My story

Born in Peja under the protection of a safe house, Benjamin entered the world in circumstances no child should have to face. His mother, fleeing physical and verbal abuse from her husband, found shelter just in time to bring him into a safer environment. Sadly, during this difficult period, custody of Benjamin’s older brother was awarded to their grandmother, as his mother was unable to secure stable housing. Today, Benjamin is a vibrant, loving little boy who lights up every room he enters. He will be celebrating his fourth birthday on June 18th — a milestone his mother dreams of marking with hope rather than fear. However, they are now facing overwhelming financial hardship. Without access to stable employment as she must care for Benjamin full-time, his mother struggles each month to cover their rent and meet even their most basic needs. Additionally, Benjamin’s mother is coping with the lasting trauma of the violence she survived, battling PTSD while striving to provide a safe, nurturing home for her son.

Benjamin is supported by impact partner Kosovo stichting de Brug

What does a day look like: The children supported by Project Held in Kosovo live in extreme poverty. During the day they go to school and they also help in and around the house with chores and in the winter they help to find wood to heat the house. The smallest children don't go to school yet. Project information: The project in Kosovo of which your sponsor child is a part was founded in 1999 by the De Brug foundation. The Bridge is active in the southwest of Kosovo, in the region around the city of Gjakova. This area was the hardest hit during the war. The project helps children and widows who have lost their father/husband during the war. Single women who can hardly keep their heads above water are also helped. School costs in Kosovo are relatively high, which means that children are often unable to go to school. The project provides textbooks and other school costs, so that the children can go to school and have hope for a better future. The widows receive support and are provided with food parcels, clothing and medication. Your support provides your sponsor child with food, school and teaching materials and medical care, so that the children have a great future perspective and they can realize their dream.