With a population of 2.8 million, Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Despite numerous government measures, the economy has stagnated since 2009. Corruption, nepotism and organized crime stand in the way of an upturn. The majority of the population lives on the breadline. The situation is particularly precarious in rural areas.
The plight of the population
In Albania, the healthcare system is hardly supported by the state. There is hardly any help, especially for families with children with disabilities. In rural areas, the belief that a disability is a punishment from God is widespread. Many families therefore hide their children and live in seclusion. Parents often feel overwhelmed and left alone. Their children often lead a miserable existence and do not receive the support they need to develop well.
Our project work
Pogradec
Since 2023, we have been associated with the rehabilitation, support and meeting center "Qendra Drita e Shpresës" (Light of Hope Center) in Pogradec, near Lake Ohrid. The center is an important project in the region. Parents and children come from far and wide to get the help they need, which should be a matter of course. Qendra Drita e Shpresës offers many therapy options. A team of various specialists - occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists - help the children and parents. They promote the motor, linguistic, physiological and psychological development of the girls and boys. The center is a place of hope and support for many families.
Strong parents for strong children
Working with parents is an important part of our work. Parents are actively involved in the therapeutic process. In addition to practical tips, they are given space to share their fears and worries. In the therapy sessions, parents are encouraged and strengthened in dealing with their children. As a result, many parents regain the confidence to appear in public and participate in social life. Thanks to the therapy, they realize how much potential their child has if they receive individual support.
Be a ray of hope: By sponsoring a child, you can give a child with a disability the individual support and guidance they need. Become a sponsor!
Fushë-Arrëz
Our second project location is in the north of Albania, in the region around Fushë-Arrëz. The unemployment rate there is 85 percent. Since the closure of the copper factory, people have been dependent on social welfare. Depending on the size of the family, this amounts to just 20 to 60 euros a month, which means that many people go hungry. The long and cold winter is an additional burden every year. As the surrounding forest has been almost completely cut down, people can barely keep their homes warm.
There is an aid station in the mountain region of Fushë-Arrëz that ora Kinderhilfe has been supporting since 1997. Sister Gratias Ruf runs it with great dedication and provides vital help for poor children and families. In August 2016, Gratias Ruf was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon for her tireless efforts among the poor population. Every week, a doctor from Fushë-Arrëz comes to the outpatient clinic in the mountain region to treat sick children and families. We also offer a sewing course for women. They learn how to sew and tailor. Many masks were sewn there during the Corona period. ora Kinderhilfe regularly sends aid shipments with food, hygiene articles, clothing and school materials to Fushë-Arrëz. Hundreds of people receive long-term help in this way.
With your donation, we provide vital aid and improve the living conditions of the people in Fushë-Arrëz.
