Relationships begun in the House of Opportunity can remain for many years. Often it’s as simple as regular contact, but sometimes it’s more.
Nardi, Eleonora and Koli at House of Opportunity in 2017.
For many years, the A2B Albania team were involved with a children’s home in Elbasan, “Shtepia e Shpreses” (House of Hope) helping out where they could.
Two brothers who had grown up in the orphanage, Koli and Nardi, were turning eighteen as A2B opened the House of Opportunity in 2017. The timing was good; they joined the programme, and lived and learned together in the Elbasan House for three years before graduating and beginning the next chapter of their lives.
Both have remained in contact with us over the years, and one of them makes annual visits to the House to offer current residents encouragement, and an example of what might be achieved through making the most of the opportunities it provides.
Koli
Koli lives and works in Malta, where he has built a successful professional career as a chef.
Koli comes to Albania about once a year, and during his visits he takes the time to visit House of Opportunity. He often invites the young people and staff for coffee at his home, creating a friendly space for conversation and sharing experiences.
He has a special relationship with the young people at the House and regularly encourages and advises them to wisely use all the opportunities the programme offers them, to invest in their personal and professional development and take responsibility for their future.
Koli is a positive role model for the young people. Through his own professional journey, he shows them that with commitment, hard work, and making good use of the opportunities available, it is possible to build an independent and successful life.
Nardi
Nardi lives and works as a farmer in Greece. Nardi has not returned to Albania since he left many years ago. But despite the distance and the passing of time, he maintains regular contact with us and often expresses his appreciation for the love and care he experienced during his time with us.