By Donjete Jashari | Private Donor Relations Co-ordinator
I am making a visit to Selbie, whose husband passed away almost two years ago. We knock on the door of a very small unfinished house and hear a voice from inside – ‘Welcome inside!’ Selbie’s frown softens as we walk in, ‘I am very happy when people come and visit me; it makes me feel better seeing people and talking to them,’ she says. It’s a good reminder to me that your contributions to our Widows’ Fund are not just about money. Sometimes it’s demonstration that there are people who care which is what can see people through their darkest days.
Selbie is 46 and shares her home with her two beautiful girls, Resmije 18 and Egzona 13. Resmije dropped out of school when her mother was widowed so she could stay home with her, but Selbie tells us proudly that the younger girl, Egzona, is a very good student, attending the eighth grade in public school. She also attends the additional classes offered on Saturdays at the centre of The Ideas Partnership in Fushe Kosove.
The Ideas Partnership runs a social enterprise project for women producing bead necklaces as well as hand-made soaps, lavender bags and tote bags. From this month Selbie is going to be making jewellery with us. ‘It’s the only way,’ she says. ‘Working will make me feel better and make me stronger for my daughters’.
We know from our work with other widows in this community that giving women the chance to come together over a small creative project can be a significant step for recovering mental and physical health. But without your donations enabling us to provide the raw materials Selbie wants for her new handcraft initiative, and our help in selling their products, widows are left in despair and without any way out.
Your help gives Selbie and other women like her something to hope for and a helping hand to educate their children towards a better future. So far, we have helped 49 individuals, and now thanks to you, we will be able to help even more! As Selbie says when I am about to leave, ‘May God bless and help those who are helping us!’
By Jessica Pearson | Intern
By Donjete Jashari | Administrator
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