Help Empower 300 Women in Kosovo through Education

Recently, I met Nazmije from the village of Cikatove. In a room lit by a single candle, I saw her eyes, so shiny and full of life. I heard a voice that was proud and a story that was sad. As we spoke into the cold night, I could feel in my heart that, yes, she is like me and I am like her. We spoke woman to woman. She told me her story:

"When I started the program, I was 41 years old and I thought to myself that I am out of life. War has left lot of pain in me. Running and hiding from place to place inside my own country was such horror. When I returned with my five children to my village after the war ended, I came back to nothing. I was heartbroken.

Homeless, jobless and sick, we still had to start a life. I took so many medicines to recover but found no relief from my pains. The best medicine for me was Women for Women International’s program. The classes woke me up. I could not believe that one day I will be able to earn money myself and I will be able to support my family.

The letters I received from my sponsor Shan, warmed my heart. I thought how a woman from far way who has never seen or met me has put her faith in me and made a commitment to change my life. If she was so committed to help me improve my life, why should I not do it for myself?

Each time I received a letter I read it many times, over and over again, especially when I felt low or had doubts about my future. I promised myself that I will not betray my sponsor but I will do everything I could so her investment in me is worthy and not lost. Now I see there no way back to a life half asleep.

Now I have joined a group of women in my village to work on looms. The loom work has become part of my life. Because we don’t have another space, I put the loom in the same room where my husband, five children and I sleep. I work there when I finish cleaning and cooking. The loom sounds to me like music, and it makes me feel good and calm."

Links:

• Women for Women Kosovo Page
• Donate Now!