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
In Albania, people of many religious backgrounds are working together to rebuild the nation’s economic, social, and educational systems. Despite being one of Europe’s poorer countries, new opportunities are on the horizon: Its capital city, Tirana, is set to become the European Youth Capital in 2022. Major judicial reforms in recent years have cleaned up corruption, and the economy is growing. In many ways, the people of Albania are still healing from the violence in ethnically Albanian Kosovo. Many Albanian families continue to struggle with the trauma of war, particularly the refugees who fled Kosovo for Albania. Gender inequality and domestic violence still plague the Balkan nation. In addition, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck in 2019, causing large-scale destruction. The generosity of donors has equipped children to effectively self-advocate for their rights, and helped parents learn better techniques to care for and guide their children. Police departments are now more prepared to safeguard vulnerable children. And children with disabilities are receiving specialized treatment, empowering them to reach their full potential.
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.
- Parents of disabled children in Albania are receiving training to help them meet the unique needs of their child.
- Over 6,000 children in Albania received training on how to recognize and report child abuse in their communities. Additionally, about 300 community members are taking an active role in monitoring and protecting children's safety in their community to establishing child protection units and teaching child right's classes.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Children in Albania are receiving the tools they need to keep themselves healthy. World Vision led several initiatives to build latrines in school and provides hygiene kits to children.
- Children are learning about the importance of nutritious food and have access when they need it the most. For example, almost 850 children and their families received emergency food packages from World Vision after their community was impacted by flooding.
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.
- In Albania, children with disabilities are getting the resources they need to be successful in school. World Vision trained teachers on inclusive teaching skills and other methods to make quality learning spaces for children with special needs.
Prayer Requests from Albania
World Vision's staff in Albania are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For the thousands of Albanians experiencing post-traumatic symptoms, and for those displaced by the earthquake.
For hope for the Albanian people, and for economic, political, social, and spiritual growth in the country.
For children to be nurtured in safe, loving, and inclusive environments, and for families to have opportunities to better their lives.
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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