No
poverty
Quality
education
Decent work and
economic growth
Reduced
inequalities
Peace and
justice
No
poverty
A world where poverty no longer exists is the key objective of the SDGs. Ensuring that no child grows up in poverty is at the heart of this goal.
Poverty is the primary reason for family breakdown and child abandonment in our country. This objective is therefore at the heart of the work of SOS Children’s Villages in Albania. We work tirelessly to help families and communities break the cycle of poverty. Thus, skills acquisition, education and vocational training are an integral part of our family strengthening programmes.
Quality
education
It is extremely important to ensure that every child and young person has access to quality education, regardless of their background, not only for themselves, but also for the society around them.
Each child or young person supported by SOS Children’s Villages in Albania has access to quality education, from nursery school to university entry.
Decent work and
economic growth
Every young person should have the opportunity to find a decent job in order to be able to support themselves and live independently, with dignity.
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people without guidance to develop the skills and abilities needed to become independent and employable adults. We also help parents of vulnerable families through vocational training to enable them to have sufficient income to keep their families together and thus ensure a better future for their children.
Reduced
inequalities
This goal is supported by the affirmation that no one, including children, should suffer discrimination or be denied equal access to opportunities on the basis of their race, gender, religion, disability, their culture or family origin.
SOS Children’s Villages in Albania advocates for laws and practices that ensure equal access to opportunities, social inclusion and non-discrimination for children and young people who have lost their parents or come from poor or marginalized families.
Peace and
justice
Through this objective, we can ensure that no child is the victim of violence, abuse, exploitation or neglect. Most of the children and young people we welcome in our SOS Children’s Villages in Albania were entrusted to us because they had suffered abuse in one form or another (physical, sexual, psychological, neglect, etc.). SOS Children’s Villages in Albania works to safeguard and protect all children and we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of care in our programmes.
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?
“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’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.
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.”
