In Gjirokaster, Help Roma Children Stay in School

The southern Albanian city of Gjirokastër is a hotspot tourist destination. Nicknamed the City of Stone because of how most of the buildings are constructed, the city sits on the side of a mountain allowing for breathtaking views around each corner. Narrow, cobblestone streets snake their way through the old town with shops and restaurants tucked in places you’d never expect. Tourists come from all over Europe, as well as overseas, to walk these streets under the shadow of a fortress from the 12^th century BC.

But there’s another side of Gjirokastër that the typical tourist doesn’t see. And it’s that part of the city where we at Nehemiah Gateway focus our work.

On the opposite side of the fortress from the popular old town, you find neighborhoods in which many of the people live in poor conditions. Homes that are so dilapidated, many of them use large tarps as a roof. It feels odd to say, but some of the nicer homes look more like tents, with four solid walls without holes and a new tarp sitting on top.

Many of the children that attend our program in Gjirokastër come from these exact homes – or homes just like them. After school each day they are picked up and brought to our center for the after-school program which includes lunch and a study hall time. You would never be able to tell from their giant smiles and their constant giggling that these children are often sleeping on large piles of clothes under a tarp roof. But it is the unfortunate reality.

Thankfully, with your help and donations, we are able to provide a better environment for them for a few hours every day. As well as bring food packages and other help to their families. If you would like to support, this project is ongoing, and you can donate HERE.

Warmly,

James Leithart

Communications Director, NG USA