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In Albania, disputes known as blood feuds have a long history. Tragically, they still affect families all over the country today, and can span generations, including children who had nothing to do with the original insult or murder. Many families throughout northern regions are unable to leave their homes as their lives would be in danger.
The project "Your smile makes us happy" is the result of a study done in 2017-2018 in six districts of the country by teacher Liljana Luani and her staff of teachers and psychologists. It brought to light the essential need for help for the families involved in the blood feuds. These families suffer many consequences including lack of freedom, lack of basic education, healthcare and employment which can result in a severe economic circumstances meaning that a significant number of these families live in complete poverty.
Impact
Liljana and her team travel the regions to provide teaching and teaching materials to the children who are unable to leave the house, distribute food parcels to those in need, organise medical appointments where necessary, create employment opportunities for some of the women and girls affected, and organise cultural visits and excursions. They have also set up a summer camp for the children which has contributed to their cultural and social development and gives hope for a better future.
The staff of teachers and psychologists have developed special part-time teaching for children of different ages, based on the school curricula approved by the relevant educational institutions, adapting to the specific situation of each child.
Liljana and her team wish to extend their project "Your smile makes us happy" for 2023 but to do that they need your help.
The project will provide 60 children in the Shkodra region with teaching assistance, psychological treatment and career guidance, economic assistance to families, cultural and social activities, online teaching and gift distribution.
The goal of the project is to provide education, psycho-social assistance and career guidance for children with medical problems, orphans and children in extreme poverty, and children facing physical violence, neglect and exploitation.
