Youth communities are located in Tirana. They are youth programs where young persons are supported with education and trainings, professional courses, accommodation, head started programmes and follow up guidance. 12 youth leader support youngsters to be independent in their life with preparation programs in different areas. Youth Communities in Albania are registered officially as “Family home type for the group age 16-18, based on legal framework (Decision of Counsel of Ministers issued on 2017). Youth care is remodeled recently in small group units/subgroups for a better-quality provision and for a better conformity with national standards, which require small unit family type for young people in alternative care services. There are two communities: one community recently remodeled into 3 groups/units with 4(four) young people for each unit. The other community is organized as two units with a max of 6 Young people per unit.
For children in our direct care, we make the transition from alternative care to independent life as smooth as possible, through a tailored and participatory leaving care process. Whether a young person moves to youth care or stays within an SOS family, the decision is made in a participatory process, involving the young person. The choice is considered from every perspective and based on the maturity, aspirations and best interests of the young person. Once a young person has left our care, we offer clearly defined after-care support for relevant areas of their life. Thus, after-care support will be limited to specific areas of need and will decrease over time. We make sure that young people can maintain life-long family ties and seek support from their SOS families after they have left care.
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.”
