Education Albania Project #41178

In Gjirokaster, Help Roma Children Stay in School

by Nehemiah Gateway USA

Project Report | Jul 13, 2025
Structure Beyond School

By James Leithart | Communication Director

When we speak about our work in Gjirokastër, much of the focus naturally centers on the after-school program for children. While that is undoubtedly a key component of our efforts, it’s important to make a meaningful distinction: this is far more than an after-school program in the traditional sense. It’s a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and feel genuinely valued.

Although the school year officially ends in early June, our team in Gjirokastër remains steadfast in their mission. Their commitment doesn’t pause when classes do - they continue their work with the same dedication, regardless of whether the children have been in school that morning. During the summer months, when formal schooling is on break, our center maintains its rhythm.

For anyone visiting the Gjirokastër center during the summer, it would be hard to tell the difference. Children still gather to share lunch, then transition into focused learning sessions. Some work diligently to reinforce concepts they struggled with during the academic year. Others pursue personal academic interests, while many engage in activities designed to retain knowledge and prevent regression over the break. After studying, they enjoy time for games and play, maintaining a healthy balance of discipline and joy.

The consistency in structure between the school year and summer months is intentional and vital. It provides children with a sense of routine, stability, and predictability - elements that are especially critical in their development.

Equally important is the alternative many of these children face when not in school: time spent on the streets, often exposed to risky situations - whether working, begging, or simply wandering unsupervised. To offer a safer, more supportive path forward, our team chooses to be present year-round, pouring their time and energy into building brighter, more sustainable futures for these young lives.

Their unwavering dedication makes a lasting impact - during the school year and well beyond.

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Mar 27, 2025
A Story of Resilience and Hope

By James Leithart | Communications Director, NG USA

A few years ago, seven-year-old Ledja was just beginning her second year of school in Gjirokastër, Albania. Coming from an extremely poor family, where both parents are illiterate, her future was uncertain. In a region where unemployment is high and opportunities are scarce, many children like Ledja are left with no choice but to collect scrap metal or plastic to help their families survive.

Tragedy struck when Ledja’s ten-year-old brother was out with their father collecting metal to sell for a small amount of money. While working, he was hit by a car and killed. The devastating loss left Ledja’s family in deep grief, struggling not only with their daily hardships but also with the pain of losing their son.

In the midst of their heartbreak, NG Gjirokastër stepped in to support Ledja and her family. She was enrolled in the school program, where she found a safe and nurturing environment. At the center, she received daily hot meals, participated in social and emotional support activities, and gained a sense of community with other children. Over time, thanks to the dedication of the staff, she slowly began to smile again.

As the years go on, Ledja continues to grow and thrive in this program. She has received academic support, nutritious meals, and—most importantly—care and encouragement from the staff. She has become more confident in herself and loves to play with her friends at the program. She is thriving in ways her parents never had the opportunity to, even writing a thank you note to the staff at our center!

This simple letter was more than just words—it was a testament to how education, care, and support can transform a life. Ledja now has opportunities her parents never did, and her future is filled with hope.

Your support makes stories like Ledja’s possible. Together, we are changing lives, one child at a time.

This week only, donations up to $50 will be matched by 50% through the Little by Little campaign (while funds last)—making your contribution even more powerful! If you've been thinking about giving, now is the perfect time to maximize your impact.

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Mar 4, 2025
The Hard Choice No Child Should Have to Make

By James Leithart | Communications Director, NG USA

Danjel and Bajram.

Meet Danjel and Bajram.

In our last update, we introduced you to Bajram (pronounced Bai-ram), a young boy in our after-school program in Gjirokastër. If you missed it, Bajram once dreamed of going to school, but his mother wasn’t sure how to make that possible. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our team, Bajram is now well into his first year of school—and loving every moment of it.

But today, we want to share the story of Bajram’s older brother, Danjel (Daniel).

Danjel is nine years old and also attends school while participating in our after-school program. However, there are days when he can’t make it—not because he doesn’t want to, but because he has another responsibility: caring for his 2-year-old brother.

Their mother, struggling to provide for her family, often spends her days collecting scrap metal to earn whatever she can. With no other childcare options, Danjel must stay home, missing school and activities, to care for his little brother.

When I first heard this, I was shocked. Having grown up in the United States, the idea of a 9-year-old taking on such a responsibility felt unimaginable. But for many families we work with, this is the reality. Survival often means making difficult sacrifices—like a child missing school so his family can afford food.

This is not an isolated story. Many children in the Roma community we serve face similar challenges, navigating a world vastly different from what many of us know. Their resilience is incredible, but their struggles are real.

This is why we continue to do what we do—because every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.

If you'd like to continue to support this project and help children in the same situation, please consider donating HERE.

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