The sunlit daycare center run by the YWCA is a place where the laughter of children and the colors of their drawings come together to create a sense of hope and belonging. Among the many children who find refuge and joy here is Amina, a five-year-old girl who fled the violence and turmoil of her home in Afghanistan.

Amina’s journey to Albania was one marked by uncertainty and fear. Her family had to leave behind everything familiar in search of safety, and arriving in Tirana was like stepping into a new world. The transition was challenging, especially for Amina, who had left behind her friends, her home, and the comfort of routine. The language was different, the culture unfamiliar, and the memories of the past were still fresh and haunting.

When Amina first started attending the YWCA daycare center, she was hesitant and reserved. The world around her felt overwhelming, and she struggled to find her place. The caregivers and educators at the center understood that rebuilding a sense of security and belonging was essential for Amina’s well-being. They greeted her with patience and warmth, ensuring that she felt welcomed and valued.

One of the first ways the daycare center helped Amina adjust was through creative expression. The non-formal education approach used by the teachers gives particular attention to children’s painting and drawing. For Amina, this was more than just an activity; it was a lifeline. The art supplies—bright crayons, paintbrushes, colored pencils, and large sheets of paper and canvas—became tools for her to communicate and express herself when words were difficult. Her drawings started with simple shapes and colors but gradually evolved into more complex images that depicted scenes of beauty and tranquility, a stark contrast to the chaos she had known.

The daycare center also hosted the first art exhibition in June where the children’s artwork was displayed for parents and the community. This initiative was significant for Amina. Her drawings, once private and personal, were celebrated and admired. The exhibitions gave her a sense of accomplishment and pride, reinforcing her self-esteem and encouraging her to engage more with her peers. She began to see herself not just as a refugee child but as an artist and a valued member of the community.

Additionally, the daycare center offered various support services designed to ease the transition for refugee children. Social and emotional support programs were in place to address the trauma many of the children, including Amina, had experienced. These programs provided a safe space for Amina to talk about her feelings and fears, helping her process her experiences and build resilience.

The impact of these services on Amina’s development was profound. Over time, she became more confident and outgoing. She developed friendships with other children, eagerly participated in group games and activities, and her language skills improved steadily. The daycare center’s nurturing environment provided a foundation for Amina to heal and grow, and her artwork became a symbol of her progress and new beginnings.

Amina’s transformation was evident in the way she approached each day with a smile and a sense of curiosity. Her drawings, once a reflection of her past struggles, now showcased her dreams and hopes for the future. Through the care and support provided by the YWCA daycare center, Amina was able to find joy and stability in her new life, a testament to the power of compassion and community in the face of adversity.

 

This story was written as part of the project “Day Care Centers as safe and creative spaces“, implemented by UNICEF Albania with the support of the US Government and in partnership with YWCA of Albania.