Gender Equality Kosovo Project #20369

Widows Fund Fushe Kosova

Project Report | Apr 12, 2019
The light of the grandchildren

By Gentiana Ibra | Volunteer and Communications Coordinator

Grandmother Drita in front of her house

Fidan would have turned 38 in May. His mother, Drita, clearly recalls the day she saw him for the last time. At that time, she was happily looking after Fidan’s son, Bekir, who was only 1 year old, while Fidan’s daughter, Rrezarta, 6, was in school.

The news of the accidental death of Fidan shocked the whole family. He was a respected community member, with a very important job position in the municipality, from where he contributed to the improvement of the well-being of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, the most marginalized communities in Kosovo. He was the only member of the family who had a job. He left behind his wife and two children, Rrezarta and Bekir. A year after his death, the children's mother abandoned her children and started a new life somewhere else.

Grandmother Drita was left with the burden of raising her nephew and niece alone. However, she didn’t consider this as a burden. Her eyes are full of happiness when talking about them and their achievements. She doesn’t want to mention all the difficulties and challenges endured during this period of raising her grandchildren when she remembers that Rrezarta has already finished school, and Bekir who is now 13 years old is doing very well in his lessons. She is proud of her grandchildren, for the people they have become.

“When I heard that my son had died, I couldn’t help but wish to be dead myself too. I couldn’t believe that he was gone. But I moved forward because my grandchildren needed me. Their mother left, as well, and they had no one else. I started taking care of them, and they kept me alive. I am so thankful for having them in my life.”

During these years, we have helped Drita and the children with food, clothes and academic material so they could go to school. All this support was made possible thanks to your generosity from far away. She is very thankful for your help appreciating every penny sent to help her raise her grandchildren.

Her name, Drita, means light.
And she is the brightest light in the lives of her grandchildren.

The other nephew of Drita

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Jan 11, 2019
The grieving mother fighting the harsh winter

By Mabel McCormick and Jack Peck | Volunteers at The Ideas Partnership

Volunteers Jack and Mabel with Nurije

It was a bitter winter’s day. Although the thick snow and -8 degree temperatures, there were still many children around playing football and pulling each other along on toboggans made from scraps. We battled through the snow storm occurring throughout Kosovo to visit Nurije. The 38-year-old mother of 7 children, aged from 19 years old to just 5 years old. Many of who greeted us at the door.

Nurije is sadly recently widowed with her husband dying of lung cancer only three months ago. Not only does she have to battle with the grief of losing an integral part of her family, she now has to cope with caring for her entire family through this long, unbearable winter.

We discussed her life here in Fushe Kosove as she expressed the lack of job opportunities and poor living conditions. She is given just 130 euros per month from the state to fund her whole 8 member family. Particularly in the winter, this is worsened given the need for fire wood, costing 80 euros per month. Mathematically, this clearly doesn’t add up leaving just €6.25 for each family member for necessary food each month. Showing the desperate need for support from The Ideas Partnership.

However, due to your kind donations, The Ideas Partnership is able to help the family through this devastating time with food, clothing supplies and school equipment aiding the children’s access to education.

We spoke to 16-year-old twins Ernesa and Qendresa, who are very grateful to the Girls Club at TIP every Saturday afternoon. They are taught about important issues surrounding education, sexual health, and relationships. All significant issues within the community. Both confident girls, they aspire to have meaningful professions mentioning becoming bakers.

The widow fund supports Nurije directly with financial aid for essentials such as food and clothing to help her large family survive the winter. But there are so many additional benefits from support at TIP. Her daughters benefit weekly from attending the Girls Club. Also, her younger children are consistent with English and maths classes at the TIP centre. Yes, these donations help directly to fund essentials, but it subsequently funds positive and hopeful energy throughout this poor community. Firstly, education from such a young age results in kindergarten students gaining confidence in reading and writing. Secondly, the rise in ambitions throughout school for a better life and the drive to improve their livelihood. And finally, better working opportunities for more educated young adults. The Widows Fund has so many indirect benefits that is helping mould this community and your donations are to thank for that.

The road that leads to Nurije's house

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Oct 12, 2018
A single mother's survival

By Arbon Osmani | Social Worker at The Ideas Partnership

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