Opening the way to pursue dreams

Vanesa, 23, grew up with her family in the ex-swamp area of Durres, Albania. In this poor community there are makeshift houses, a lack of amenities, and frequent floods that spread pollution.

Vanesa’s parents both struggled with serious health issues and financial difficulties – and there were times when it seemed unlikely that Vanesa would be able to finish school. Yet despite the challenges, she refused to let poverty define her future.

Years ago, when her family were first enrolled in Mission Without Borders’ family sponsorship program, they were living in a small house with very little furniture and barely enough income to cover daily necessities.

Her father, Dashi, often struggled to find stable work and sometimes collected iron scrap to sell in order to provide for the family. Her mother, Mirela, suffered from facial nerve paralysis, which made it difficult for her to find employment. With children still attending school, the family constantly feared they would not be able to continue their education.

Vanesa with her family.

But even during the hardest seasons, Vanesa carried a quiet determination inside her, using the opportunities offered by Mission Without Borders.

The Mission supported her family with regular food and hygiene products, advice and friendship, prayer and educational support.

After graduating from vocational high school in culinary studies, Vanesa made a life-changing decision. She decided to study nursing.

Ever since I was little, I witnessed my parents not receiving proper care in hospitals and health centres. Medical staff often seemed to wait for bribes before they would offer treatment, but my parents had no money. It was painful to see them not receiving the care they needed, and to feel so helpless to do anything.”

Through the support of the Mission’s scholarship project, Vanesa was able to begin university studies in nursing, an opportunity that gradually transformed not only her own life, but the atmosphere of hope within her family as well.

Today, after successfully completing her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Vanesa is continuing her Master’s studies in Surgical Nursing. Alongside her studies, she’s also preparing for the national ‘Nurse for Albania’ government exam, which would allow her to work in Albania’s public healthcare institutions.

Vanesa at work in the hospital.

Mission Without Borders family coordinator Kostandin Vasilini has witnessed the family’s journey closely over the years.

“Vanesa’s story is a powerful example of what happens when determination meets opportunity. When we first met this family, they were struggling with survival and uncertainty. Today, Vanesa is preparing for a professional career in healthcare and becoming a source of hope for her entire family and especially for her sister,” he said.

Her younger sister, Sonila, who is now 15 years old and attending her first year of high school, says that Vanesa has inspired her to dream bigger for her own future.

For their mother, Mirela, Vanesa’s journey represents an answer to years of worry and prayer.

“There were moments when life felt very difficult. I couldn’t continue my education beyond compulsory school because my family couldn’t support me,” Mirela said. “My husband had the same life experience. We both came from poor families, and when we got married, we continued to struggle with poverty.

“But through the support we received from the Mission and the sponsors and God’s help, we kept moving forward. Now, watching Vanesa study and pursue her dream fills my heart with joy.”

Dashi, Vanesa’s father, speaks emotionally about seeing his daughter move toward a future he once feared would be impossible.

“As parents, we always wanted our children to have a better life than ours,” he said. “Even when we had very little, Vanesa never stopped believing in her future. Now we are so proud to see her becoming a nurse.”

You can help more students striving to create better future for themselves through education with a gift supporting scholarships.