She stopped begging and has a chance for a new beginning

10 year-old Ani, was used to begging. When she joined our programme all she wanted to do was fight and demand money. Now, she has changed to a child who enjoys new friends, likes to take part and is eager to learn.

Living in a terribly poor district of the capital Tirana, Ani’s alcoholic father died when she was 2. Her mother and her older sisters are unemployed and earn their living by begging. Ani’s cousin and little brother beg or pass their time searching the rubbish bins for recyclables. Her mother is abusive and violent with children and doesn’t show any interest in looking after or caring for them.

In mid 2006, Ani’s mother was finally persuaded to let Ani come to the Save the Children supported Social and Educative and Integration centre (SECI) which works to support children from abuse and trafficking.

When she first arrived, Ani’s behaviour was extremely challenging. She was violent with other children, hitting them during lessons and swearing at teachers. She couldn’t read or write in Albanian and could only speak Roma language. She was extremely possessive, lied all the time and couldn’t keep herself clean.

The social workers and teachers at the centre understood she was disoriented, and gently worked with her, showing patience, care and understanding.
Now, Ani has changed completely. She is not aggressive anymore but a friendly girl. She likes to learn the alphabet and can count up to ten.

She is fond of drawing and recites and sings beautifully. She loves her friends and likes to play and stay with them. Most importantly she is about to apply for school. Without the centre she would not have stayed or been allowed to stay in mainstream school. Now she has the chance of a future like other children.