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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.”

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