On Mother’s Day A2B organised a series of special events for women in the Roma communities of Elbasan, Peqin and Rrogozhinё. One of the events in particular turned out to be very special indeed.
Peqin
The Mother’s Day celebration in the Early Years Centre of Another Life Peqin was especially touching and meaningful. Many of the women who attended were mothers and grandmothers caring for children who have been abandoned or neglected due to alcoholism, family breakdown, or domestic violence.
Under the guidance of A2B staff and the pastor of a local church, the women gathered together for a special time of sharing, encouragement and prayer. The celebration concluded with a pizza lunch shared together with the children.
For many of these women, this was the first time anyone had cared for them in such a loving and intentional way – being surrounded with dignity, and genuine compassion. Moments like these are a reminder of how important it is to create spaces where vulnerable women can feel valued, supported, and not alone.
Rrogozhinё
Fewer parents attended the Mother’s Day event here. Many families initially did not believe they would be welcomed or treated well, and some had never even been to a restaurant before. Despite these challenges, hearts are opening slowly and trust is being built, bringing a new spirit of cooperation within the community. Progress is slow, but it is steady and hopeful.
Elbasan
Women from families supported at AL Elbasan, which opened in 2012, recently demonstrated how we hope the community in Rrogozhinё will develop.
One lady at the meeting had very recently been severely abused by her alcoholic husband. Many women in these poorer communities are dependent on their husband’s income so are reluctant to report spousal beatings and abuse to the police. Despite the fact that he was the family’s only source of income, this young mum found the courage to report the violence. The other mothers immediately responded with compassion and solidarity by collecting food, clothing, and basic necessities for her and her three young daughters.
This moment showed how the family-oriented component of the Early Years programme that A2B is running at our “Another Life” centres is helping to build a supportive community where women stand for one another and take action when one of them needs help. A2B is committed to remaining a place of refuge and support for mothers and their children in difficult and often dangerous situations.
