Welcome to AlYateem - Your Gateway to Lighting up an Orphans Life
Flag of Albania Albania

Map of Albania

Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries. For 45 years Albania was cut off from the outside world, but in 1991 the dictatorship finally came to an end.

A decade of chaos followed. Struggling with its new democracy, Albania saw the rapid rise and fall of leaders, widespread unemployment, a breakdown in public services, riots and looting.

Another crisis arose in 1999, when nearly half a million Kosovan refugees fled into Albania, placing a greater strain on its already fragile economy.

Unemployment is a huge problem in Albania. With an uncertain future in their own country, most young people are eager to leave. Many have left the country, ending up in illegal employment abroad.

» Country Statistics «
Official Name: Republika e Shqipërisë
(Republic of Albania)
Capital: Tirana
Population: 3.58 million (2006)
Population Projection: 3.78 million (2010)
Languages: Albanian, Greek
Life Expectancy: 72 years
Infant Mortality: 20.75 out of 1,000 births
Literacy Rate: Male - 86.5% | Female - 79.5%
Gross National Product: US$ 2.71 billion (1996)
(US$ 820 per capita)

Islamic Relief in Albania

Islamic Relief has been operating in Albania since 1992 and was one of the first international NGOs to operate in the country. Islamic Relief main focus is on education and orphans activities.

The IR office in Tirana was registered in April 1992. IR also has a field office in Shkodre in the north.

Orphans' Programme

Islamic Relief has implemented the Orphans Sponsorship Programme across the main regions of Albania since 1993, Peshkopia, Kavaja and Elbasan, and Vlora, as well as in Tirana, Shkodra and Pogradec. The last three geographical areas are those where IR is currently implementing the programme. The main focus of the programme is now in Shkodra.

Since its inception in 1993, an estimated 1,500 orphans have benefited from the sponsorship scheme and other activities organized for them. These activities include seasonal projects such as summer camps, school bags distribution and Ramadhan and Qurbani programmes, as well as annual healthcare and medical checkups.

As well as the seasonal projects, there has also been an Orphans Education Project (OEP) running since September 2001. Some of the courses taught include English, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Computing, Sewing and Cooking during the summer.

Case Studies
  • Building the Foundation

    Dritan is 9 years old and lives in the house with his mother, 11 year old brother and 15 year old sister...

Click here to sponsor orphan Donate to Orphans' General Fund