Maia's enthusiasm and dedication are evident as she is willing to return to Skhvitori and lead a pumpkin community in the Oho cuisine neighborhood.