23 December 2010
Dear Santa!
This is my first time I am writing to you, and I feel so happy about it. My name is Eni* and I live in children’s village in Albania. Maybe you have never come here but Albania is a beautiful place with friendly people. I love my country and I love my family too. This is my home and all children here are my brothers and sisters.
Did you know that we have something in common? We both want to make children happy all around the world. You listen to their dreams and wishes. And my dream when I grow up is to help children fulfil their dreams. How? I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will.
As a present, I don’t want toys or teddy bears. I think now I am grown up for these things. In my family, I am surrounded by a lot of love, and I wish every child in the world to have the same! Thank you.
Dear Santa Claus, that’s all for now. Take care until we write again.
Eni*, 12 years old.
This is a postcard from Eni to Santa Clause written in 2010, and it is just one of the many postcards that children in SOS Children’s Village have written through the years to Santa. It is a testimony of facts, emotions and growth.
Eni is one of the children who grew up in the SOS Children’s Villages Tirana. He came to the village in the same year he wrote the postcard. Living in the SOS Children’s Village Tirana, Eni learned the smallest things as to take care of himself, organise his things, and ride a bike. He learned about football, tennis and chess which became his favourite games. He learned also about love, trust and family. He learned how to introduce himself to people who don’t know him and how to talk about his special life. Over time, Eni developed important social and independent skills. He has also learned the importance of gratitude and respecting his own independence.
Overall, Eni is grateful for what life has to offer him.
“I have learned how important it is to have someone who believes in and cares about you. Today, I want to be that someone for other children.” Eni, 25 years old.
