This former warehouse, converted to a refugee center during the Balkan wars, looks abandoned and dilapidated.  But walking in you realize that this building is home to 22 families, including many children. Garbage is everywhere, toilets are broken and filthy beyond imagination and in the corridors young children share the sparsely available play space with countless rats.

In Albania, just like in most European countries, the Romani people occupy the lowest place in the society. Being excluded from society, because of their language, looks and lack of education, many resort to begging to survive.

The main challenges facing the Romani in Albania are:

Their low educational level makes integration in the society a serious problem.
High unemployment causes extreme poverty and hinders progress.
The position of women in the Roma culture can cause problems with their adopted country.

Convoy of Hope Europe adopted this small community and together with Calvary Church, Toledo, Ohio, and the community leaders are attempting to make Grumbillini a better place to live.

To do so we are attempting to accomplish the following:

• Clean and repair the building making it a safe and comfortable place to live.
• Enroll children in school, preparing for high school and university.
• Create opportunities for adults to provide for their families
• Improve the position of women.

Second Phase

First Phase