MARCH 2024:
Mission Without Borders has been active in the community of Flaka, a rural area in north-western Albania, since 2007. Roughly 900 people live in the region. Employment prospects are limited, and center around agriculture or low-wage positions in the shoe and tailoring industries.
This has compounded stark gender disparities in the area … women predominantly work in these industries that exploit cheap labor, and face not only meagre wages, but also a lack of social protection and harsh working conditions.
As well, the burden of caring for children and maintaining the household falls predominantly on women – so they find themselves bearing the brunt of responsibilities both inside and outside the home. They find themselves in vulnerable positions, submissive to a patriarchal structure where men wield control over property. Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue, often cloaked in silence due to societal taboos.
Working in partnership with our partner church in Flaka, MWB are committed to supporting families, by helping them break out of poverty, as well as addressing the cycle of domestic violence, working towards its eradication.
FEAR AND DISAPPOINTMENT
Daniela (37) had to leave school at the age of 12 to work, to help support her family. She wanted something different for her own children – but instead found herself living in deep poverty yet again, with seemingly no way out. This time, it felt even worse.
Daniela grew up in southwestern Albania – and eventually married a fellow villager, Armado (41). When they had two children and faced a wall of unemployment, they made the brave choice to relocate in search of a better life.
Daniela and Armado moved to Flaka, but to their disappointment, their problems only continued – but now they were socially isolated, with no one to turn to for help. They struggled to find work and were plagued by fear as to how they would provide even basic necessities such as food and clothing for their children. The couple’s relationship came under strain as a result of the constant stress.
Looking back, Daniela remembers finding it challenging even to smile. She was filled with anger and sadness and felt trapped in a seemingly never-ending cycle of hardship.
Armado said, “As the head of my family, navigating through the challenges of unemployment and meeting our family's needs was a hard task that left me disheartened. Daily disagreements became the norm, and being at home was not something I relished.”
OFFERING HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Everything began to change for the family when MWB was alerted to the family’s struggles.
“It was a sister in Christ who told me about a woman in her neighborhood who was really struggling and asked me if the Mission could help her,” said Arjana, MWB’s family coordinator in Flaka.
“I went to meet Daniela, and she agreed that her family would be enrolled in our Family Sponsorship Program,” Arjana continued.
“At first, she couldn’t understand how some foreign families who live far away could help her family without even knowing them. I explained the values of the Mission and of the Christian families.”
The family began receiving regular visits from Arjana, who spent time with the family, bringing regular food and hygiene items and other necessities, and providing much-needed counselling and emotional support.
Arjana said, “As we gradually invited Daniela to come along to Bible studies and church gatherings, something profound began shifting in her heart and mind. At one meeting, Daniela found herself moved to tears and willingly accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.”