For April we have partnered with an amazing charity, Shpresa Programme who were nominated by one of our amazing customers! Shpresa Programme (Shpresa) is a charity that promotes the participation and contribution of Albanian-speaking refugees and migrants in the UK.
In the early 1990s, many people from Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia fled persecution, with some seeking asylum in the UK. The fall of communism in Albania in 1991, and the political conflict in the Balkans (especially the war between the Serbian state and Kosovans from 1997) led to huge violations of human rights across many communities in Albania and Kosovo.
Shpresa is a story of some incredible women, struggling themselves with their new life in the UK, making their own way successfully and then being determined to use this experience to help their fellow community members.
Formed in 28th November 2002 and registered as a charity in 2005, Shpresa Programme (Shpresa) promotes the integration – with dignity – of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK. They provide and facilitate education and training so that their members and service users can live full and active roles within their communities.
Running several outreach programmes, Shpresa focuses on social injustices such as modern day slavery, trafficking and gender based violence and helps those in need find their way in the UK by working along side local authorities.
“In Albania you have to accept domestic violence as part of the culture. You do not have any support, any encouragement to talk about it. Whereas here we are aware that there are ways of becoming safe and not living in a violent relationship.”
Shpresa service user who was trafficked from Albania.
This is an incredible charity born out of adversity! 10% of every sale during April will be going to supporting them so that they can continue to do amazing things in the lives of children, women and families who have either fled persecution or been trafficked to the UK.
To nominate your favourite small charity for us to support, get in touch here.
