Returning Home with a Purpose

“My name is Tapologo, and I want to share my migration journey—how I moved from Ireland back to Botswana, thanks to IOM. And how ended up with nearly 20 sheep!

It has been a story of adapting to new environments, overcoming challenges, and finding hope in the midst of change. Even at my age.

I went to Ireland with my children, hoping for a better future. Coming from Botswana, it took us a while to adjust to the constant drizzle and cloudy skies. 

However, the cold and damp weather gradually took a toll on my health. I began to struggle with the climate, feeling its effects both physically and emotionally. The discomfort made me long for the warmth of home and the familiarity of home. After careful consideration, I decided it was best for my well-being to return home. My children, who had adapted better than me, would remain behind.

I reached out to IOM Ireland, after I was informed that they could help me return and reintegrate back into Botswana. To my relief, they approved my request for assistance. This brought me a huge sense of comfort and optimism - I knew I wouldn’t have to face the transition alone.

Back in Botswana, I met Daphne at the local IOM office, who kindly guided me through every step of the reintegration process, ultimately assisting me in starting my own sheep farming business. Her encouragement and expertise made a difficult period feel much more manageable, and I am deeply grateful for how both IOM in Ireland and in Botswana helped me find my footing.

IOM helped me with a business plan, and I started off with 10 sheep. I am very pleased that my flock has almost doubled in size. Even as I approach my seventh decade, I still have lofty goals.

My business plan has not been limited to only raising sheep, but also arable farming. Planting maize and beans has become a central part of my new life, and I plan to use some of the crops to produce supplementary feed for my animals and food that I can sell locally. The shift to agriculture has given me a sense of purpose and hope, as I work toward building a sustainable livelihood.

Despite my progress, I do face some practical challenges. I am currently not employed and need funds to purchase supplementary feed, vaccines, and water for my sheep, as they cannot rely solely on grass. Managing these financial demands is a daily struggle, but I remain committed to improving my situation through hard work and resourcefulness.

It would be amiss of me not to end with a message to others who may find themselves in similar situations abroad. If you decide that home is best and you have no means to return, I encourage you to reach out to IOM. They can support you with a return and small integration package that helps you establish a business or some means of livelihood, making your transition smoother and more sustainable. You don’t have to go through the process alone - help is available, and it can make all the difference.”