By Sara Germano, Fier.
Before arriving in Fier, I had many curiosities and few certainties. I imagined a different country, but I never thought I would feel at ease so quickly. At first glance, people may seem distant, but it doesn’t take much to break the ice and discover a genuine kindness and warmth that make you feel part of a community. Here, the sense of family and mutual support is real and present in everyday life, and it wins you over from the very first day.
Getting used to a different pace requires patience, but it is precisely this slower rhythm that teaches you to appreciate simplicity and the value of human relationships. Daily habits also change: instead of going to the supermarket, you shop at the small local store downstairs, and it’s easy to become friends with your trusted greengrocer. Living here shows you how small things, like a simple “mirëmëngjes” to the lady on the first floor, can brighten both your day and hers, and how much genuine connection with those around you truly matters.
During my volunteering experience with HumAid, I had the opportunity to travel and get to know many areas of the country. SkillALB, the project I am involved in, works with seven schools and vocational training centers. This allowed me to visit different regions of Albania, an experience that helped me truly understand what lies behind the projects. Before starting, I was convinced that going “into the field” was essential; now I am certain of it. It is crucial to see reality up close, listen to people, and personally take part in what is being built together.
The Albanian education system is very different from ours, and I had the chance to understand it both during field visits and through activities with other volunteers. In many cases, schools have to deal with limited resources: it can happen that in a hospitality school, cooking classes are held with minimal equipment, such as a simple stove, or that in agricultural schools, students work in their own fields using personal tools or bringing their own animals. Despite this, it is inspiring to see how even small interventions can make a difference and how our support can concretely help create new opportunities.
These six months have taught me to adapt, to slow down, and to truly appreciate the little things. They have shown me how important people are, along with everyday gestures and the relationships built day by day. Living in Albania has been intense, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to observe, listen, and participate. It is an experience I will carry with me, made of faces, encounters, and simple moments that make all the difference.