A Syrian refugee family finds a lasting home in Albania

At a gathering hosted by UNHCR’s partner Refugee and Migrant Services in Albania (RMSA) at the National Reception Centre for Asylum in Tirana, the focus was on strengthening family ties through improved communication. During the event, the affectionate exchanges and smiles between a couple, Aisha and Abdelkader, were unmistakable. Their synchronized nods during discussions about easing tensions offered a glimpse into their shared journey as parents.

Five years ago, Aisha and Abdelkader fled the conflict in Syria, and a long and challenging journey eventually brought them to Albania. Their two young children, a son of about four years old and a daughter around two and a half years old, accompanied them during this journey. After settling in Albania, they welcomed in their family one more daughter and son. Their two children born in Albanian were granted Albanian citizenship, thanks to adopted legislation on citizenship that offers a possibility to children born in the country to become citizens. Meanwhile, the rest of the family received subsidiary protection.

Since arriving in Albania, the family has been supported by UNHCR and its NGO partner RMSA in their journey towards self-sufficiency and integration. From the start, the family enrolled in Albanian language courses, and Abdelkader, showing great dedication, earned an official A2 level certificate from the University of Tirana. Alongside language support, they received housing and financial assistance, which eased their transition into a new life. To further their economic self-sufficiency, Abdelkader was supported to enrol in a skills course and a driving license course, successfully obtaining professional certificates in both.

Upon arriving in Albania, Abdelkader held onto hope, though he was uncertain whether this new place could become a lasting home for his family. Shortly after, Abdelkader says he was pleasantly surprised to find a community that reminded him of the unity he experienced in Syria. Reflecting on this, he shares in fluent Albanian, "Here, religion brings us together, it does not divide us. In the neighbourhood where we live - we all live together peacefully, just like we did in Syria. Tirana, with its familiar weather and hospitality, has become a second home for us".

Reflecting on their five years in Albania, Abdelkader shares, "Now, my eldest is thriving in second grade, embracing school life and excelling in reading and learning. Meanwhile, my second daughter just started school in September after finishing preschool. Our conversations at home naturally flow in Albanian, a familiar comfort, although we sometimes stumble over pronunciations in both Arabic and Albanian with our youngest."

"As our family grows, so do the daily routines and challenges. With four kids to care for, my husband and I navigate the busy waters of parenthood," Aisha adds. Despite her basic grasp of Albanian, allowing for brief conversations, juggling the children's needs leaves Aisha with little time to delve deeper into the language. Abdelkader adds to this, saying, "We support each other, but since I work part-time at a pizza shop, my wife naturally takes on the larger share of childcare and household responsibilities."

Looking ahead, as their youngest joins preschool, Aisha says she plans to focus on improving her Albanian and find a job. She adds: "My love for tailoring has been with me since my days in Syria, where I often indulged in it as a hobby. Now that life is settling down here, I'm looking forward to dedicating more time to improving my skills. I'm planning to enrol in a tailoring training course to get a certificate and focus on improving my Albanian. This shift is important for our family as we navigate the need for both of us to start working."

When asked about the family's plans for the future, Abdelkader shares, "Of course, our aspirations are closely tied to Albania, where two of our children were born and are nationals. The prospect of living elsewhere has never been a consideration for us."

As they look to the future, Aisha and Abdelkader remain hopeful and determined. Their journey from Syria to Albania has been filled with challenges, but their resilience and the support they’ve received have helped them build a new life. With their children thriving and their own plans for further integration and self-sufficiency, the family is optimistic about the road ahead.