Every Small Step is a Big Victory

Andi* is a 10-year-old boy, full of curiosity and dreams. He lives in Bathore, Kamza, together with his parents, brother and younger sister. Since birth, Andi has faced developmental challenges, especially in communication and speech skills. Despite the difficulties he faces, his desire to express his thoughts, feelings, and inner world never stops.

Most of his day is spent in the nearby school, where he learns, grows, and sees opportunities to move forward. Whenever Andi manages to build longer sentences and express himself with more confidence, he rushes to showcase it to his classmates.

The social services department in the municipality of Kamza, which takes care of many children and families in similar situations, identified the needs of Andi and his family. The long distance from the multifunctional center in Valias was a major obstacle, because it made it difficult for the young boy to regularly attend therapy. Thanks to the inclusion in the sub-grant scheme of the EU program for Social Care, the Municipality of Kamza in cooperation with the “Së Bashku” Foundation created an opportunity for Andi to benefit from speech therapy in his own home, in a safe environment and near his mother who supports him every step of the way.

The project staff adapted the schedules and days of therapy so that they were easy for Andi and his mother to follow. After only three months of regular work with his therapist Klara, the changes are visible. Andi manages to build longer sentences, speak more clearly and concentrate more during the sessions. He has started to show greater interest in exercises and activities, providing new evidence every day that progress is possible when there is the right support.

In the family, Andi is not alone. He has an older brother and a younger sister. Like any child, they sometimes fight over toys, but his bond with his sister is special - she is his best friend and biggest helper. Whenever Andi faces difficulties, his sister is there to help him and make him feel included. The father is the only one who works to provide for the family's income, while the mother stays with the children day and night, providing them with love, patience and endless devotion.

Andi's mother often says with pride: “Every small step is a big victory for us.” And this sentence best sums up his journey. For a child like Andi, every new word uttered, every sentence constructed with clarity, is an achievement that brings him closer to his dreams.

When we ask him about his future and his dreams, Andi has only one seemingly simple, but very beautiful dream: to build a big house where he can live together with his mom, dad, brother and sister. Because for him, happiness is not measured by objects or materials, but by the love and closeness of the family.

The project "Mobile Services for Vulnerable Communities in Kamza" is implemented by the Kamza Municipality and the "Sё Bashku" Foundation, through the #EU4SocialCare program, funded by the European Union. #EU4SocialCare is implemented by UNICEF Albania and World Vision Albania, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

*The person's name has been changed to protect his identity.