Widows Fund Fushe Kosova

   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.