Our work in Albania focuses mainly in Durres, where many people move from poverty in rural areas to find work, but we also work in the capital Tirana, in Berat and in neighbouring villages. However, life is not often much better in the city with income levels in the country at just 26% of the EU average. An incredible 56% of all Albanians want to emigrate (2017 Gallup poll). Albania is also a major source country for people trafficking and forced labour; and money laundering and drug trafficking are rife.

Our work responds to these issues by journeying with children and families out of poverty through family sponsorship. By working together on a route to self-sufficiency and alleviating poverty, we are transforming families lives and making them less vulnerable to trafficking.

We also run a Soup Kitchen for the elderly. There is a growing number of people who are alone after their children moved abroad to find work and have no way to earn their own income. We are also working to transform across generations by supporting children’s education at primary, secondary and tertiary level.