A shorter post today, because we have family guests - making it all the way from the UK to Spain, for the first time since ‘BC’ 😎
But I am so glad to have published Lumjana Shehu's story on the podcast today.
If like me, you are increasingly dismayed by the UK government and media's increasingly anti-refugee rhetoric, you'll appreciate learning about the project she is working with, which offers real hope to a new generation of Albanian youth, to develop highly marketable skills for work - work they can do remotely.
I first worked with refugee groups in East London, in the late 90s. They were mostly from Somalia, or former Yugoslavian countries, and their stories were harrowing and shocking to a young and idealistic community development worker.
But they were also incredibly inspiring, and it was immediately clear to me that they represented some of the most courageous and clear-thinking people in their lost communities. Those who had seen what was coming and taken decisive action early enough, to undertake huge risks and journeys into the unknown, to give their families a chance of survival. I didn't understand then - and I don't understand now - why such brave and innovative people weren't allowed to work and support themselves once they reached a place of safety. Nor do I understand those who think there should be a distinction between those taking such action to protect their family from starvation, rather than from war.
Today so many young Albanian people feel they have little choice but to undertake dangerous and difficult journeys across Europe - but the work that Lumjana and her associates at TUMO are doing with MaNaBu, is offering a tangible alternative.
Remote work should not be the privilege of those born with a powerful passport, who all too often use it to earn a strong currency and spend in a weaker one. Empowering this cohort of young, digitally enabled, social-savvy and English speaking trainees to stay home with their families in Albania, while working internationally, is a win for all everyone.
I hope you enjoy listening to this fascinating story as much as I did the first time, and I can't wait to hear what you think.
