Returning to Rebuild: Bazid’s fresh start in Armenia
Published: Oct 28, 2026 Reading time: 2 minutes Share: Share an articleBazid and his wife* moved to France three years ago. They left behind a family home, where they once kept up to 65 head of livestock. Today, they have returned to Armenia, and with our help are renewing their lives in the country.
Entering the small Yazidi village of Kanch, you immediately notice the care villagers put into their work.. The fields are well-tended, haystacks are neatly arranged, and the livestock are clean and well cared for. The villagers are mainly engaged in livestock farming. Once, 60 Yazidi families lived here; today, only 11 remain.
We asked why Bazid and his wife left Armenia, the couple answer: “We missed our two children and grandchildren, who had moved to France.” But longing was not enough to build a life in a new environment. “We are people of the land and water, and there was none of that,” says Bazid. The damp climate is also uncomfortable, and joint pain gave them no rest. “It wasn’t our place.”
“We knew a social worker and applied in person to OFII (the French Office of Immigration and Integration), for voluntary return to Armenia,” he recounts.
When they came home in 2026, they discovered that construction work in the village had caused water to flood their house. Because of their long absence, the damage went unnoticed. But this did not break their spirit. They are glad to be back in their own home, and Bazid has resumed livestock farming with his wife.
With funding from the OFII and our coordination the family acquired four cows. The cows will soon calve, and the herd will grow. Bazid already has a clear idea of how he will sell the produce. They also have land upon which they will sow barley seed in the spring.
Bazid
According to Bazid, the hardest part—the decision to sell everything and leave—is behind him. Although, he regrets having sold his livestock; prices are now almost twice what they were.
“We are hardworking people. We are already getting back on our feet. One or two more years, and our farm will be fully restored,” says Bazid.
Today, Bazid and his wife are working on their land to rebuild their farm. For them, their four cows are the key to a stable future—one they will build for themselves.
Since 2016 with funding from OFII we have run the “Support to the reintegration of voluntary returned migrants through employment, social and business support” project. The project assists families who have voluntarily returned to Armenia from France.
Under the project, families receive social and medical assistance, can take part in vocational training courses, or receive business grants to start or develop economic activities.
Over the past ten years, the project has supported more than 500 families; including 52 in 2026 alone.
*name withheld by request.