By Shannon O'Donnell | Online Marketing Manager
Elhame Smaili is an inspiration. Although she is 60 years-old, she continues to learn new skills and build hope for the future. She endured many hardships before joining the Women for Women International Kosovo Sponsorship and ReneWLS program with her daughter in-law in May 2003. During the war in Kosova that ended in 1999, her only son was killed, and her husband died of a heart attack shortly after the war. Her eight year-old niece Arbresha, developed a physical handicap following complications with an illness during the war, and now walks with much difficulty. Elhame's house was burned down during the war, like many houses located in Cirez, her village in the Drenica area. Although an organization was slated to assist her family with reconstructing the house, they received only minimal aid and live in very poor conditions in this house. She lives with her daughter-in-law Mihrije, three grandsons between the ages of seven and 15, and three nieces ranging from eight to 13 years-old. With determination and an energetic spirit, Elhame and Mihrije opted for the beekeeping course as a way to develop skills to earn an income. Now recent graduates of the program, Elhame says that she and Mihrije have learned more about the world through their participation and now have a broader perspective. Both women are grateful to their sponsors Donna Wise and Sharon Gladden for bringing "new light to their home." Elhame and Mihrije have recently received three beehives through a project implemented by Women for Women International, and funded by a Swiss organization. They have begun their beekeeping activities, putting their Women for Women International training into action: "I am finally active and involved in the work," says Mihrije. "There are barriers such as poverty, but I have to challenge them, especially to support my children. I hope that Tahire, our cousin will help us to work with bees, since she was the best in the group of women beekeepers." Tahire, 26, who lives in the same village with Elhame and Mihrije agreed: "Of course I will help them, there is no question. I hope that one day honey from our village finds its way into the market and onto the tables of the best hotels."
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By Shannon O'Donnell | Online Marketing Manager
By Shannon O'Donnell | Online Marketing Manager
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