First playground for Albania’s Kurbin region brings joy to children

“Play is very important for development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth,” said Enkeleda Lopari, World Vision Albania Program Operations Director, speaking about the opportunities the playground is offering children for the first time.

We didn’t have any place in which to play. We used to play in our home garden, streets or the sidewalks Before the playground was established, the most frequent visitors to the grassy area, almost in the heart of the city, were elderly men who would sit and socialise. Now they will enjoy the laughs and joyful squeals of their grandchildren playing here.

“With this new playground in our city you make our dreams come true,” said ten-year-old Njomeza Talo at the beginning of the inauguration ceremony.

The Local Government, at the appeal of the children of Kurbin, had this playground in its programme plans for several years, but lack of funding meant the playground was only real on paper.

Recognising the importance of giving children a safe place where they can play and socialise, the Local Government asked for World Vision’s help. During several focus group discussions with children organised by World Vision’s Kurbin Area Development Programme (ADP), children expressed their great wish to have a special to play.

“We didn’t have any place in which to play. We used to play in our home garden, streets or the sidewalks,” said ten-year-old Aurel.

World Vision’s Kurbin ADP collaborated with Kids Around the World who specialise in building playgrounds to establish the new Kurbin playground.

In less than a week the volunteers from Kids Around the World, together with some Local Government representatives and World Vision Albania staff built the new children’s playground.

“When we were at the field building the playground, tens of children’s happy and curious faces surrounded us asking whether the playground was for them and whether we were going to leave it in the city forever,” said Luke Cutaj, Kurbin ADP Leadership development & Good Governance Coordinator.

After the opening ceremony the children didn’t waste any time in trying out their special gift.

With this new playground in our city you make our dreams come true “I’m very happy today, because we have a beautiful playground where I can play with my friends,” adds Aurel.

“I will protect the playground from anybody that tries to destroy it”, he added.

The playground not only means children have a safe place in which to play, but it also represents what happens when children’s voices are heard.

“I’m very encouraged today because with this playground you have fulfilled the biggest dream of Kurbin’s children,” said Luigj Isufi, the Mayor of Kurbin.

“We have the responsibility to maintain and develop it into a bigger one, so that all the children of Kurbin will have the chance to enjoy it,” concluded Mr. Isufi.

-Ends-