Katerina’s Journey: From a sponsored child, to IMPACT Group Leader, to becoming an employee at World Vision Albania

Katerina has been collaborating with World Vision Albania for around 15 years. Her first contact was when she was just 10 years old, right in her hometown of Maliq, where she became part of the sponsorship program. As the years passed, she continued to grow alongside World Vision, later becoming involved in youth empowerment programs, eventually leading one of the IMPACT groups. The pinnacle of this journey was in 2023, when Katerina joined World Vision Albania team as a finance officer. A transformative journey filled with hope.

Today, Katerina is 25 years old. Reflecting on the past, she is overwhelmed with emotions. She remembers every detail of this journey, but what stands out most in her memory are the trainings and initiatives undertaken with the IMPACT groups.

"I say with conviction that the experience with the IMPACT youth groups has been life-changing for me and the young people I worked with. There, I gained interpersonal and professional skills that school doesn't offer," Katerina expresses.

Until the age of 10, she had never communicated with anyone outside Albania. Joining the sponsorship program was a new experience for Katerina, serving not only to 'break' boundaries but also to gain a fresh perspective on life.

"I was very young. I had very little information about what was happening beyond my small town. Through the sponsorship program, I had the opportunity to communicate with a friend from the other side of the globe. It was something special, as the world wasn't as digital as it is today, and communication was very local. With the mediation of World Vision staff and under parental supervision, I exchanged letters periodically with my friend from Hong Kong, who was among the first to encourage me to focus on education, pursue dreams, and build self-confidence as the best way to discover my full potential. An experience that lasted for several years. I still cherish the motivational letters, stickers, and postcards she sent me and am grateful," she recalls.

As she grew up, Katerina continued to participate in programs and activities organized by World Vision Albania in her city. Passionate about exact sciences, the “girl of numbers” enjoyed participating in community discussions or initiatives to bring positive changes to the lives of children and young people. Involvement with the IMPACT Club helped Katerina develop knowledge, skills, and understanding, to be an active citizen and contribute to the social and cultural life of her city.

"During the first 2 years of high school, I wasn't directly involved in World Vision activities, but I constantly heard about the IMPACT groups. There was something different about them. The spirit of cooperation, the activities they did, the initiatives they undertook, all had an impact. I really wanted to contribute to improve community life, and the only way was to get involved with these groups, where I became the leader of the IMPACT group in the village of Podgorie. World Vision and the IMPACT groups have equipped me with valuable skills and lessons that are invaluable in life," Katerina tells us, adding that the main influence that led her to join youth groups was her sister, who was involved with the IMPACT groups.

During this time, Katerina was committed to break gender barriers and stereotypes, as she believed girls were not treated equally to boys. According to her, she managed to make it possible for girls to be part of these groups through conversations with parents.

"In the village where I led the IMPACT group, there was noticeable differentiation society made between boys and girls. Girls did not enjoy the same rights as boys. They were not allowed to leave the house. Initially, there were only 2 girls who were part of the IMPACT groups, as the rest were not allowed by their families. Through discussions with parents, I managed to include other girls in the IMPACT groups, but the mentality was very strong. Even in the initiatives we undertook, we focused on proving inclusivity, equal opportunities, and gender equality," she remembers.

After completing high school, a new phase in Katerina's life began. She started her Bachelor's studies in Accounting-Finance at the University of Korçë for 3 years. High results allowed her to continue her academic education in Tirana, the capital of Albania, pursuing a Master's degree in the same field, thus realizing her dream.

While pursuing her studies, she tried to work part-time to ensure income for her expenses and had the opportunity to do a few months of internship at an accounting office. Upon completing her master's degree, despite high achievements, the challenge remained finding employment in her profession. For 2 years, Katerina had to work outside her field.

"I worked as a cashier in one of the capital's shops, but I always kept an eye out in hope of finding a job in my profession. And it happened that World Vision Albania again opened a door for me. By chance, I saw a vacant position for a finance officer on social media. Although the contract was for 6 months, as I was a substitute, I decided to apply. I was very happy to later be selected for this position," Katerina recalls, who has been living in the capital with her two younger sisters for 4 years, while her parents and another sister live in Maliq.

Curious to learn new things, smiling, and ready to offer her help at any time, Katerina fully integrated into the World Vision Albania team within a few weeks, making a valuable contribution.

"Katerina had a strong desire to learn. She is persistent and very cooperative. In just a few months, she managed to socialize and familiarize herself with our programs in detail," says Brunilda, former Finance Department Manager at World Vision Albania, who worked closely with Katerina.

Although a journey of only 6 months, Katerina considers this experience the most special, adding that regardless of where she works, she will continue to be involved in social and community initiatives focusing on empowering young people, especially girls.

"I started as a child with World Vision, then as the youth group leader, and finally found myself employed in my profession, right next to this organization. What I like about World Vision is the fact that it values all people, offering equal opportunities and an environment where they can thrive," she says.

This experience has helped Katerina position herself more easily in the job market. She is now part of the private sector, in the profile she has invested her entire life in.

In her work, Katerina is inspired by a quote from the most famous Albanian woman in the world, Mother Teresa: "It's not about how much we do, but how much love we put into it."

"If we combine integrity and love with professional skills, then we will be successful," says Katerina.

By Alfons Cupaj, PR and Communications - World Vision Albania