This amazing program places volunteers in a Community Centre program in Elbasan, one hour south of the country’s capital city, Tirana. Run by a non-governmental agency, the program provides essential educational and social support to children from minority groups, particularly those from Roma backgrounds who are discriminated against in Albanian society. Children from Roma communities suffer racial segregation and neglect in terms of both economic and social aspects of life in Albania. Discrimination is widespread against this group and these children suffer from inadequate education and health care, resulting in high levels of illiteracy, poor health and little hope for economic betterment. Whilst international initiatives are in place to improve the lives of Roma minorities, there has not been any discernible progress to date. This program is a step in the right direction, and needs willing volunteers to help them achieve meaningful change for these vulnerable children and youth.
Goals of this Project:
· Provide free education and life skills lessons to marginalized children and youth
· Improve the future prospects of some of Albania’s most impoverished youth, and help them to break the poverty cycle
· Expose marginalized youth to a whole new world of education and help them discover a love for learning
· Expose participating children and volunteers to new people and cultures and enable cross-cultural understanding
Here's why more and more people are choosing to become a LOVE VOLUNTEER!
Need - We work directly with local charities on grass-roots community development projects. Our focus is on providing support where it is really needed - not holidays! We keep volunteer numbers at sustainable levels to meet the needs of each project - not to increase revenue!
Impact - By becoming a Love Volunteer you are saying to the world that you are a REAL volunteer and your focus is on supporting people and communities in need. You're not just a tourist and your goals include much more than selfies and hangovers. Your contribution with LV will be real and measurable. You will change lives, and one of them will be your own!
Safety - Your safety is our top priority. We have personally visited and regularly audit all of our projects and accommodations so you can rest assured that your needs will be met, whilst getting the most out of your experience.
Support - With dedicated in-country teams, you know you will have 24/7 support right there when you need it - guaranteed! From simply questions to hospital trips, we will ensure you are supported throughout your placement.
Communication - We pride ourselves in our reputation as always being available when you need us, dealing with your questions quickly, and being prompt with all communications. We are here to help you help the world!
Value - We strive to make volunteering abroad affordable and accessible to everyone. Our program fees are lower, our registration fees are lower - and we encourage you to compare!
Security - We have placed thousands of international volunteers in meaningful voluntary service projects around the world. We have the experience and the reputation, so you know you are in good hands!
Friendship - One of the benefits of volunteering is that you'll meet new people and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. This is one of the true benefits of volunteering and we encourage you to make the most of the unique opportunity to develop these cross-cultural friendships.
Free time - We realize that everyone needs a break and encourage our volunteers to have a look around where and when possible. All you need to do is let us know what you want to do and we will do our very best to make it happen for you!
