Widows Fund Fushe Kosova

A surl is an instrument like a simple clarinet played across the Balkans. In Kosovo it’s an essential feature of celebrations, and Suzana’s 36 year-old husband, Isuf, used to play his surl at weddings and earn for his family of nine children and their mother.

‘We didn’t have much, but we were happy; our home was always joyful!’ says Suzana.

And then one day, Isuf had a fatal stroke.

‘It was all so sudden; he’d never been ill before’ – says Suzana of that day when the music stopped. She was left alone to look after their children, without any kind of income. Her eldest sons, then aged 12 and 9, dropped out of school and started trying to make a living for their family by rubbish picking.

The road where the family lives is lined with salvaged oil drums formed into walls like a visual representation of the scrap which is now the fabric of this family’s lives. But we know there is a way through such walls – with education.

The younger sons, Hajrullah and Mentor, were only toddlers when their father died. His death could have been the end of their chances of education, but with your support through the Widows Fund we’ve made sure that the boys have attended school. Our mediator, Hysni, helped Suzana through the process of registering them, and their education is an important part of the family’s vision for their future.

But Isuf also continues as an inspiration for the family, and the boys brighten at the memory of their father. ‘I want to become a musician, just like my dad was’ – says Hajrullah.

The death of a parent is always a tragedy. In a poor family where those left behind have no savings or marketable skills, it can mark the end of all hope. Suzana is grateful for the optimism that you’ve given her and her boys through the Widows Fund’s support.

‘May God bless them, may God help them as they help us; we are forever thankful!’ – she says when asked what message she has to the people helping her through our project.

And thank you from all of our team of staff and volunteers too. It’s a privilege for us to join up the generosity of people like you with those we know who live in need like Suzana and her children.