In Gjirokaster, Help Roma Children Stay in School

Meet Danjel and Bajram.

In our last update, we introduced you to Bajram (pronounced Bai-ram), a young boy in our after-school program in Gjirokastër. If you missed it, Bajram once dreamed of going to school, but his mother wasn’t sure how to make that possible. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our team, Bajram is now well into his first year of school—and loving every moment of it.

But today, we want to share the story of Bajram’s older brother, Danjel (Daniel).

Danjel is nine years old and also attends school while participating in our after-school program. However, there are days when he can’t make it—not because he doesn’t want to, but because he has another responsibility: caring for his 2-year-old brother.

Their mother, struggling to provide for her family, often spends her days collecting scrap metal to earn whatever she can. With no other childcare options, Danjel must stay home, missing school and activities, to care for his little brother.

When I first heard this, I was shocked. Having grown up in the United States, the idea of a 9-year-old taking on such a responsibility felt unimaginable. But for many families we work with, this is the reality. Survival often means making difficult sacrifices—like a child missing school so his family can afford food.

This is not an isolated story. Many children in the Roma community we serve face similar challenges, navigating a world vastly different from what many of us know. Their resilience is incredible, but their struggles are real.

This is why we continue to do what we do—because every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.

If you'd like to continue to support this project and help children in the same situation, please consider donating HERE.