Following the celebrations of Independence Day yesterday, today is yet another day of festivities. The 29th of November ( ‘Dita e Clirimit’) is celebrated in Albania as the day that the country was liberated from Nazi Germany during World War II. Italy invaded Albania on April 7th 1939 and assumed control of the country. Mussolini, […]
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For those that do not know why their social media feeds are full of Albanian flags and patriotic comments, today is the anniversary of Albanian Independence. On the 28th of October 1912, the Declaration of Independence or Shpalija e Pavaresise was created and signed in Vlore. After it was signed, 83 leaders in the […]
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During 2018, 16 women and girls lost their lives as victims of domestic violence. The CRCA believes that responsibility lies at the hands of Municipalities who should be providing more community services for family empowerment and conflict resolution. Being a woman or girl in Albania has become a serious risk to life. 16 women and […]
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A few months ago, I told you the story of a young Albanian man, a teacher, and someone that dedicated their time and energy to rebuild a dilapidated school in Skrapar. After visiting the school and observing that the students took their lessons, huddled under umbrellas as the elements penetrated the old school building, Donald […]
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So, after last weeks win for Albania against the Welsh national football team (and a very angry Gareth Bale), and as the only Welsh girl living in Albania, I thought it might be interesting to share a few facts about Wales and the Welsh. When I say I am half-Welsh, many people (outside of the […]
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This article was originally written by me and published on Exit.al Two weeks ago, we reported on allegations lodged against Nashi Shehapi, the Director of Kindergarten No.1. Since then, whilst the prosecution has failed to carry out even a basic investigation and Ms Shehapi retains her role, we have been very busy. Upon further investigation of […]
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When I first came to Albania, I had a lot of mixed responses from people I knew. Some were curious, some were intrigued, others were downright misguided. There are many unjust preconceptions floating around about Albania, these are the ones I have come across in the last year, and this is why I believe they […]
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Having been an expat for most of my adult life, I have become quite acquainted with the nuances of the community. From the drunken pensioners to the people running away from something, the life-long gap year students and the international English teachers- I have come across every type, and probably been one or two of […]
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There is a deep, dark secret in Albania that not many people talk about and that is the issue of human trafficking. I have lived here for over one year and whilst people talk quite openly about domestic violence, corruption, drugs, and other issues, no one wants to talk about human trafficking. According to […]
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One day, whilst browsing on Facebook I came across a beautiful pair of earrings that I knew I just had to have. Crafted out of paper and varnished to harden them, they reminded me of the way I use to draw flowers as a child. I contacted the individual who made them, we met for […]
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