Bethany Social Services: Albania/Kosovo Report ... - Milika Dhamo

Bethany Albania
After the fall of communism
in 1990, Bethany
Christian Services
International partnered with
the Albanian government
to care for children living
in the Tirana orphanage. In
1994, Bethany, together with
churches and supporters,
constructed two “Transitional
Group Homes” designed to
care for children waiting for
their “forever families.” Today,
the Transitional Group Homes
provide shelter and care for 50
children between the ages of
birth and four years old.
Transitional Group Homes
Bethany Social Services Albania (BSSA) staff and volunteers work
with government staff to provide the children with quality care. Caregivers
and volunteers strive to facilitate cognitive and social development
of the children through play, craft projects, recitation, etc.
To complement such activities, the Transitional Group Homes have
been thoughtfully decorated and supplied to make them both comfortable
and cognitively stimulating. There are murals on the walls
of Rozafa House, and the Homes also contain children’s books in
Albanian and many developmental toys. One volunteer group built
a castle-themed video entertainment center. In 2003, a child-sized
kitchen/living room, complete with food, Albanian cradles, dolls, and
dress-up hats was completed.
International
Adoptions - 21
Currently in
Homes - 47
Albanian
Adoptions - 28
David Harmon decorating the Christmas
tree with Kristina
Returned to
Birth Home - 13
Moved to Other
Institutions - 23