Archil Malania was born on June 15th, 1977 in Sukhumi. He graduated from Georgian State University of Subtropical Agriculture in 1999 with an Economist-manager major. From 1999 to 2003, he attended courses at the Gelati Theological Seminary. During this time (2000-2001), he also worked as the economic representative for the Abkhazian A.R. government in the Imereti region. From 2001 to 2003, Archil worked as the Community Mobilization Officer at the NGO "Abkhazintercont." In 2004, he became Abkhazintercont’s trainer for conflict resolution issues. In 2004-2005, he broadcasted a program dealing with conflict resolution at Iverioni radio station. From January to March, 2005, Archil worked at World Vision International & GCIF as the Community Mobilization Officer. Since March 2005, Archil has worked at CHF International/Georgia - Georgia Employment and Infrastructure Initiative - as the Community Outreach Officer. Recently, he took on the responsibility of the Community Economic Officer within the same organization. In 2007, he was awarded the H. Boell scholarship.

Historical research of strategies employed by IDP in order to survive, their communities and their influence on social, cultural and political life in Kutaisi are important. Such research should help promote the integration process and overcome the stereotypes and problems of self isolation that refugees currently face.

This project wants to compare ‘successful’ cases of IDP integration with other instances where refugees remain isolated. Through such an investigation, this study hopes to reveal traits fostering integration, which could help IDPs resolve problems and barriers. This, in turn, could help them achieve success in their social and personal lives.

By allowing refugees to look at the question from a different perspective, this investigation might also support their psychological rehabilitation. Hopefully, this will motivate them to find the resources to overcome the first significant obstacle, their internal struggle.

The results of this research might also help government bodies attempting to develop strategies on IDP issues and, ultimately, their integration into society.