Marginalised Albanian children celebrate first graduation

This was the first time children with disabilities integrated into mainstream schools in Elbasan, District, 45 kilometres from the Albanian capital, Tirana, have graduated; while young adults from a literacy course graduated with a commitment to never again neglect their education.


World Vision staff distributed storybooks as a graduation gift for all students.

This was the first time children with disabilities integrated into mainstream schools in Elbasan, District, have graduated “M is for mama,” said 10-year-old Bledi Mullahu as he was identifying all the letters on the cover of an illustrated book. Bledi and his 13-year-old sister Entela Mullahu – both with special needs – were two of the three graduates to be integrated in the public school for the first time.

“My brother helps me with my homework,” said 10-year old Maringlen Dulja. Another special needs graduate who was able to attend the same first grade class as his younger brother.

Maringlen continued, “I want to be a musician when I grow up.”

Twenty-nine young adults from the literacy course participated in the ceremony. Most of the students were young girls from the ‘Eqyptian’ (also called ‘Roma’) community.

Many factors contribute to high school absenteeism amongst young Roma girls; such as marrying at a young age, poverty and social discrimination. According to a recent World Bank report, ‘Egyptian’ parents tend to remove children from school at early ages, especially girls, fearing they will be kidnapped and sent into prostitution.

Yet, the World Vision sponsored literacy course has transformed both students and their parents. Full corporation and enthusiasm has replaced former feelings of resistance and doubt when the programme was introduced last year.

“I feel responsible and obligated to continue my education,” said 15-year-old Mirsada Gashi. Mirsada dropped out from school when she was in the sixth grade and forgot how to read and write.

“We are looking for opportunity to enroll her in a vocational training next year, in the meanwhile she is participating in the students’ club,” said Ardiana Casa World Vision staff.

Casa continued, “Mirsada’s brother passed away not too long ago, her participation in a graduation during this mourning period tells us how serious she is about her education.”

All Albanian children who finish the first grade have a party to celebrate their accomplishment of the ‘ABC’ book. The children can recognise all the letters, read, write and are ready to move on to second grade reading materials.

Many factors contribute to high school absenteeism amongst young Roma girls; such as marrying at a young age, poverty and social discrimination. World Vision plans to work with the graduates of the literacy course to pursue higher or vocation education.

World Vision provides physiotherapy assistance to more than 300 children in six communes of Elbasan district. Last year, Word Vision supported the training of parents and teachers on how to educate children with special needs; the organisation is continuing to provide assistance to children with disabilities under ‘Different but Equal’ project in Elbasan.