In times of crisis, World Vision establishes Child-Friendly Spaces where children can go and feel safe, begin recovering from trauma, and learn to play again. Read how play is crucial for children’s learning and recovery.
Why World Vision is in Albania
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sponsors may experience delays in communication from their sponsored child. We are actively working to keep you updated as the situation changes.
As in most other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic posed Albania’s most significant challenge in 2020, with important economic sectors like agriculture and manufacturing hit hard during closures. Destructive earthquakes in late 2019 had already taken their toll on emergency response systems and damaged important infrastructure, which meant Albania was already struggling when the pandemic began.
The country’s schools were also impacted by the 2019 earthquakes, and distance learning efforts necessitated by the earthquakes and the pandemic weren’t successful for many students, especially kids with disabilities. Children there need better access to emotional and mental health support during the pandemic-related closures as well as better protection from domestic violence.
With the strong support of partners, our staff reached over 60,000 children and their families with resources and trainings to empower people to lift themselves out of poverty. As part of our COVID-19 response, we made sure health workers and families had needed items to protect themselves, and vulnerable families received resources like farming supplies, school materials, and food packages. Through advocacy efforts and youth trainings, children are being protected from harm and gaining awareness of their rights.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Albania ❯
Progress in Albania
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- More than 100 parents attended trainings on positive discipline strategies. The classes gave caregivers the tools to care for their children in a healthy and productive way.
- Teenagers were given new safe spaces and skills to advocate for themselves. World Vision helped establish 42 youth groups where teens had a safe space to meet friends, learn new skills, and receive training on advocacy for child and youth safety in their communities.
- Child protection services in communities around Albania were improved, so that more kids have access to quality services that promote their safety.
- Nearly 50 adults attended trainings on child protection, which equips community members to advocate for and protect kids in their communities.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Community members were empowered to advocate for children's education after attending trainings on the importance of education for all kids.
Prayer Requests from Albania
World Vision's staff in Albania are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For our country’s political and economic situation to improve, especially so families living in poverty will have needed support, and for God’s grace and direction in the election process.
For protection for all people at higher risk of the virus, and that God would bring healing as He removes fear and anxiety from people.
News from Albania
Prayers
Covering the world in prayer: Pray for Eastern Europe
Pray for Eastern Europe — for mothers and their unborn babies, for neglected and abused children, and for marginalized communities in Eastern Europe.
From the Field
From heartbreak to hope: 65 years of disaster response
Starting in 1950 with the Korean War, World Vision has responded to the most urgent disasters and humanitarian crises around the world, providing immediate aid.
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