By Linda Kusse Wolfe | Voulenteer
What’s different about TIP is the joy, the welcome and a place at every table. I’ve had the privilege of working and volunteering in many interesting situations. As a lifelong learner, I’m eager to know unique communities and learn from them the lessons and successes amidst great challenges. From the first moment I first emailed TIP telling them of my plans to be in Pristina for a week, they opened their hearts to me. The excellent volunteer coordinator, Elza , immediately responded to my questions and set up a ZOOM interview to talk more. Dates were set and an itinerary put in place.
I had the deep pleasure of volunteering in all three sites: Fushe Kosovo, Obiliq and Janjeva.
Fushe Kosovo offered mornings spent in a vibrant, Montessori based kindergarten class. With an excellent lead teacher and assistant, the children regaled us with songs, stories, art work and happy play. Elza also took me on two home visits to nearby Roma families who were receiving clothing and other needed supplies. Afterward, I was invited along to an awards ceremony at a coffee shop in Pristina. The TIP staff had completed a leadership training module and certificates were given out as well as wonderful coffee. I was able to have a fine conversation with Robert (and regretted not being able to meet Elizabeth). The TIP staff around the table included me in every conversation and explained their roles and tasks.
Obiliq was a fascinating mix of three different school classes. I met with a high school group of Roma leaders and heard their hopes and dreams as graduation approached. Next was a 7th year mathematics class (their favorite class, they said) with a talented teacher who shared that he is Ashkali, and urged students toward academic successes. (Since they all said they liked numbers, I invited them to guess my age. Guesses varied from 46-75). Last was the Special Education class, which TIP teachers help with twice a week. These children were deeply loved and cared for with an exceptional teacher. A visit by the principal was the “icing on the cake.” I don’t believe I’ve ever met a wiser, kinder person than she is.
Janjevo was an extraordinary village, with kindergartners coming to school speaking Albanian, Croatian, Romany and Turkish. The community center was busy with this class of little ones and a large art class for elementary students. Industrious work, laughter and the wonder of creating a painting kept the students focused. I did a walking tour of the village with a grade school teacher and spent time in a beautiful mosque and a very old Catholic church, said hello to several neighbors and noted three cafes serving strong Turkish coffee. Janjevo was so interesting that I could have stayed for days!
In all these towns, I was met with great warmth by TIP staff and volunteers, was easily included in all that was going on. Excellent TIP programs, well trained staff and the excitement of students and participants were a joy to be a small part of. I am delighted to support TIP and will return every chance I have. The work being done in these three communities is nourishing and life giving.
By Almedina Ajvazi | Private Donor Co- ordinator
By Almedina Ajvazi | Private Donor Co- ordinator
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