Marilda Gusmari is a 39-year-old widow living in Durres, Albania. As the head of the household, she struggles to provide for two daughters, Nidia and Joris, due to the worsening economic situation. 

During Ramadan, Marilda wants to let her family experience the harmony and pleasure of the blessed month. But for families like hers struggling with poverty or food insecurity, it’s not easy to fulfil.

Living Under Unstable Conditions 

“We live in such a tough condition. Our income is very low. I’m the only breadwinner in the family. Maintaining good health and consuming a nutritious diet is a challenge for us.

“With our economic problems, my sister Erisa has helped us as much as she can. She sometimes brings us meals and dishes she cooks for her family. Often, we are invited to Iftars by her family. She always tries to think about us. But even her economic conditions are not too good either.” 

Recovering from Disaster

“Our house was affected by the earthquake of 2019. The building was structurally damaged and was declared uninhabitable by the government. This building had about 150 families once. Today, only two families live (here).  

“Our lives are in danger, we live on the 10th floor. We fear that next time it will fall again. This would be fatal for my two daughters. 

“I tried to live in a rented house a year ago, but the money was not enough for our basic needs. My salary is minimal, and it does not meet our needs for food and education of the girls. 

“When I am not able to provide food for my daughters, I feel very emotional. I don’t want to fail in meeting basic nutritional needs for these two. The food doesn’t last very long, but when I have it it is a very welcome relief from my daily worries. It’s painful to realise you are not able to give your children a festive Ramadan. However, I will always find a way to provide for my little family, insha’Allah.” 

How Your Donations Have Helped  

Islamic Relief’s Ramadan project has been implemented in Albania since 1994 and remains ongoing. Our teams on the ground work hard to make Ramadan, the Holiest Month of the Year, enjoyable. Even for the poor families and frustrated social families through food package distribution. 

Each food package contains staples such as flour, rice, sugar, oil, beans, dates and pasta. This distribution method allows families that benefit to get the food and prepare it in the way they like. These food packs also provide families with enough food for a month, enabling them to celebrate Ramadan like other Muslim families. 

“I am struggling for my family not to deal with hunger, but with your help we are able to keep up.  I was blessed with the support of your organisation.”

Marilda’s Family and Islamic Relief

“My children have been rightsholders in some projects that have been implemented by Islamic Relief in our area. We have benefited from the Eid project, the school project, Qurban, winterisation and Ramadan.“ 

“This year the package of Ramadan was bigger – we have more flour and more items. With the food package that Islamic Relief gave to me, I am now able to save some money. I don’t need to buy food which is expensive. 

“Bread, rice, pasta and some vegetables are the main foods I use to prepare meals for my children. We are grateful for the food pack that you have donated as now my daughters can eat something sweet and taste the dates that they like so much.” 

“Thank you for the support you give us in any difficulty we have. All the time my children and I, pray that Allah (SWT) help those who helped us.”