In Gjirokaster, Help Roma Children Stay in School

The southern Albanian city of Gjirokastër is a hotspot tourist destination. Nicknamed the City of Stone because of how most of the buildings are constructed, the city sits on the side of a mountain allowing for breathtaking views around each corner. Narrow, cobblestone streets snake their way through the old town with shops and restaurants tucked in places you’d never expect. Tourists come from all over Europe, as well as overseas, to walk these streets under the shadow of a fortress from the 12^th century BC.

But there’s another side of Gjirokastër that the typical tourist doesn’t see. And it’s that part of the city where we at Nehemiah Gateway focus our work.

On the opposite side of the fortress from the popular old town, you find neighborhoods in which many of the people live in poor conditions. Homes that are so dilapidated, many of them use large tarps as a roof. It feels odd to say, but some of the nicer homes look more like tents, with four solid walls without holes and a new tarp sitting on top.

Many of the children that attend our program in Gjirokastër come from these exact homes – or homes just like them. After school each day they are picked up and brought to our center for the after-school program which includes lunch and a study hall time. You would never be able to tell from their giant smiles and their constant giggling that these children are often sleeping on large piles of clothes under a tarp roof. But it is the unfortunate reality.

Thankfully, with your help and donations, we are able to provide a better environment for them for a few hours every day. As well as bring food packages and other help to their families. If you would like to support, this project is ongoing, and you can donate HERE.

Warmly,

James Leithart

Communications Director, NG USA

Life is hard for many of the children in our Gjirokaster after-school program. Sometimes it's hard to believe when you see them at the center in Gjirokaster. They're typically whispering to one another and smiling. Especially when I am there to take photos! There's something about me that just makes all of them giggle every time I'm there. I'm not sure why it happens, but it makes for some pretty great photos. 

The truth about their lives is often extreme for many Americans to fully grasp, even when I went to visit the home of a couple of the children, I was a bit shocked to see the conditions in which they live. I’ve lived in Albania for over four years and it’s still a bit surprising when I see people who have no choice but to live in tents – or very rudimentary structures.

Despite all of this, the boys and girls find things that make them happy. And that is in large part thanks to the donors and the staff of NG Gjirokaster. With the help of some generous donors, we were able to provide these kids with a holiday celebration that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. They all got gifts for Christmas, and you can see from their smiles that they were having an incredible time.

Life isn’t easy for people all over the world, and in Albania it’s no exception. We are thankful for people like you who have donated in the past to put a smile on the faces of these children. If you’d like to make another donation, the project is ongoing and you can donate here.

Warmly,

James Leithart

Communications Director, NG USA