As part of our initiative to support the elderly, today we visited older neighbors who live alone and rely on very modest pensions. On this occasion, we shared aid in the form of several food packages. Grandparents who receive little care face daily challenges. Often forgotten and lonely, they lack not only food and basic necessities but, most importantly, companionship.
For this reason, we have decided that in upcoming actions, we will continue visiting elderly people living alone who need help. While our focus is often on the young and families with children who need the most support, we must never forget the oldest among us and take care of them.
Grandma Milena lives alone in her mother’s old house in Gjilan. Although she hasn’t faced issues with Albanians since 1999 and the years immediately following the war, her house is surrounded by the familiar KFOR wire fence. It was installed to prevent anyone from crossing the yard and disturbing the quiet, simple life of this elderly woman. For a long time, no one visited her, and no institution responsible for elder care had come to check on her.
She says her minimal pension is enough to get by, but it doesn’t cover home repairs or extra needs. For the coming winter, she needs a new heater, but she hasn’t been able to save enough money to buy one.
Her genuine joy at our visit, like any true Serbian hostess, was impossible to hide. To show her gratitude and hospitality, Grandma Milena even made us some pastries, saying she couldn’t welcome us empty-handed.
In Donja Budriga, we were also warmly welcomed by Grandma Velika. After losing her husband, she lives alone, maintaining her entire household. She tends to a large garden, growing everything she needs, and shares the surplus with neighbors.
We are very happy that today’s visit brought joy to our dear Grandmas Milena and Velika. We encourage anyone who can to support these efforts with donations so that such initiatives can continue.
Through our example, we hope to inspire people in Kosovo and Metohija, especially the youth, to remember that although many opportunities are systemically limited, no one can stop us from being there for each other.
Each of us faces a personal struggle for survival, but only together can we remain true to our homeland!
