Albania

One of the poorer European countries, Albania is currently reforming their judicial system. By focusing on getting rid of widespread corruption in 2018, Albania aimed to boost its chances of being accepted into the EU, which would give the country much-needed financial support. Albania’s government is taking important steps to care for vulnerable children and families burdened by poverty, but challenges remain in carrying out those laws and many people still don’t get the help they need. The promise of better futures outside the country continues to draw many people. Even when young adults receive good educations, they face high unemployment rates, so migrating often seems like a better choice than staying in Albania. As well, the World Bank reported that as many as half of Albanian children struggle with literacy. Especially in rural areas, schools don’t have enough well-trained teachers or supportive systems for kids who need extra help. Thanks to the support of donors, vulnerable families in our project areas are experiencing hope. In 2018, kids began to get more inclusive services in schools because of new results from research showing the lack of support for disabled students. Usually kids with disabilities in rural areas can’t access any therapy services, so our Hello Life project is bringing therapists into homes to give kids specific help. Our church partners are empowering families to wholly love and nurture their kids, both physically and spiritually. And children themselves are taking action to address gaps in child protection, especially by helping their peers know what’s safe and healthy and by advocating at the national level for the changes they need.