The program
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
How you can help
This wonderful program gives vulnerable children access to the support and skills that could help them to achieve a much brighter future. The Community Center program offers them educational tools, support and adult mentors, which would simply be unavailable to them otherwise. Largely forgotten by society, these children and young people are at serious risk of falling through the cracks and becoming disenfranchised. With volunteer assistance however, these young people can learn, be supported and feel a sense of hope towards a better future. There is huge scope for volunteers to bring their own skills and interests to this program in all areas of education, mental, social and physical enrichment. This might include teaching basic English; assisting with computing skills, arranging lessons in art, music or crafts, organizing sporting activities, games and excursions. For volunteers wanting to make a real difference to the future prospects of marginalized children and youth, this program ticks all the boxes.
Volunteers on this project will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Provide education and life-skills lessons
- Organize games, art and other fun educationally based activities
- Supervise sports and playground games
- Provide learning support and assistance
- Provide emotional support and mentorship
- Network with local residents and local project staff
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast prepared in the Volunteer House or eaten out
7:30am Van ride to project site
8:00am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
4:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
4:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
4:30pm Van ride back to accommodation
Evenings Volunteers are welcome to explore the local area or simply relax.
Details on Arrival
Free-time activities
Albania's stunning natural beauty has remained largely undiscovered by international visitors - but not for much longer.
Elbasan is a historic and culturally rich city sitting right at the center of Albania. Volunteering allows time to explore the city and surrounding region and enjoy the history and natural beauty on offer. The program site in Cerrik is an easy 30-minute commute from Elbasan.
Program Requirements
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation
- Weekday lunch included
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Registration Fee included
Upon your arrival in Albania, you will collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a private house in Elbasan with a large, well-equipped kitchen, communal dining area, modern bathrooms, shared rooms split by gender and linen and Wi-Fi provided. A home away from home!
The program site in Cerrik is an easy 30-minute commute from Elbasan. Transport is arranged each day and costs approximately US$2.
Breakfast and dinner are self-catered with lunch provided during the week at the center (included in the program fee). The kitchen is fully equipped to enable volunteers to prepare meals from the comfort of home and restaurants, cafes and eateries are located within easy distance of the house and offer a wide variety of menu choices.
Make sure to sample the specialties unique to the City such as ‘Bugace’ a delicious breakfast roll and ‘Bollokume’, a large sugar cookie.
Program Fees
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