Home - SOS Children’s Villages Albania

#PemaKëngëtare

You have the power to change their world

Hold my hand

Don't let me grow up alone

#HeartfeltWishes

You have the power to change their world

#HeartfeltWishes

You have the power to change their world

Who we are

SOS Children’s Village Albania is a non-governmental, humanitarian and non-profit organization. Since 1995, we have been working on improving the quality of life of children and youth without parental care, empowering families at risk, economic independence of youth from vulnerable groups, as well as providing assistance in emergency situations through various types of support. Despite the family-type care and support to the family, we actively advocate for the rights of children and young people.

We are a member of the International Organization SOS Children’s Villages, founded in 1949, which today provides support to more than 1,200,000 people in more than 136 countries and territories in the world.

Warm Home, Care & Sense of Belonging

Family, surrounded by Love & Security

Siblings staying Together in Care

Happy & Carefree Childhood

Quality Education & Personal Growth

How we help?

Since 1995
Provided a warm home, love and care for more than 284 children and young people without parental care

Since 2001
Guided towards full independence 133 young people in alternative care

Since 2003
Helped over 1275 families to break the cycle of poverty

Since 2016
Enabled the opportunity to 549 young people to get a job, but also to open over 80 small businesses/ start up

Since 2016
Conducted more than 115 trainings and managed to help over 949 young people to strengthen their possibilities for employability

Capacity building of professionals in topics related to: Child and Family Development, Quality Care, Case Management, Parenting Programs, Prepare for leaving care, Gender Based Violence

Currently, in 2023

  • 1484 children, young people and individuals are supported through alternative care and prevention services
  • 38 children and young people in Family-Like Care settings
  • 52 young people supported through youth care services
  • 1394 vulnerable children and individuals through prevention services

Where we are?

to help vulnerable children and families
in our country

Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

SOS Family of Supporters

The late Mother Teresa was a dedicated supporter of SOS Children's Villages, helping orphans across the world with SOS.

    Mother Teresa
    Mother Teresa

    Nelson Mandela, a figurehead in the fight for equality in South Africa and peace and social justice throughout the world, was one of the most prominent and important friends of SOS Children's Villages.

      Nelson Mandela
      Nelson Mandela

      His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama lives in exile in India, but his personal commitment has led to the construction of a number of Tibetan SOS Children's Village facilities.

        Dalai Lama
        Dalai Lama

        Account Details

        Eli*, no longer a child today

        A different story for some, but the same for others
        I grew up in SOS Children’s Village Tirana together with other children. Now that I remember in the first days, I thought that the only thing I and them had in common were our sad stories. They were my brothers and sisters, and we were all similar and unique in our own ways.

        To better understand, let's start from the beginning of Eli's story.

        In 1999, I was placed in the SOS Children’s Village Tirana after my family split up. I was scared and confused but also a little but curious. “What is this place?” I though. “Welcome to the family”, was the first phrase the SOS mother said to me. I quickly learned that it is called a family for a reason. The most important person for us in it was the mother. Her efforts to take care of us make her the most important in our eyes. Even though we were not siblings by blood, we became more than that. Although I was only 10 years old, my life in the SOS Children’s Village Tirana felt like a fresh start. I learned to warmly live with people whom I never knew or expected to encounter in my lifetime.

        As we mature, we come to realize that happiness can be found even in the midst of sorrowful tales. During my time in the village, I developed a newfound appreciation for the love that comes with having siblings. Sara* and Ani* became my sisters in the household, and together we shared both our troubles and aspirations. We played, laughed, and even shed tears together. Hand in hand, we grew up alongside each other and created countless cherished memories. Is that the entirety of what a sister represents in the end?

        In the village, I discovered my love for sports and aspired to become the best possible version of myself.
        Through hard work and the support of those who believed in me, I succeeded. I was able to graduate from the University of Sports. I am proud not only of my achievements, but also of the happiness I brought to my family and supporters. My life has been a great journey. I have had the chance to grow in a different environment from most of my peers but in a very beautiful way. As a mother of two children, I now comprehend the significance of love, shelter, and family. Today, I can realize how much spiritual fulfilment I received where I grew up.
        Sometimes it feels like I am part of a story written in a book where only my imagination can give life to the words. My sister Sara* tells me of being very poetic but I like it. I want to see life this way, open to accept the future surprises that life can bring.
        *Kindly note that for privacy and child protection reasons, we have changed the original names of the children.”

        Give children the chance for a better future.

        Ada*, 11 years old

        Working to keep families together is our superpower!

        “Dear diary, I’m writing to you because I don’t want to share my wishes with my parents. I know that they will not be able to make it happen for me, and this causes sadness in their eyes…” 

        Ada had written in her notebook, which she named “Ada’s Diary”.

        Ada’s mother is unable to work due to her mental health conditions, and occasionally she is unable to care for girls. Ada’s grandmother is available to help, but she is old and in poor health. Ada’s father is the only provider of food for the family, but not having a profession makes it even harder for him to find a job. Ada and her sister did not attend school regularly.

        They had been experiencing a decline in their school results despite the support and care shown by her grandmother and father. Their family situation affected their performance at school and their relationship with peers. For Ada her best friend was only her older sister who understand her, and her notebook.
        Ada’s journey with the SOS Children’s Villages in Albania started three years ago. In a time, when her parents were struggling to keep the family together and were having difficulties in providing the care and stability that the children need.
        Through SOS Children’s Villages projects in prevention and protection, every family member got the support needed to help them thrive and make their family succeed. Our colleagues made sure that Ada’s mother took all the needed medications and supported her in accessing social and healthcare services.

        Fredi*, her father, participated in various parenting workshops to improve his parental skills. Ada and her sister were supported with psychological consulting and education, including school supplies, learning materials and after-school help. Ada and her family members worked together with the social workers, and experts to strengthen the family.

        During a training session after a year of receiving support, Fredi said:
        “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I work hard, I love my family, and I take care of my children, my wife and my mother. We all face challenges at different times, but some struggles can be more difficult than others. My situation has taught me that we should be less judgmental and more supportive of those going through difficult times. Through my experiences, I have come to understand that even simple acts of kindness can have a significant impact on those who are struggling with various challenges in their lives.”

        In our work, together with partners, donors, communities, local municipalities we enable children to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. We enable families to find better ways of being there for each other.
        *Kindly note that for privacy and child protection reasons, we have changed the original names of the children.”

        Be our partner in supporting more children to stay and grow with their families.