“Join us in helping Albania’s poorest families”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Europe’s forgotten people

Albania’s Recent History: Albania has been one of the world’s most isolated countries, under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire until 1912, fought over by European Powers during WWII they then suffered 46 years of the harshest Communist dictatorship until 1992. The transition from communism to capitalism is not being easy. A decade ago the entire country was decimated by the anarchy that followed the collapse of widespread pyramid investment schemes.

BEFORE: The Lelcaj’s in the North West of Albania outside their old house.

The effect on the Albanian psyche today: people have lost trust in the state, the rule of law and in each other, resulting in everyone being out for themselves. This is seen in the lack of a welfare state, the systemic state corruption and the lack of charitable and voluntary work. Infrastructure is still rudimentary in many parts of the country with running water scarce. Unemployment is very high particularly in rural areas where the land is unproductive forcing many to find low-paid work abroad. The families ICA helps are mostly based in remote mountainous areas where the land is barren and there are few opportunities to make a living. These communities follow a medieval code where women and the disabled are treated as second-class citizens.

Case study: A Roma widow, whose husband died of cancer aged 45, was forced to leave her house as a result of a land dispute a common occurrence after the fall of Communism and now lives in a dank shack by the side of the river with four of her children. The fifth child was kidnapped from school and taken to Italy and forced into prostitution. The mother has to scavenge in the rubbish to find things to eat to feed her family. ICA has given money for daily subsistence and put her son through a cookery course but they urgently need a regular donor.

AFTER: The Lelcaj’s new house built by ICA

ICA’s involvement with families:
Over the past 12 years ICA has helped Albanian families living in mountainous rural areas directly: by building houses, supplying money for medicines, food, vocational courses and operating an advice line that helps around 15,000 people annually. And indirectly: by building two local schools, giving schools and medical centres vital supplies, setting up internet centres and supporting local charities that help the disabled, people with learning difficulties, trafficked and abused women. Since the Kosovan War many international charities have stopped helping Albania.

Case study: A family’s husband, that ICA has been helping since 1991, was shot dead in 2004 caught in the crossfire of a blood feud killing. Blood feuds have resurfaced since the widespread anarchy in the country in 1997. The mother now has no hope of re-marrying and as a woman in a very male-dominated society she has to rely on her only son, Frank, aged eight at the time of her husband’s death, to take charge of family affairs and earn a living. The State gives her just £30 a month to feed herself and her three children which does not go a long way when a pint of milk costs 38p. ICA has been helping them with food, clothing, and medical treatment for the youngest child who has cystic fibrosis who’s photo is on the front of this leaflet.

What you can do: Please help continue and expand this vital work by supporting a family. Taking out a family sponsorship of just £12 a month gives basic food, medicines and supports local community development. If a family requires greater financial support, we allocate two or more sponsors to increase the amount of help they receive. We believe it is important to keep donors and families in close contact so regular updates with photos are sent from Albania, and those that can come with us to Albania on our biennial development tours.

“ Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next-door neighbour... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” — Mother Teresa, who was of Albanian descent

It is estimated that 25% of the population in Albania are living on less than a dollar a day.

Index Mundi 2004

You can also donate directly NOW by credit/debit card online through Givenow.org

Or if you would like to sponsor a family please get in touch:

ICA
CHURCH VIEW
PATNEY
DEVIZES
SN10 3RD

+44 (0)1380 840990
icauk@btopenworld.com
www.ica-uk.co.uk
Registered Charity No.: 1062426

David James

Director