Suren's Daycare

Suren left Mongolia in 2010 because she wanted to experience living in another culture. She also wanted to learn English, so she came to Ireland and stayed for one year. She did not have a work permit, but managed to find small jobs to support herself. Eventually, however, she became unemployed and could not pay her rent. Suren decided that she needed to return to Mongolia. She had heard about IOM from friends, and called the office in Dublin to ask for information about the VARRP.

Suren learned that IOM could help her travel back to Mongolia, and could assist her with her documentation. She also found out that she could apply for reintegration assistance. Suren had earned part of her law degree, and considered using the money to complete university. But she had also dreamed of opening a crèche. Suren decided to apply for the grant to help her open the crèche, saying that her time in Ireland had given her the courage to start the business. She also knew that if her business was successful, she could pay for her college tuition in a few years’ time.

Twenty-one days after Suren approached IOM, she returned to Mongolia. She was assisted in her transit airport by IOM staff, and also travelled with other returnees before arriving in Mongolia on her own. Suren moved back in with her parents and then immediately applied for the reintegration grant. She said it took her a few weeks to adjust to Mongolia again, but felt at home very quickly. She was surprised at how much Mongolia had changed, and that everything was more expensive.

After finding a space near a playground to start the crèche, Suren painted and prepared the place herself. She used most of the grant to buy an oven so that she could provide meals as part of her service. She also applied for a licence from the Education Department, and purchased insurance.

After six months, Suren had ten children she cared for. They were all from the nearby neighbourhood, and she received the business through personal recommendations. She is able to employ several staff, all of whom receive police vetting. Suren also hired her mother as the cook. She says that the children ask for her mother’s food when they are at home, so she knows the oven was a good idea.

The crèche is continuing to grow and will one day allow Suren to pay for school. Sometimes she still wishes she was abroad, but she is also glad to be in Mongolia. Suren says that she would recommend that others in her situation contact IOM. When asked for her future plans, she wrote, “Expand business, get more clients, become a lawyer.”