Students from Loreto College, St Albans, recently embarked on a profoundly impactful educational journey to Albania, partnering with the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation (MWL).
This immersive week provided students with a firsthand look at Albania’s rich culture through visits to remarkable sites such as Butrint, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park in southern Albania in Sarandë, Apollonia, an ancient Greek trading colony and later Roman city located in Fier County; and the St Mary’s Monastery, an Orthodox monastery located on the Zvërnec Island. Alongside these cultural experiences, students engaged with MWL’s vital social justice initiatives.
During their time in Tirana, students had the privilege of meeting Sister Imelda Poole, President of the Board and a driving force behind the Foundation’s work, as well as Redion Qirjazi, CEO of the MWL Foundation. These meetings provided valuable insight into the tremendous work being undertaken by the international Loreto community and further deepened the students’ understanding of the Foundation’s mission.
A central focus of the journey was understanding the “changing face” of human trafficking (HT) within the region. While historically characterised by cross-border exploitation, cyber scams, online grooming and the forced labour of young people, human trafficking has evolved in recent years. By visiting local communities and the MWL-supported Regional Centre in Sarandë, students had the honour of meeting Lorena Dizdari, Regional Centre Coordinator, and Joana Kote, Associate Member of the Foundation. They witnessed how targeted education programmes, economic empowerment initiatives and strong community vigilance play a pivotal role in combating these evolving threats.
The experience also encouraged students to reflect on how they can contribute to raising awareness of this important work. Inspired by what they learned, they developed new ideas to promote the Foundation’s mission and support its efforts within their own communities.
The journey deeply challenged and inspired the students, embodying the true spirit of Mary Ward by putting faith into action. For the Loreto community, this collaboration highlights the critical importance of international solidarity. Supporting the work of MWL Albania offers a powerful opportunity to bring about systemic change, strengthen community resilience, and protect the dignity of some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Through this transformative experience, Loreto College students not only gained a deeper understanding of Albania’s culture and history but also developed a greater awareness of the global challenges facing disadvantaged communities. The pilgrimage served as a powerful reminder that, by working together across borders and cultures, we can build a more just and compassionate world.
Initiative Lead,
Evi Zyba
The Mary Ward Loreto mission in Albania is dedicated to supporting Albanian trafficking victims, trafficked migrants, and vulnerable individuals affected by human trafficking. Founded by the Mary Ward Congregation of Jesus, the mission responds to the urgent needs of those who have experienced exploitation and trauma through three main initiatives:
(a) To protect those who have been trafficked or are at risk of trafficking, particularly women and girls.
(b) To empower individuals by providing emotional support and practical assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
(c) To prevent this heinous crime through awareness-raising, research, advocacy, and community transformation.
Recently, due to a surge in tourism and the gaps in the job market caused by the emigration of young Albanians, there has been a new wave of foreign victims arriving in Albania. Many of these individuals have fallen prey to fraudulent agencies, false job offers, and trafficked labor. In response to this urgent need, Mary Ward Loreto has established an International Advice and Service center to assist foreign victims seeking support.
The mission’s approach is deeply rooted in the values of compassion, dignity, and empowerment. By fostering a safe environment, the Mary Ward Loreto team enables trafficked migrants to regain their strength and dignity. They offer various programs, including educational opportunities, vocational training, and spiritual guidance, to facilitate personal growth and reintegration into society.
Through collaborative efforts with local communities and organizations, the Mary Ward Loreto mission plays a crucial role in raising awareness about human trafficking while advocating for systemic change. Their work not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to a broader movement against trafficking in Albania. Cf www.marywardloreto.org
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Imelda Poole CJ (Mary Ward Mission)