Caritas Albania

Caritas Albania is a charitable organisation that works to improve the quality of life of the poorest and most needy people in Albania.  It was founded in 1993 and is recognised by the Albanian State. Caritas Albania is a member of Caritas International, the worldwide network of Catholic relief organisations.

The isolation of the country for more than 50 years, contributed to the centralisation of every aspect of the economy. Therefore, the main social class was that of the working class, survived on a very low income. A very large amount of people found themselves without a source of income after the collapse of communism. Farmers did not own anything as their wealth was confiscated by the state. People were in need to overcome the situation created. Under these circumstances, Caritas decided to open an office in Albania to reach and help people in the whole territory.

Caritas Albania consists of five specialized functional departments, each implementing projects and providing expertise in their own subject area.  These are: the Health Department, the Social Department, the Anti-Trafficking and Women’s Empowerment Department, the Finance Department and the Fundraising Department.  By using the Albanian Catholic Church’s unique network of parishes, churches, clergy and religious communities, Caritas Albania is able to bring about positive change in all areas of Albania, from the biggest cities to the most remote rural communities.  Through training and development of individuals in the public and voluntary sectors, Caritas ensures long-term, sustainable improvements in the quality of life of the Albanian people.

All activities managed by Caritas Albania over the past 16 years have been carried out in close co-operation with volunteers and donors.  The common goal of these activities is based on core values of love, compassion and solidarity with those in need. But relief and assistance is delivered on the basis of need, regardless of religious belief, ethnicity or social status. Caritas Albania, manages, develops and builds social institutions and initiatives such as schools, health centres, hospitals, roads, bridges, water supply systems, shelters, schools and social centres for children, young people, and groups in need, such as seriously families with ill children and trafficked women.

Caritas Albania seeks to be present in the immediate aftermath of civil emergencies and natural catastrophes, providing essential services and help to those who most need it.  This has included some of the most difficult periods in Albania’s recent history: the collapse of the communist regime from 1990 to 1992; civil unrest following the failure of fraudulent pyramid investment schemes from 1997 to 1998; and the Kosovo refugee crisis from 1998 to 1999.  Caritas also assists people affected by floods, people in rural communities cut off by snow and other victims of natural or man-made disasters, such as the munitions depot explosion at Gerdec in March 2008.

Our mission is achieved by working in close collaboration with our dioceses: Tirane-Durres, Rreshen, Shkoder, Sapa, Lezhe and Jug. Due to the group efforts we have been able to cover the major part of the Albanian territory.