In Albania, Changing Lives Through Education

Dear Friend--

 The weeks after Christmas were very cold in Pogradec this year— a damp cold that gets into your bones, cold that is only kept at bay by a hot stove that is constantly being fed with firewood. The people who are regulars at Amaro Tan’s soup kitchen are old, and firewood is expensive—and physically taxing to get.

Fortunately for them, Amaro Tan students are both energetic and compassionate. When the school arranged a firewood delivery for these vulnerable elders, the students did a lot of the legwork, helping deliver bundles of wood to homes all over the Pogradec area. Martin, an 8^th grader, helped carrying firewood, saying “I am very happy to be able to give my contribution in helping the elderly. It gives me a sense of satisfaction when I help others.”

It's not only the older students who get to help, though, On Earth Day this year, grades 1-6 got outside and cleaned up the streets around the school. I'm told they had a great time, and got a lot of satisfaction out of the impact of their effort.

Amaro Tan students get a lot of help themselves during their time at the school. The Amaro Tan project was devised in 1998 for students who don’t get a lot of support at home—or even enough to eat. Without education, poverty and hopelessness are more likely to become a permanent condition for these young people. At Amaro Tan, students not only learn, they get healthy meals, access to healthcare and the support of teachers who are dedicated to seeing them succeed.

The goal of this 100% donor-funded program is to empower a new generation to build dignified and sustainable lives in their communities. This includes helping others. Through volunteer projects, students learn that they have something to give, and that helping others feels great. These projects are always entirely optional, and there is no negative consequence for not participating. But students are usually glad that they did.

 As a donor to NG's In Albania, Changing Lives Through Education campaign on GlobalGiving, your generosity is helping young people to build positive futures for themselves, and to help others as well. 

This program is ongoing, and you can support it here. 

Gratefully yours,

Sarah Pita

Development Director, NG USA