Breaking the Cycle: A Family’s Journey to Learning
Empowering an Albanian Family to Build a Brighter Future Through Learning15th July 2025
From Mountain Hardship to City Struggles
The Mulaku family once lived in deep poverty in a remote mountain village in Albania - far from schools, hospitals, or even the hope of stable work.
In search of a better life, Shpresa and her husband Musa moved with their five children to the outskirts of Durrës. Though closer to opportunity, life remained hard. They built their home on an ex-swamp area prone to flooding. Work was scarce. Musa, trained in agronomy, was unemployed and developed serious health issues. Shpresa worked tirelessly in a tailoring factory until her eyesight failed, and she was declared unfit to work.
When Mission Without Borders first met the family in 2014, their home was unfinished, their income barely existent, and their future uncertain.
“There were five children needing care,” said MWB staff member Kostandin. “Only the mother was working - and even then, the income was not enough.”
Step by Step, a Family Transformed
Through family sponsorship, the Mulakus began receiving essential support: food, clothing, emotional care, and education programs. Musa recalls,
“When I realised how much the sponsorship was going to help us, I began to breathe again.”
The 2019 earthquake and the 2020 pandemic brought fresh hardship, their house was damaged, and the family had to sleep outside for days, but MWB stood by them, offering practical help and emotional support.
As the children grew, they joined English and computer courses, attended summer camps and Christian activities, and gained the confidence to dream of a better life.
Later, as the family transitioned out of the sponsorship program, their children were offered scholarships through MWB’s educational support initiative. It changed everything.
The Next Generation Rises
Today, thanks to these scholarships:
Jonela, 25, is studying law.
Jerida, 23, is completing her Master’s in English.
Misiana, 18, has started her studies in English.
Vesa, 16, is attending a foreign language high school in Tirana.
Bajram, the eldest son, is training in auto-electronics.
Endri, 8, is excelling in school, following in his siblings’ footsteps
Musa added with emotion:
“My children can receive an education thanks to you. Shpresa and I never had the financial means, though we’ve always known how vital education is.”
Help More Families Break the Cycle of Poverty
Through family sponsorship and scholarships, Mission Without Borders walks with families for the long journey, from survival to hope to self-sufficiency.
“This family is a living example of full transformation,” said Kostandin. “They’ve gone from deep poverty to growing stronger every day. Their gratitude is written in their eyes.”
