Nazmije's Story

Recently, I met Nazmije from the village of Cikatove. In a room lit by a single candle, I saw her eyes, so shiny and full of life. I heard a voice that was proud and a story that was sad. As we spoke into the cold night, I could feel in my heart that, yes, she is like me and I am like her. We spoke woman to woman. She told me her story:

"When I started the program, I was 41 years old and I thought to myself that I am out of life. War has left lot of pain in me. Running and hiding from place to place inside my own country was such horror. When I returned with my five children to my village after the war ended, I came back to nothing. I was heartbroken.

Homeless, jobless and sick, we still had to start a life. I took so many medicines to recover but found no relief from my pains. The best medicine for me was Women for Women International’s program. The classes woke me up. I could not believe that one day I will be able to earn money myself and I will be able to support my family.

The letters I received from my sponsor Shan, warmed my heart. I thought how a woman from far way who has never seen or met me has put her faith in me and made a commitment to change my life. If she was so committed to help me improve my life, why should I not do it for myself?

Each time I received a letter I read it many times, over and over again, especially when I felt low or had doubts about my future. I promised myself that I will not betray my sponsor but I will do everything I could so her investment in me is worthy and not lost. Now I see there no way back to a life half asleep.

Now I have joined a group of women in my village to work on looms. The loom work has become part of my life. Because we don’t have another space, I put the loom in the same room where my husband, five children and I sleep. I work there when I finish cleaning and cooking. The loom sounds to me like music, and it makes me feel good and calm."

Elhame's Story

Elhame Smaili is an inspiration. Although she is 60 years-old, she continues to learn new skills and build hope for the future. She endured many hardships before joining the Women for Women International Kosovo Sponsorship and ReneWLS program with her daughter in-law in May 2003. During the war in Kosova that ended in 1999, her only son was killed, and her husband died of a heart attack shortly after the war. Her eight year-old niece Arbresha, developed a physical handicap following complications with an illness during the war, and now walks with much difficulty. Elhame's house was burned down during the war, like many houses located in Cirez, her village in the Drenica area. Although an organization was slated to assist her family with reconstructing the house, they received only minimal aid and live in very poor conditions in this house. She lives with her daughter-in-law Mihrije, three grandsons between the ages of seven and 15, and three nieces ranging from eight to 13 years-old. With determination and an energetic spirit, Elhame and Mihrije opted for the beekeeping course as a way to develop skills to earn an income. Now recent graduates of the program, Elhame says that she and Mihrije have learned more about the world through their participation and now have a broader perspective. Both women are grateful to their sponsors Donna Wise and Sharon Gladden for bringing "new light to their home." Elhame and Mihrije have recently received three beehives through a project implemented by Women for Women International, and funded by a Swiss organization. They have begun their beekeeping activities, putting their Women for Women International training into action: "I am finally active and involved in the work," says Mihrije. "There are barriers such as poverty, but I have to challenge them, especially to support my children. I hope that Tahire, our cousin will help us to work with bees, since she was the best in the group of women beekeepers." Tahire, 26, who lives in the same village with Elhame and Mihrije agreed: "Of course I will help them, there is no question. I hope that one day honey from our village finds its way into the market and onto the tables of the best hotels."