Ilir's story

He lives in one of Tirana’s poorest neighborhoods , mostly inhabited by Roma and Gypsy people. Dressed in old but always clean clothes, Ilir, a 12 year old boy, goes to the socio-educative centre every day, no matter if it is hot, rainy or frosty weather. He is a friendly child with a calm manner, always willing to help the centre’s younger children and social-educators during their morning activities. It was not always like that.

Ilir was taken against his will to Greece, when he was 4 year old, by his father and another man, whom he refers to as 'Uncle'. Ilir, together with his brothers and younger sister, was forced to beg in the streets of Athens every day regard-less of the weather. The 'Uncle' taught him how to play the accordion. He played in bars, train stations or on the street until late at night, for years. "I often slept in the streets… travelled a lot … was exhausted, and it was the ‘Uncle’ that collected the money, I did it to support my family…".

As a result of his long stay in the streets and the hard physical labour, when Ilir was 5, he suffered from a very severe cold and was hospitalized. But his recovery only meant a return to street life. "After leaving the hospital I felt rather weak… I was ill quite often". Now he suffers from a chronic respiratory infection and this has also damaged his hearing. Ilir and his family were forced by the police to leave Greece and thus returned to Albania. Though he was 9 years old, he had never been to school and hardly spoke Albanian.

With SCiA and the centre’s support, his life is very different now. He is involved in the centre’s School-Integration Programme, was provided with basic education and was helped to qualify and to be enrolled in the mainstream school. His parents as well are helped with food support and are included in regular discussion groups on issues such as child trafficking, domestic violence, health and hygiene.

Ilir has learned to read and write. He is currently attending the second grade of the primary school. He is capable of completing his school tasks on his own. He actively participates in all educational and extracurricular activities that the centre organizes. Ilir communicates openly and has many friends. He still plays accordion, but for his own pleasure as he sings along with friends. His only concern is being a lot older than his classmates and bigger.
"… I really like going to school…. I learn so many new things there and I have a lot of friends". He has his own dream: "when I grow up I want to be a musician."