July 2010

Run for Amaro Tan!

On 17th of July more than 70 runners started for a good purpose: Their sponsors contributed a total of more than 220.000 new Lek (about 2.100 $) for our Amaro Tan School. A wide variety of runners went to the start line: From school directors and co-workers to the smallest kids. Even Amaro Tan student Xhulio joined the group in spite of his sickness (amyotrophic). Guests from abroad, teachers, students and a big group of sponsors and untiring helpers made it a great event. Our first group of students of NEHEMA University was responsible for the event and took this great chance to put some of their theoretical knowledge into practice. Even though speed did not count, some of our youngest covered the track in almost unbelievable lap times. Final highlight of the event was not only the handing of the check to director Defrim, but also the sensational musical program by the Amaro Tan students. We’d like to thank everyone who took part, the event managers „cip“ from Germany, many donors from Germany, Switzerland and Holland and sponsors from Pogradec. And for Him responsible for the weather: A very special thanks!

July 2010

Inauguration in Peshkëpi

On 28th of June 2010 in Peshkëpi village two new buildings were inaugurated: Mission House and Community Center. NEHEMIA, in cooperation with our Partner “Golden Cross Mission”, has been working for many years in the village with a variety of development projects, initiated by the late Alfred Wenig, the founder of Golden Kreuz Misison. Representatives of the Commune, NEHEMIA Foundation and “Golden Cross Mission” celebrated together with the village community and most of the NEHEMIA co-workers. Both buildings were in danger of falling apart a few years ago. Today they are beautiful, functional buildings of West-European standards, giving new perspectives to the idyllic village. The Community Center is the place for cultural and social events and also houses a NEHEMIA Soup Kitchen for poor people. In the Mission House friends and guests can find “escape” for a few days from hectic and noise, and enjoy clean air, stillness, breathtaking views and the friendly hospitality of the people.

June 2010

Summer camps

Every year NEHEMIA Church in Buçimas organizes summer camps. For this year the first day camp just finished with 27 children, age 4-8 years. “Children of the Bible” was the special topic. The aim was to enable the children to find biblical examples and adopt them into their daily life. There were also different games, devotion, worship, handmade art, competitions and other activities. At the end of the camp all the children expressed their gratitude and their desire to be part again of the camp next year. One of the other summer camps organized at NEHEMIA is the Royal Rangers camp in cooperation with German and Macedonian Royal Ranger Scouts. This year this will be a National Training Camp (NTC) for leaders as well. Summer camps are a special and important part of spiritual activities, which NEHEMIA organizes for children and young people of Pogradec, Durrës, Gjirokastra and the villages around these cities.

May 2010

adidas-NEHEMIA Challenge Cup 2010

The semi finals phase for “adidas-NEHEMIA Challenge Cup” 2010 took place during the April-May 2010 period in the district of Pogradec. 33 schools of the 9-year educational system with 124 teams took part in three sportive disciplines: mini football, basketball and volleyball for boys and girls. The schools are actually finishing their projects on the help for their community, one of the conditions for qualification. The final phase will take place on the 9-10th of October 2010 in the framework of German October. For the first time the overall winner of the "adidas-NEHEMIA Challenge Cup" will be determined by a game plan which includes all three sports disciplines. The date 10.10.2010 will be a special “Sports Experience Day”, a whole day dedicated to sport with a variety of activities, games and lots of fun for everyone. Friends from cip, the adidas event managers, will take care for that. You all are welcome!

April 2010

NEHEMIA presents

During last week NEHEMIA organized several PR events.

At the German Embassy in Tirana NEHEMIA Foundation presented its Annual Report 2009. The program was filled with information as well as musical interludes.

Two days later, from 22 to 25 of April 2010 NEHEMIA participated at a trade fair in Tirana with exhibitors from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. An attractive stand presented information, games and products of our educational and other projects, and an art exhibition of the local artist Taso completed our program.

Great conditions for a successful exchange, both with visitors, companies and other organizations.

All in all a successful week, raising expectations for the future.

March 2010

NEHEMIA Annual Report 2009 ready for download

Since 1997 the NEHEMIA Media Office has been compiling and published the annual report on activities and finances of the Foundation. You’ll find highlights and challenges in 2009 as well as Vision, Mission, Structure and detailed information on the various NEHEMIA Projects in the three main areas of service: education, spiritual ministry and social work. Naturally there is also the report of the licensed auditor and the financial report.

Click here to download the NEHEMIA Annual Report 2009 in PDF format.

February 2010

“Domestic Violence”

Domestic Violence is a serious problem nobody likes to talk about in Albania, especially in the rural regions. NEHEMIA Social Work tries to raise awareness for this topic through special meetings and seminars.

The seminar is part of the community development program in Peshkepi village, where NEHEMIA has been working for many years. Free and open conversations as well as presentations done by Gentiana Mancellari, the nurse of NEHEMIA Clinic, were the main elements, complemented by a variety of printed material for every participant.

The village community expressed great interest and approval, looking forward to future activities of this kind.

January 2010

Small but nice – the NEHEMIA University

On January 4, 2010 the NEHEMIA University started after a small opening ceremony. Nine students met the high qualification standards for the „Bachelor of Arts in Business & Economics“. The dual study system provides a rich practical experience through internships in the NEHEMIA Foundation and various firms and businesses. But also the academic level meets high, West-European standards: International lecturers with excellent teaching experience agreed to come and teach in Bucimas/Pogradec.

An additional course for “Master of European Studies” will start in April 2010 as a blended learning course (in cooperation with Libertas European Institute, Germany)

Five of the students are former pupils of NEHEMIA School – a proof of success for the NEHEMIA education system: From kindergarten to university.

More information: www.nehemia-uni.org

December 2009

22.350 Christmas Parcels

Children in 129 different institutions (kindergartens, schools, hospitals,…) in the region of Pogradec, Tirana and Durres received beautiful Christmas parcels, sent from donors in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands (via humedica, SFI and CHW).

NEHEMIA Social workers and volunteers from Switzerland managed logistics, transport and distribution. Especially transport to remote villages, the roads almost impassable through rain and mud, proved as a challenge!

What a blessing to see all those happy faces! Praise to God for this great opportunity to spread the Good News of Christmas!

December 2009

NEHEMIA Clips

Recently there is the opportunity to watch NEHEMIA clips in YouTube.

Through these videos you can have a taste of some of NEHEMIA project by clicking in one of the following links:

NEHEMIA Foundation

NEHEMIA Education from kindergarten to university

October 2009

Construction

In October construction has started again! The much-needed high-school building and a beautiful guest house are taking form on the NEHEMIA compound in Bucimas.Workers and machinery are working nonstop in order to reach the ambitious goal: Completion of the buildings until summer 2010! Albanian and German coworkers are cooperating closely in this big project.The new high school building will be used for NEHEMIA University, too. Modern, environmentally friendly construction techniques and quality equipment are an important factor. Would you like to contribute to this visionary project? Join the group of 1000 donors! Every contribution donated until end of this year will be tripled!

Click here to get more information.

September 2009

“Triple good deeds”

„Triple good deeds“ is the latest charity campaign for NEHEMIA education projects. Every donation given until 31.12.2009 for “1000 for education” will be trebled by a generous donor! Foremost need of NEHEMIA education projects are facilities, therefore donations will go to the construction of a new building for school and university – if not designated otherwise. Therefore- join us and do “triple good” until end of 2009.

Click here to find bank details for donations.

August 2009

“open days” at NEHEMIA University, Pogradec.

21-23 August 2009 – “open days” at NEHEMIA University, Pogradec. NEHEMIA University plans to start the academic year in October 2009. Everyone interested is invited to our open house, take a tour through the campus, have talks with different professors and experience the live demonstration of distant teaching via internet. In addition, various presentations and leisure activities will be offered on the compound of NEHEMIA Foundation in Buçimas/Pogradec.

You are all invited to be part of this special day, for more information please contact us via email or telephone at:

info@nehemia-university.org

Tel: +355 (0) 868-20004

July 2009

“Royal Rangers camp

From 27th of July the second Royal Rangers national camp took place in Buçimas village, close to the beach of beautiful Lake Ohrid. For the very first time the camp was organized by the Albanian Royal Rangers. Not only children and young people from Durres, Pogradec and Elbasan took part, also a team from neighboring Macedonia was invited. International understanding worked perfectly! Not only the cooperation between leaders, but also the unity and great atmosphere among the children made this camp an unforgettable experience.

May 2009

NEHEMIA Annual Report 2008 ready for download

Since 1997 the NEHEMIA Media Office has been compiling and published the annual report on activities and finances of the Foundation. You’ll find highlights and challenges in 2008 as well as Vision, Mission, Structure and detailed information on the various NEHEMIA Projects in the three main areas of service: education, spiritual ministry and social work. Naturally there is also the report of the licensed auditor and the financial report.

Click here to download the NEHEMIA Annual Report 2008 in PDF format

May 2009

Reichert family

After some years of in the NEHEMIA Church in Gjirokastra, the Reichert family has decided to leave the town. However, they will not return to Germany, but start their work in the neighbouring city of Memaliaj (45 minutes from Gjirokastra). Over the last couple of years Daniel and Monika had invested a lot of time in the NEHEMIA Church in Gjirokastra, to finally hand it over to the Albanian brothers and sisters. But they’ll continue to help out and they’ll visit at least once a month. Daniel und Monika want to set up a kind of disciple seminar and take care of the spiritual activities in Memaliaj. We wish them all the best for a great start and many blessings for their work in this area!

April 2009

Annual Report

TIRANË, April 23rd, 2009 – NEHEMIA Foundation in Albania officially presented the achieved results of 2008 and future plans for the foundation. The event was organized at the Congress Palace in Tirana, with the purpose of giving a summary of the foundation’s work for the past 16 years in Albania for the public. Also the challenges and plans for 2009 were presented. NEHEMIA Foundation has done some considerably investments in 3 main areas: social & medical, educational and spiritual. With a long-time plan the foundation hopes to achieve its mission: to support a stable development of the Albanian society. Representative of Albanian institutions, e.g. politicians, diplomats, experts on different fields, supporters of the foundation, etc., were invited to the presentation.

April 2009

Spring run

On April 09, NEHEMIA Local Centre in Buçimas organised a sportive activity, a spring run, as a welcome for the spring season. The pupils of the NEHEMIA School, Buçimas as well as co-workers had lots of fun! The activity took along the shore of beautiful lake Ohrid, and everything was well organised. The local traffic police had closed the road for traffic and the NEHEMIA Ambulance and its medical personnel stood by for possible emergencies. The most beautiful moment of the activity was the starting of the 1st grade pupils and they run across the road until the finish with a big smile on theirs faces.

February 2009

Commemoration

On Saturday, February 21, 2009 we celebrated the commemoration service for the late Alfred Wenig, a faithful friend and substantial supporter of NEHEMIA in Albania. Among many other projects he initiated and facilitated the construction of NEHEMIA Center in Bucimas, where his special attention went to the church building as the center and heart of the complex. Therefore, the chapel has been named after him. A beautiful mosaic with the portrait Alfred (artist: Anastas Kostandini, Taso), was unveiled in the entrance area of the church by the architect Helmut Hauser.

During the celebration hope seemed to outshine mourning. Alfred Wenig's only goal in life was to serve God and to help people in need. Now his untiring work has come to an end and he can rest and reap the fruit of a life in service for the Living God.

January 2009

Inauguration

On January 22, the inauguration for a kindergarten in Guras (a village which is a part of the Bucimas Municipality, in Pogradec) took place. This is a public kindergarten, and the only one of its kind in Guras. Before that, conditions for children’s education were unacceptable. NEHEMIA Foundation took a small grant from German Embassy to improve conditions for the normal education of children, in course of different community development projects. With the amount of 11.500€ the reconstructions of the floor, the windows etc. were made possible. Additionally, the Bucimas Municipality contributed finances and workers to other needed projects. This is a good example of collaboration between the NEHEMIA Foundation, the German Embassy in Albania and the Bucimas Municipality. The Mayor of Bucimas, representatives of the German Embassy and NEHEMIA were present for the inauguration, and enjoyed a short show with poems, dances and songs, organized by the children.

We are encouraged to see the good results accomplished with little finances and good collaboration.

January 2009

We lost a very dear friend!

We lost a very dear friend! In January 2009 Alfred Wenig unexpectedly passed away to the Heavenly Kingdom. For many years he continuously and actively supported the NEHEMIA work in Albania. Alfred was well known as the "father" of the NEHEMIA partner organization "Golden Cross Mission", who received the legacy to go on and fulfil his lifework. We will miss his wise counsel and rich experience in many fields, as well as the blessing of his daily prayers for us.

On February 21, 2009 there will be a memorial service in Buçimas with the dedication of the new church building on the NEHEMIA compound to his name.

December 2008

Christmas 2008

With the coming of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the children of the elementary 9-years school “NEHEMIA”, Buçimas, Pogradec, prepared a short musical with the theme: “The Birth of Christ”

By their own initiative the children of this school attended by their teacher, Anila Sinani, worked all together for a long time and despite their young age, they prepared a real show, making a beautiful surprise not only to their parents, whom saw for their first time their children playing in an musical, but to everyone else who was present at the show, giving an excellent example of cooperation, discipline and creation.

This musical was played for pupils and teachers of the NEHEMIA school in Bucimas, for members of NEHEMIA church and for inhabitants of village Peshkëpi. In village Peshkëpi, the show was given at Culture House of Peshkëpi, which was reconstructed and renovated by the partner of NEHEMIA Foundation in Germany, “Golden Kreuz Mission”.

December 2008

“Friends of the NEHEMIA Association”

“Friends of the NEHEMIA Association” was founded in Stuttgart, Germany. The major goals are to combine and boost NEHEMIA’s possibilities and activities in the field of education and to find new friends.

This association will help with PR about Albania and the NEHEMIA education projects, coordinate contacts with supporters and counsellors, help with fundraising and initiate school and church partnerships, with a special focus on the NEHEMIA University.

Want to become a member?

Click here for more info on the “Friends of the NEHEMIA Association”

November 2008

November 2008, a historical moment for Royal Rangers (RR) in Albania!

NEHEMIA Foundation is the official “Chartering Steward” for the Christian Boy Scouts “Royal Rangers” in Albania. The “Provisional Chartering Steward Agreement” has been signed on 07.11.2008 in Skopje.

Young Christians from various churches took part in our first “National Training Camp” in September. In the meantime RR outposts have been founded in Pogradec and Elbasan, while churches in other towns started with preparatory work. We hope soon to have a nationwide network of RR outposts among many different groups and churches.

The aim of Royal Rangers is to instruct, challenge and inspire children and young people in the areas of Bible knowledge, Christian service and moral conduct through interesting activities young people enjoy. Especially nature-related activities help them to develop their social skills and awareness.

November 2008

Social work

“To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and to learn to love our neighbours as we love ourselves” this is the Nehemia Vision and the everyday motto for NEHEMIA co-workers.

The Albanian health system isn’t the best, especially for people in the third age who have no family support. For example: Lytfija, a nice elderly lady, who has been receiving food, medical and practical aid by the NEHEMIA social service for more than 7 years. Lately, she fell seriously ill and had to be brought to the hospital. For two full weeks our co-workers assisted her there - 24 hours a day.

Nehemia serves with heart, hand and mind. Everybody is eligible to receive. We use service to overcome barriers, this are some of our principles. They help us daily to challenge the reality for people like Lytfije, and to show that our Lord it is love.

October 2008

adidas-NEHEMIA-Challenge Cup 2008

The „adidas-NEHEMIA-Challenge Cup“ has been awarded for the second time on October 11, winner is the Buçimas school from Pogradec. The tournament

took place as a part of the “German October”.This year middle schools from the whole district took part, 32 of the 38 schools in the area of Pogradec qualified.The unique strategy of the Cup is the mix of assessment criteria:

Performance, team play and fairness as well as social and charitable activities. A totally new concept for many! In this way the children learn to put into practice important values like responsibility, honesty and respect – and this is the original goal of NEHEMIA and the Adi Dassler Fund through these tournaments.

September 2008

NEHEMIA University

On September 19 2008 NEHEMIA presented the work of NEHEMIA University to honoured guestes and many friends. Until the scheduled start of lessons in September 2009, a lot of work will be done to bring the university program a high west-European level with the help of renowned professors and scientists. The first courses will be offered in the faculty of “Economy and Technology", as well as a master program in "European Studies". In addition, three research institutes on the areas of Energy and Ecology, Ethical Leadership as well as Statistical Research - the first step of the University on the area of science and research. The Vice-Prime Minister of Albania as well as the Ambassadors of Germany and Switzerland took part in the event.

September 2008

Further education

Further education has priority at NEHEMIA. Our teachers of NEHEMIA and Amaro Tan schools took part in a seminar on the subject “Intercultural Education". The purpose was to sharpen the perception for similiarities and differences between the cultures, to respect different identities and to find ways to integrate these concepts in society. Eralda Jesku, one of the speakers, says: “The very term “facilitation” is thrilling and exciting at the same time as it is exactly what our students need – No more formal teaching, but facilitation of the learning process”.

August 2008

Time for the next steps!

The NEHEMIA Foundation presents its new vision and structure, building the fundament of the foundation's work for the upoming years. On August 29, the new organizational concept was officially presented within the frame of a large event taking place in Bucimas, the base of NEHEMIA. The event preludes the transition to a new phase of the further development and future growth of the organization. Arnold Geiger together with one of the most important consultants who helped in the development of the concept, Erich Stamminger (President & CEO Brand adidas), and the NEHEMIA team presented the concept before co-workers, friends and supporters.

August 2008

Summer camps

Various summer camps have been offered this summer by the NEHEMIA Churches. In Gjirokaster, Durres and Pogradec the little participants enjoyed interesting Bible studies, songs and worship, creative games and exciting excursions. Many of them returned with the firm intention to apply what they have learned in the everyday life.

A special thanks goes to many donors and voluntary co-workers, who, by their contribution, have provided to the children an unforgettable time.

August 2008

Two reasons to celebrate

On the 08.08.08 the NEHEMIA School celebrated its 10th anniversary and at the same time the successful graduation of the first seniors. The results indicate that the Nehemia educational concept works out well. The young people took the final A-level exam with good to excellent results, ranking high in the national average. During the past 10 years NEHEMIA has been investing a lot in the area of education. A unique educational concept for Albania offers education at high level from kindergarten up to the university and continuing education. Besides many honorable guests the German Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Borchardt as well as the culture and press adviser of the German Embassy, Mrs. Eidemüller took part in the ceremony.

June 2008

Preparations for the German Language Certificate

A group of students and teachers from Skopje/Macedonia came at Nehemia School for an intensive preparation training for the German Language Certificate exam. This is a first step of cooperation and exchanging experience for both schools. The acquisition of this certificate allows the students from abroad to study in the German colleges.

June 2008

The "Federal Cross of Merit" award

On June 20, 2008, Arnold Geiger, the leader of NEHEMIA Foundation was awarded the "Federal Cross of Merit" of the German President. He was honored with this decoration for his engagement in Albania since 1990, in special appreciation for his contributions in the political, social-economical and spiritual areas, and also for special merits in charity. The award ceremony was held in the German Embassy in Tirana and the decoration was given by the German Ambassador, Mr. Borchardt.

May 2008

Royal Rangers camp

The young people put into practice everything they have learnt in theory: tent construction, compass orientation, campfire, etc. The camp took place near the village Peshkepi, as a “final test ” for a big camp in August together with many friends from Germany. “The purpose of Royal Rangrs is to strengthen soul, mind and body, but also the fellowship within the group. This is easier if we once leave the everyday life behind and spend a good time with each other.” says Anila Sinani, the leader of “Tribe 1” in Albania. Royal Rangers is an international Christian boy scout's organisation. In Albania the first “tribe” was founded in October 2007 by Nehemia.

May 2008

Work and fun

The children of Amaro Tan school do not only attend regular lessons, but are also encouraged to engage in practical work; for example the adornment of their school yard. They love to dig, plant and weed. In this way they also learn to care for nature and creation - an important point within the Christian curriculum. For the children from the Gypsy community and poor families this is often a real eye opener and adds totally new perspectives to their little world.

May 2008

Capacity building for Nehemia

The Adi Dassler Fund supports not only sports projects! Within the scope of a "Capacity Building" programme professionals from adidas advise and help us to organize the Nehemia work effectively and professionally. Our guests are capacities like the head of human resources of the adidas HQ, or the leader of adidas retail in the US. Last week, Constanze Wolf, Assistant to the CEO of the adidas brand, went like a fresh wind through our office management (see picture). Other consultants have announced their coming. Thus, the foundation for a further healthy growth of the Nehemia work is laid.

April 2008

Arm prosthesis

It is done: The first mechanical-functional arm prosthesis made in Albania! In the orthopedics workshop of the Nehemia partners „ Medical Emergency Aid, Albania“ (MNA), Artur (30) gets his artificial arm. He had lost his right arm in a shel

l explosion at the age of 15. Beside a small state equipment in Tirana, the workshop is the only of this kind in the whole of Albania. Here patients are supplied with prostheses, orthoses and other mechanical utilities since 2005.

April 2008

Capacity building for prospective missionaries

Tabea Geiger will be sent soon as a Nehemia missionary in the Philippines. She could get a practical 2-week training from Nehemia in Albania. Parts of the training program, organized from “Nehemia Professional Forum" in Bucimas, were knowledge in management, bookkeeping, communication technology and first aid. In the future this kind of courses can become a standard for prospective foreign co-workers of Nehemia.

March 2008

Training for nursing personnel

As a people-oriented organization, Nehemia pays a lot of attention to needy and sick people. Therefore the project of social work plays a very important role. In order to offer a qualitative service we care for the continuous training of our nurses' assistants. In March, Eberhard Brachtel, general practitioner and chiropractor, invested four days of his vacation to give free training, among others on the topic of massage for elderly or paralyzed people. In addition, he examines patients and develops nursing plans for their treatment.

March 2008

Seminar for youth leaders

Young people are important for Nehemia. Therefore, co-workers of the Nehemia branches Durres, Pogradec, Buçimas as well as the Amaro Tan School, attended a 4-day seminar in Durres on the subject “Youth work in church”. Purpose of the training was to help churches and social youth work to design their activities in an interesting and creative way, meeting the needs of today's young people. Nehemia introduced the Christian Boy Scout’s work „Royal Rangers” which has started in Pogradec in autumn 2007. Organizer of the seminar: „Albanian Youth Ministry”.

March 2008

Presentation of Annual Report

On 16th April 2008 Nehemia Foundation will present the Annual Report 2007 in the premises of the German Embassy in Tirana. Friends and supporters of Nehemia Foundation from the areas of economy, politics, culture and social affairs are invited to receive thorough information about results and challenges of Nehemia's activities, and to discuss about possibilities of collaboration and support for future projects.

March 2008

Partner for the University

A valuable support is promised for the planned Nehemia University. Within the scope of an information meeting, letters of intent of the collaboration between five universities were signed on 15th March in Buçimas: Institute LIBERTAS, AKAD, and two colleges in development, the DUA (German university in Armenia) and the CVJM College in Kassel will co-operate with the Nehemia University; especially in the areas of teaching, research and E-Learning, but also with summer courses, conferences etc.

February 2008

Standards for social work in Albania

"Standards for social work in Albania" was the topic of a seminar by Nehemia on 14. Feb. Co-workers of the Nehemia branches and partners were instructed about documentation required by the authorities for each service done by our various social projects - a rather voluminous task. Therefore, optimizing this administration process will be our next step in order to reach the foremost goal: An optimal use of donations with a palpable impact on the lives of people in need.

January 2008

Fellowship

People in need are lacking much more than just food, clothes and medicine! Home visits and talks in the soup kitchen show clearly: One of the biggest problem is loneliness, even more so in a strongly relationship-oriented society like Albania. We are looking for ways to help. For example by well-organized parties like in Pogradec last week, where our “clients” were really on the focus. A film about our social work (where many discovered themselves as "movie stars"), singing, a short bible devotion, excellent food and a lot of time for fellowship were parts of the program.

January 2008

Studying in Germany

This year again two students of Nehemia high school will have the opportunity to study for 3 months at our partner school in Schondorf/Germany. After a careful pre-selection we invited four students to the final interview. Answering a lot of questions gave insight in their knowledge, personality, goals and motivation. About 85% of the interview was done in German language. The decision was very difficult, as all four of them proved highly capable and motivated. Shirli Hamzallari and Ledia Cici (11th grade) finally made it. Their biggest dream becoming true, they can't wait to start the "adventure Germany".

January 2008

Social day

Students of the Goethe High School in Reichenbach/Germany invested one day of work for charity. During their "social day " they took over different tasks in companies of the region, donating 30% of their earnings for a good cause, namely for the improvement of the Nehemia library in Bucimas. A total of 305 € (443 $) was handed over to Arnold Geiger, leader of Nehemia Albania, on January 14.

We are excited about the creativity of these students, and grateful for this generous gift!

January 2008

Farewell

Brigitte Weber, leader of Nehemia branch in Gjirokastër, has returned to Switzerland after 16 years. She was one of the first Nehemia missionaries coming to Albania and since 1995 she led the work in Gjirokastër. Beside mission and church planting, she also led the spiritual ministry and social work: support of the retirement home, soup kitchen, etc. In 2002 she received for her great contribute, the honorary citizenship of Gjirokaster.

We are very grateful for her untiring commitment and wish her Gods rich blessing for the future. We will miss her!

December 2007

Community development

The gap between the rich and the poor in Albania is growing alarmingly, especially village people are often excluded from the surrounding development. Nehemia wants to help here, and plans to expand its community development projects. First activities have been started in the villages of Hudenisht and Lin, in addition to the existing projects in the village of Peshkepi (in cooperation with GKM). First steps have been:

- Exchange of experience and support of village schools with the Nehemia schools.

- Relief projects in the social field and further education.

- Installation of a heating system in the Hudenisht kindergarten, as well as furniture for the village administration.

Further projects and activities shall follow.

December 2007

A chance for a better future

Many women in Albania never got the chance for higher education, which shows in a high number of applications for unskilled labour at Nehemia. In order to help those, for whom Nehemia could not offer a place of work, a meeting has been organized, where they not only received encouragement and an open ear for their needs, but also new perspectives for their future: beginning with further education and qualification up to the support for those who have the courage to open their own business. According to their needs and wishes Nehemia plans to offer a variety of courses and seminars for them in 2008.

December 2007

Christmas parcels

This year again, children from schools and kindergartens in remote villages received the Christmas parcels they have been looking for so long. For many of the children from poor families this is the highlight of the year - and often their only opportunity to hear the Christmas message. Families in Germany and Switzerland have packed thousands of these parcels with lots of care, the relief organizations humedica, SFI and CHW took over the transport and the social teams from Nehemia cared for the distribution, in order for everything to arrive at the final destination: poor children in Albania.

December 2007

Amaro Tan School

Nehemia has "adopted" a wonderful new project: Amaro Tan, a private Christian school in Pogradec, that reaches out to the poorest of the poor, mostly Roma children and children with disabilities. In addition to a good education, Amaro Tan offers also food, social and medical support, and counteracts abuse and child trafficking wherever possible. The school was founded in 2002 by the NGO "Youth with a Mission". In order to combine capacities, provide sustainability and to add efficiency, Nehemia agreed to take over the project from January 2008, including the financial responsibility.

Would you consider to help with your donation? It gives a real chance at life for children in need!

November 2007

Evening High School

For different reasons these young people had to leave school after 8-th grade. However, they did not give up. They took courage to start the adventure of a qualified school education, in spite of all difficulties. In the Nehemia evening high school, which was opened in October 2007, they will pass their A-level exam after five years. For those, who come from families with extreme social problems, we are looking for sponsors, who are willing to pay for their school tuition, helping these children to have a better future.

Are you interested to support a child? Please, write to us! We will gladly send you more information!

November 2007

New playground

The new playground at Nehemia School has been opened! Pupils of our primary school love to spend their times of recess there, and also for guest families, children’s’ meetings and summer camps the beautiful play area will be open. Generous funds from “Trinity Oaks Christian Academy“, our partner school in Illinois/U.S., allowed for the construction, while Fred Ryter from Switzerland volunteered to care for the practical work. The court is a real gem on our compound!

November 2007

Nehemia Library

Nehemia School has improved its library. More than 2500 volumes in three languages have been registered, more are to follow. The online registration (Dewei ID) allows users to choose titles and register online. Soon, DVDs, Videos and CDs will be included, too. A great asset is the offer of the Bavarian State’s Library, which will allow online access to its system with a total of 25 Mio. volumes in different languages. The library is an important step during the preparations for the Nehemia University, which is planned to open in October 2008.

October 2007

Children help people in need

29 children and young people from Switzerland took part in an outreach from 6. - 14.Oct. The group "Antivirus" accompanied our social teams, visited elderly people and sick persons and helped wherever a hand was needed, cleaning and household work, renovation of rooms, etc. In the children's hospital they distributed parcels and disabled children enjoyed an afternoon of songs and games. Many people in need experienced God's love in Action through the compassionate help of this group of young Christians.

October 2007

adidas-Nehemia Challenge Cup

From September 28th to October 13th, 2007, in line with the German culture weeks, NEHEMIA Foundation and 'adidas' will organize the sports activity "adidas-Nehemia Challenge Cup". The games will be organized in the Nehemia Sports Ground, Bucimas. Pupils and students from the schools in Bucimas Commune in cooperation with Nehemia School, will participate in this activity. The program will include different games, such as mini-football for boys, voleyball for boys and girls, and basketball. The purpose of this activity is the encouragement of Team and Fair play. "adidas-Nehemia Challenge Cup" will be awarded for the first time. This is the beginning of an annual and ongoing championship.

October 2007

"Black Forest Brass Band Altensteig"  in Buçimas

Within the course of the "German Cultural Weeks", two big events have taken place on 12. and 13. October in Buçimas and Pogradec. The professional and enthusing performance of the "Black Forest Brass Band Altensteig" during an open-air concert proved a highlight in the cultural life of the region. The children from public schools of the Buçimas commune enjoyed the finals and award ceremony of the "adidas Nehemia Challenge Cup", the middle school of Buçimas being the happy winner. The adidas Nehemia championships shall take place also in the following years for schools from a wider area, up to the national level. Our goal is to teach the practical implementation of values, such as social responsibility, fairness, honesty and team play.

September 2007

Farewell

Our co-worker Martin Krejci turns back to Germany. He has worked with us for four years for medical cases and as an IT engineer. Now we have Internet access round-the-clock, thanks to a satellite connection that he has installed. He was also able to help us in many different areas like: camera installations, X-ray devices, emergency cases etc. He will attend a Bible School in Germany. The leaving is hard for him: “I will miss the relationship with my friends more”, he says. With his sense of humour, we’re all going to miss him.

September 2007

Visit of the German delegation

The plans for the NEHEMIA University are on the way. For, many professional discussions must be undertaken. So far, we have established relations with different universities in Germany. Five German lecturers visited us from September 4th – 7th, 2007 in Buçimas, to introduce us their educational concepts. They also met different officials among whom, the adviser to the Prime Minister of Science and the attaché of the German Embassy. During their stay in Buçimas, they offered a variety of seminars for the teachers and pupils of NEHEMIA School. The topics covered issues such as: Computer network and electronic communication in an educational environment, improvement of the teaching methods etc.

August 2007

Eva

Eva Geiger, daughter of Nehemia Albania’s leader, will attend a housekeeping school in Germany from September 2007. For two years she has worked fulltime at the Guesthouse in Buçimas, without any salary or financial support. She has cooked and cleaned for hundreds of guests from different countries, who came here to support our work. Although Eva is gifted in arts, she has put aside her interests to serve. The 20-year-old is always ready to help wherever it is necessary.

August 2007

CFN conference

Young Albanian Christians from different churches gathered from 6 - 11 August 2007 in the NEHEMIA Centre in Buçimas."More from Jesus", was the title of the conference, organized by "Christ for the Nations", a partner organisation of NEHEMIA in Pogradec. The purpose was to motivate more than 70 young people, to become active members in their local churches. One of the main speakers was Mike Chance. The American pastor and missionary is an internationally renowned teacher and worship leader. Further speakers were Arnold Geiger, leader of Nehemia Albania, as well as the Australian Gary Stevens and Yvonne Wittmer from Germany.

July 2007

Summer camp in Gjirokastër

A summer camp took place in July 2007, in the Nehemia church of Gjirokastër. Ninety children and teenagers, 7-15 years old, have experienced a lot of fun. They also received Bible lessons and undertook excursions to the city and surroundings. Anila, a teacher of the Nehemia School in Buçimas, was one of the camp leaders. For that, she has sacrificed one week of her summer vacations. "I especially enjoyed our ‘Olympic games’ with different sports disciplines" she says. "We have learned that, what matters most, is not winning or losing, but the good fellowship with one another".

July 2007

VIP visitor

A very special guest is putting his rich experience and expertise at Nehemia's disposal: Erich Stamminger, President and CEO of the adidas Brand and member of the Executive Board of the adidas inc. He spent several days of vacation in Buçimas. Arnold Geiger and his leadership team learned a lot, especially concerning strategy, motivation and goal-setting for new projects. Our guest gave high marks and praise to the work of Nehemia in Albania - an immense encouragement for us and our supporters!

July 2007

Summer Kindergarten

In July Nehemia School offers a free Summer Kindergarten for preschool children. During 4 weeks the children will have the possibility to get prepared for their very first class, though locomotive games, art and craft, short interpretations, theatrical plays, hiking, etc. The Summer Kindergarten takes place at Nehemia Kindergarten. Also the playground and the new Nehemia sports compound will be at the kids’ disposal.

June 2007

Prepress seminar

Nehemia projects are growing continuously, which makes the Nehemia media center a project of growing importance where information and presentation material for donors, supporters and the public are produced. Our products comprise a wide range of services, graphics, video editing, web design and many more. The continuous training for our staff is essential for quality work and up-to-date products. Last week a specialist for printing, Johannes Goldammer from Germany, held a quality seminar and workshop around the topic of “prepress” preparation.

June 2007

Community building in Peshkëpi

In an Albanian village the community building is the center of social life. Here we find not only the office of the village mayor, but it's also the place to hold meetings, events and family celebrations. In the village of Peshkepi, however, the ramshackle building was ready to break down.

Seeing the need, our partner organization "Golden Kreuz Mission, GKM" decided to renovate the facilities as a part of our community development project there. Work has already started, a nice and functional building is in the making, including office, kitchen, dining hall and patio.

June 2007

Experience exchange

Two of our teachers are presently passing an internship in our sister school in Germany, the "Landheim Schondorf am Ammersee", one of the most prestigious high schools in Bavaria. Here, they can learn about modern ways of teaching and exemplary school management. In Schondorf, a variety of courses in different crafts, art and sports are offered, adding to the theoretical learning process. This concept shall be implemented step by step in the Nehemia School. A novelty in Albania.

May 2007

Sports field

Thanks to Adi Dassler Fund (adidas), the Nehemia School in Bucimas has now a beautiful and multifunctional sports field, where the students of Nehemia School can play volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, etc.

This modern sports field, which is the only one of this quality in the region, will be open also for other teams, which may be trained for various mini-Olympics or sports competitions. Next steps of the cooperation will be regional competitions and further education for trainers. And as a special treat: Well known sportsmen from all over the world shall visit Pogradec and train the Nehemia teams.

April 2007

Seminar

Gerhard du Toit was the speaker at a three days seminar in the Nehemia church in Pogradec. Many guests from various churches in Pogradec and neighboring cities attended the meetings. Du Toit is much asked for as a speaker all over the world, his call is the encouragement and strenghening of Christians and churches, with a focus on prayer and intercession. His personal experiences in his home in South Africa, a thorough theological knowledge and an intensive personal prayer-life make his seminars a very special experience for everyone.

April 2007

Community Development

In Peshkepi (near Pogradec) a community development project with various activities aims at the support of the remote village. Presently, a new sewage system is being planned. Measuring and mapping are finished, next steps are the detailed work plans and the laying of tubes with the practical help of the villagers. Community development at Nehemia is is done in close cooperation with our partner organization GKM (Golden Kreuz Mission).

April 2007

Help for disabled people

Eberhard Brachtel from Germany is a chiropractor by profession. Once again he spent one week of his personal holidays working voluntarily at the Nehemia care service. His main concern is the training of our nurses' assistants in physiotherapy, ergotherapy and massage. Almost daily we receive new requests of patients for whom even simple therapeutic exercises bring great relief. Especially among our little patiens, the handicapped children, we see amazing progress.

March 2007

Rays of hope

For women in need, who are receiving regular help by the Nehemia social services, Nehemia co-workers have prepared a beautiful meeting in Pogradec. The ladies enjoyed the program, which expressed the great value of women in the Biblical context. A nice buffet in the end and individual presents brought extra joy and encouragement. This is our goal: Not only material and medical help, but to bring light and encouragement into the lives of our clients by serving to body, spirit and soul.

March 2007

Day Care Center

The Day Care Centre in Durrës takes care of the gipsy children. In Albania this community often faces prejudice and discrimination. This is why we take care of them, showing love and affection, educating them in social behaviours, hygienic education, etc. Besides the education, these children receive also a daily meal. Our co-workers support the parents as well, to register their children at the Register Office (which in Albania is a great help for the anti-traffic of human beings). This project is supported only by private donations.

March 2007

Help for old people

Grandmother Lytfia (this is how we call her) lives alone. She is a widow and does not have children.We’re trying to help her as much as we can. She receives relief aid regularly (and when needed also medical help), and our social workers take care of her doing the chores, washing and ironing her clothes etc. Because of her disease (Parkinson), she cannot come to our soup kitchen; so we bring the lunch to her home. Lytfia is very grateful for all the support and care she receives every day.

March 2007

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is still largely unknown in Albania, there are almost no trained therapists working in this field. Therefore, the nurses’ assistants working at the Nehemia social care service receive regular trainings by German therapists. Physiotherapeutic exercises and gymnastics bring tremendous relief and help, especially to bedridden or disabled patients. Ira Hauptman has been sent out by her Church in Germany (Jesus Gemeinde Sohland) for one year, in order to train and accompany the Nehemia health care workers in this field.

February 2007

Seminar

"Competence in Leadership" was the title of a 3-days seminar in Pogracec with Paul Donders and Bert van Heiningen from Xpand, Holland, with topics like quality management, team dynamics and conflict management. Paul Donders breaks highly scientific standards of research down to a practical level, making it applicable to everyday life. Concrete examples, workshops and games are typical for his seminars. Five seminars with Paul Donders are already available on DVD and VHS (English-Albanian), this last seminar (German-Albanian) will be finished after some weeks time. Please contact us, if you are interested!

February 2007

Student exchange

They are the happy winners: Nehemia students Lazaron Gusho and Lirida Kreste are invited to live and study from March till June in Germany at our partner school "Stiftung Landheim Schondorf". They had to undergo a strict and challenging selection procedure, led by a group of education specialists in Tirana - with most encouraging results: Eight Nehemia students took part in the test, and all of them came off brilliantly, with excellent skills in theoretical knowledge and foreign languages and received an enthusiastic appraisal of personality and character. It was not easy to choose!

January 2007

University ready for approbation!

Nehemia private University will open its doors Summer 2008 (planned) in Buçimas/Pogradec. This gíves our first group of high school graduates the chance, to continue their quality education right at the place. The required documentation for approbation has been handed over to the Albanian Ministry of Education in December 2006.

More information: http://www.nehemia-al.org/University.111.0.html

January 2007

Security

For Nehemia is security an important topic. This week our co-workers and students received instructions and practical training in different fields, as a part of the Nehemia emergency plan. Nehemia has even its own, well equipped fire brigade in Buçimas, who also spent time for intensive training these days. Security advisor and trainer: Martin Aeschbach (Switzerland)

January 2007

Playground

Children in Gjirokaster have lots of fun at Nehemia’s new playground, funded by donations from Switzerland. Children from the neighbourhood love to come here with their parents, but also pupils from the nearby school enjoy to play here. This little playground is the only one in the whole town with about 35.000 inhabitants.

January 2007

First phase of construction

Work at the new school building in Buçimas started successfully! Just before Christmas the ground plate was finished, until spring 2007 the structural work, shell and core shall be done.

The construction is financed by donations. Through "1000 for education" most of the needed finances for the first phase of construction have been given, but more finances are still needed.

On the "table of 1000 names" you can find the names and comments of our donors. Many thanks to everybody, who contributes to this project!

December 2006

Christmas parcels

5.000 lovingly prepared parcels have been distributed right in time before Christmas. They brought great joy, not only for the students of Nehemia school, but also for thousands of children in poor mountain villages. The parcels have been packed by children in the Netherlands and Germany. Thanks to everyone, who contributed to bring the light of the Christmas message into the life of those poor children. To all our friends we wish a blessed and joyful Christmas season!

December 2006

Computers

Our friends from the evangelical church „Jesus Gemeinde Sohland“ in Germany are faithful supporters of Nehemia since many years. They are financing our soup kitchen, sending out co-workers, organizing practical outreaches, etc. Their latest gift: 11 computers for the computer studio of Nehemia School. A great help!!

December 2006

Drivers' training

Drivers and motorists working at Nehemia Foundation received a thorough training. In practical and theoretical lessons they learned more about driving in difficult terrain, energy and material saving and, most of all, security - especially security rules for the transportation of passengers, for example in school buses. Trainer: Thomas Hertel from the German driving school Röttger/REVEX.

November 2006

Recycling

Denis is only 16 years old, but already working hard to provide finances for his family. About one year ago he started to look for used plastic bottles in the trash for recycling. Nehemia provides facilities where he can store the collected material, a special machinery for grinding the plastic and the transport to the recycling factory. This mini-project is not only a great help for the family, but also for the environment. Albania has an enormous garbage problem. Recycling is largely unknown, usually garbage is just burnt on the side of the road, with toxic fumes polluting the air.

November 2006

A beautiful celebration

Many guests, among them well known personalities from pubic life, came to celebrate with us the groundbreaking for the new school building in Buçimas on Nov. 24. In the picture: The architect Helmut Hauser (hauserpartner, Germany) and the director of Nehemia high school, Gjergji Bice, during the ceremonial groundbreaking. The work on the building site has already started, in order to finish the phase of construction before winter.

November 2006

Help for the prisoners

Hope for them, which feel hopeless and forgotten from the society. This hope has brought Nehemia Church in Gjirokastra for the prisoners of Bënça prison in Tepelena. In collaboration with other churches they have organized a parcel distribution among the prisoners of this prison. Through this, they have shown their care and love about these people. Nehemia plans to bring hope and support also on a regular basis, for example by foreign language courses for the prisoners.

Oktober 2006

Penny wars

177,333 pennies have been collected; 60 sacks and 2 cars were needed for the transport to the bank! It was the children of Trinity Oaks Christian Academy (Nehemia sister school) who oranized this "penny-war" last week, collecting almost $ 4.500 for the new playground of Nehemia School in Buçimas! Through this contribution they have shown great generosity and good will to help their friends in need. The children of Nehemia School are looking forward to their new playground, and express their warmest thanks.

September 2006

Support

Public schools are still in need of support, especially in remote mountain villages, where schools are often in a very bad condition. Nehemia helps them regularly with used school furniture from Germany.

Only last week our partner organization CHW has organized a transport with furniture and equipment for schools in the remote mountain villages of Mokra (Pogradec district).

September 2006

Nehemia conference

Dipl.Ing. Karl Schock was the main speaker at our annual co-worker's conference last weekend. His teaching about topics like teamwork, communication and crisis management gave valuable and practicable advice for the process organization within the Foundation. The following four day seminar about "Apostolic leadership" for project leaders and partners was a great extension along these lines.

August 20006

New co-workers

Nehemia welcomes new co-workers in Buçimas. Henryk and Ira Hauptmann with their three children will live in Albania for 9 months. They will help in different fields: Ira is a physiotherapist by professsion and will work with our partner organization MNA. Her husband Henryk has profound experience in computing and will support our informatic teachers and courses at Nehemia School. Family Hauptmann is sent out and receives support from the "Jesus-Gemeinde Sohland", Germany.

August 2006

VIPs

On August 04 we welcomed honoured guests in Buçimas: the ambassadors in Albania of Germany and Switzerland and high-ranking delegates paid us a visit, in order to get an impression about our work on site. In the focus of our presentation was education - from kindergarten to the planned Nehemia University.

July 2006

Homeless

Until lately Misto lived in a former public toilet – but he was cast out by force by eviction order. As he virtually did not have a place to go, we offered him a temporary home within the Nehemia facilities. For many years he has been a daily guest in our soup kitchen and receives also medical treatment by Nehemia. The co-workers of our social service visit him regularly in his new home and offer needed practical assistance.

July 15,2006

Summer camps

Nehemia school is not vacant during the long summer season. The functional building is almost booked out for summer camps, conferences and other events. 24 hours running water, cost-free hot water from solar collectors, emergency power supplies and a very well equipped canteen kitchen are more than you usually find in camps or hotels in Albania.

During July the school serves as a base for Project AERO. Their goal is to reach every district and village in Albania with the Gospel. After 12 years of continuous work this goal is almost finished, villages in the Pogradec region are the last ones to be visited. About  300 people from all over the world take part in this great project.

June 2006

End of school

Once again a school year is over. The students of our Nehemia private school did very well, as the results of many competitions on district level as well as on national and international levels show.

The results of one of the national competitions (organized by the Albanian Ministry of Education) showed: "Shkolla Nehemia" is one of three leading schools in all of Albania! Something to be proud of! Congratulations to all the successful students, and to their committed teachers.

February 2006

1000 for education

Education is important – especially in a rapidly developing country like Albania. It is worthwhile to invest here. In order to give the Nehemia School in Bucimas the possibility to grow further, another school building is needed. Therefore we need 1.000 x 1.000: One thousand donors who donate one thousand dollars or Euros each.

Would you like to contribute? Join us, and your place on the “table of 1000 names” is secured! Click here to download the flyer for further information.

January 2006

Therapy

Little patients with physical or mental disabilities or with severe emotional problems receive help in the premises of the Nehemia Center in Pogradec. In a specially equipped room they are getting different kinds of therapies, which help both, children and their parents, to cope with the special challenges of their disabilities. Until now there are only very few places in Pogradec, where disabled children receive qualified support, all the more thankful are our little patiens and their families for the help from Kerstin Seiffert, our social pedagogoue from Germany, and her co-workers.

November 2005

Nehemia in German TV

For one whole week a team from ZDF, one of the biggest German TV stations, have been working with Nehemia in Pogradec. They are producing a series of 5 short reports about Nehemia projects, such as social work, community development and humanitarian aid. Of course, this will also give an interesting insight into life and people of Albania.

June 2005

Road safety

Road traffic in Albania is still an adventure. The rules and laws comply with European standards, but they are not often applied. The problem is, among others, missing education and training. The Nehemia School, in cooperation with PAMECA (Police Assistance Mission of the EC to Albania) and the local police, is conducting road safety trainings, where our students, with lots of fun and fervour, learn the main rules of road traffic.

April 2005

Support needed

Talented children are in the focus of Nehemia School - yet, not every family is able to cover the monthly tuition needed for running the school. Cases of sickness, unemployment and other strokes are axing the families' funds. Donations are needed, so that we don’t have to send these children back to public schools, where general conditions are often far beneath European levels. The monthly costs are only 70 $ for the tuition and 30 $ for the daily school lunch. We are grateful for every support. If you want to invest into the future of a child, please let us know. We will happily send your further information and photos.

February 2005

FAREWELL

In February we had to say farewell to Hartmut and Astrid Kämmer, the founders and leaders of our Durres branch. During more than 10 years of dedicated service they have done a great work, mostly among the gypsy community in Durres and in many villages. They planted several churches, organized the distribution of humanitarian aid and founded a day-care center for gypsy children. On February 27 our pioneers handed over the leadership to Ueli and Dora Dietrich, a couple from Switzerland. We are grateful for this wonderful ministry, and wish them Gods richest blessings!

February 2005

Snowstorms

The local crisis committee asked for emergency-support: Several remote mountain villages are almost buried in snow, every road is blocked. About 200 families are living there, with rapidly decreasing food supplies. Instantly we purchased big amounts of food – flour, sugar, pasta and rice. Our truck brought the supplies to the last village in the region still open for traffic, in spite of heavy snowfall and a very dangerous road. Bishnica is also the base of our partner organization CHW so their co-workers and church members organized the distribution. The families have to pick up their supplies themselves with horses and mules, after hours of walk through high snow. There is no other way to ease their needs during this hard winter. We are still looking for donations and funds for this unexpected operation. Further transports will be needed if the weather conditions don't improve soon.

January 2005

Cooperation

Nehemia Albania and Global Business Assist (gba) have agreed to enter into a cooperative working agreement. Gba will help to make Albania's needs known, primarily in the U.S. and English speaking areas, and will help to facilitate funds for our various joint Nehemia/GBA projects, donations for which can be made as tax-deductible gifts through GBA in the U.S

Further Information: www.gba.org

November 2004

New partners

One more partner organization joined Nehemia Albania: The "Golden Cross Mission e.V." On October 01, 2004 the mission has been founded officially in Weilheim/Germany. In close cooperation with Nehemia the Golden Cross Mission carries out the community development projects in Peshkepi, among them building projects, seminars and further education, concepts for garbage disposal, a mobile care service, children's meetings and,many more.

October 2004

Team for Northern Albania

Nehemia will start a new project in the North of Albania. Our co-workers Annerose Nistel and Michael + Claudia Hanisch with their little son Mose are right now travelling through the remote regions of Northern Albania, where there are only very few churches and almost no missionaries. They are looking for the right place to live and work, and hope to move there as soon as possible.

September 2004

First day of school

On Monday the school year started for more than 320 children of the Nehemia School in Bucimas/Pogradec. The roof, damaged two weeks ago by fire, has been repaired; only the installation of the solar panels for the heating system still has to be done. Our students in 9th grade are especially grateful - Nehemia received its high school license, so they can advance in their studies with the best future perspectives possible.

September 2004

Fire

The new Nehemia School almost faced a disaster. Due to an accident during maintenance work the roof caught fire, destroying insulation and solar panels. Bigger damage, however, could be avoided thanks to good preventive measures, trained co-workers and the special roof construction. The solid concrete roof prevented damage even from the classrooms directly underneath, so the school will start as planned on September 20th. The complete repair of roof and solar panels will cost about 18.000 $, for which the support by donations is needed.

June 2004

Celebration in Gjirokastër

We've had two great reasons to celebrate: The 10 years anniversary of the Nehemia Church in Gjirokaster and the inauguration of the Nehemia center. The beautiful old building has been carefully renovated. Many friends and honored guests came to celebrate with us. During the service on Sunday 23 new church members have been baptized. Soon we hope to start building another church + social building on the adjoining plot of land, in order to provide better facilities for the steadily growing church work and social projects.

June 2004

New course for nursing assistants

Last week the school year started for six Albanian women, who are trained as nursing assistants according to German standards. Last May a group of three finished the first course already, who are working today in the mobile care services of Nehemia. A service which is asked for more and more in the Albanian society. The Nehemia partner organization "MNA" is carrying out the courses, while the German "Diakonisches Werk" supports the project financially.

June 2004

Winner

Lazaron Gusho, student of the Nehmia School, proved his knowledge publicly. In a national competition with 144 pupils, the best out of 36 towns, he won the second place. Most of the questions covered the domain of natural science, but going far beyond the learning matters of the very strict Albanian curriculum. Nehemia School's efforts to encourage independent and constructive ways of thinking start to bear fruit.

May 2004

Environment day

The Albanian Minister of Environment, Mr. Et'hem Ruka,was invited to an environment day in the new Nehemia Center in Bucimas. Many people from politics and public life took part, among them three ministers and the German vice-ambassador in Albania. The message of various lecures and exhibitions was clear: Albania needs alternative ways of energy supply. One example of how to implement modern techniques, for example the use of solar energy, is demonstrated in the new Nehemia buildings in Bucimas.

March 2004

Church art

The big hall of the new church in Bucimas is adorned by a huge work of art, painted by the local artist "TASO". The wall painting (2,5 x 6 m) illustrates the history of Christianity in Albania, starting with the travels of Apostle Paul in ancient Illyira (today's Albania) up until the Christian Albanian Church of today. Pogradec is traditionally known as "the town of artists", the painting is kept in the typical colours of contemporary artist of the region.

February 2004

Commemoration

On Thursday, February 26, 2004 we celebrated a small commemoration service for our late friend and co-worker Horst Koschmieder. In a small ceremony the new school building, which he planned and constructed, was named after him. Many personalities of public life, among them the German Ambassador, took part in the ceremony, where hope seemed to outshine mourning. Looking back on Horst's life made clear, that he was a man who lived in the presence of God, woh found the fulfillment of his life and ministry in Albania.