In Gjirokaster, Help Roma Children Stay in School

Ledja is very young, but she has dealt with great grief. A few years ago, her brother was with their father helping collect metal in order to sell it and get a small amount of money. While they were working, Ledja’s brother was hit by a car and killed. He was 10.

Ledja comes from a very poor family, where both parents are illiterate. In many such situations, there’s no option for the children except to collect metal scraps or plastic in order to sell it for meager wages.

Thankfully, our center in Gjirokastër provides an alternative for children, so they don’t have to be working in the streets. We help them with their homework for school and feed them a hot lunch. We give them options for more of a future. On top of it all, the staff at our center there spends time with and invest in the lives of the children during every step of the way.

In response to what she has felt, Ledja wrote a letter to the staff members of the soup kitchen expressing her gratitude for what they have done (a photo of the letter is included below). Here is the translation:

“Aunty Kristina, Aunty Refo, Aunty Orjana, Uncle Arjan, I love you so much. Thank you for building us a new playground. Aunty Kristina and Aunty Orjana thank you for helping us with our school homework. Aunty Refo thank you for the delicious food that cook for us. Uncle Arjan thank you for driving us from the school to the center. I love you so much.”

This is what it’s all about. About touching the lives of these children and showing them the love they all deserve.

Warmly,

James Leithart

Communications Director, NG USA