Behind the scenes, a steady stream of international volunteers and short-visit teams are making a huge difference to A2B’s work in Albania.
A2B Albania benefits from practical support given by friends in many nations. Much of this support comes in the form of visits by teams of volunteers to assist with regular and extra activities for the children that A2B serve. These visits begin as early as March and go through the summer, when the support is especially valued as A2B organises camps and clubs for children from poor families during the long school break.
This year has been typically busy. So far, A2B has welcomed teams from Egypt, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and the UK. Each team gave in their own unique way. The Swiss team helped with digital training and brought IT equipment. The Dutch team delivered sports gear and ran games across different projects. And the team from Egypt brought hands-on help and a lot of encouragement. The Germans supported the activities at the kindergarten in the Roma community of Peqin. The Irish came to work specifically with A2B’s staff and Albanian volunteers. UK visitors came to encourage and support A2B’s leadership.
These groups, mostly church-affiliated, don’t usually give money, but what they do bring is just as valuable: laptops, footballs, technical know-how, and basic essentials that are hard to find locally.
Over the years, A2B has been blessed with so many donated items that it now has a small warehouse where everything is stored until it’s needed. It’s full of beds, toys, mattresses, sports equipment, clothes, and household supplies – most of which have come from generous friends across Europe. Having this warehouse means items don’t have to be given out in a rush. Instead, the team can respond when families are in crisis, or when a child or grandparent needs something specific – and give with dignity.
For example, the Dutch team regularly brings high-quality sports supplies, which can then be distributed throughout the year across to the different centres. It’s one of the reasons the children in A2B’s programmes are still playing with proper footballs, not plastic bags tied with string!
As Alketa, director of A2B Albania puts it, “Each of these teams is a blessing – they bring things we can’t afford to buy, but which make such a big difference.”
It’s great to see people working together, across borders, languages, and cultures, to bring practical help and encouragement where and when it’s needed most.
