Orthodox Day-Care Centers

     A brief Overview

Under the fatherly supervision of His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios and through an initiative of the Orthodox Women’s Group of Tirana, the first day-care center opened on October 10, 1994. Over time, 13 more centers have been initiated. They provide a suitable educational program, for children whose parents are working, whose families have only one parent, low income families, orphans, and for children whose parents are immigrants. Besides educating these children, the objective is to socialize those children who have no siblings. The centers are opened to all children despite their religious background.

	Today, 14 day-care centers operate in Tiranë, Durrës, Kavajë, Lushnjë, Vlorë, Gjirokastër, Dervician, Sarandë, Përmet, Elbasan, Pogradec, Korçë, Shkodër and Berat.
For the last thirteen years, this program has successfully contributed to worthwhile experiences of children, ages 4-6 years of age. Its success is demonstrated in the smooth transition to the first-grade by children who were under our care.
	Also, first-grade teachers come to our kindergartens to personally take the children who will go to the first-grade.
Since 2002, this program has been a part of the Foundation “Spirit of Love”. Most of the centers have been built near Orthodox churches. Since this program’s inception, approximately 8000 children have attended these centers.
	Financial support is provided by:     -Archbishop Anastasios through the Foundation “Spirit of Love”      -The Round Table of the World Council of Churches (WCC) through the Office of Diakonia Agape.      -Parents’ contributions
The centers are licensed by the Ministry of Education, and are monitored by the office of education in their respective areas.
	They are consistently rated excellent for the environmental and educational equipment provided. The children take part in various activities such as competitions, festivals, shows, etc., and are awarded special prizes.
The local government regularly certifies the facilities after testing the care-givers and educators.

     The New School Year 2007-2008

About 750 children, ages 4-6, have been registered for the new school year 2007-2008.

Teaching is based on a new program instituted to meet the standards set by the Ministry of Education and Science. After a training session of the staff with new teaching methods the staff was certified in the new requirements. The Day-Care Centers provide many opportunities for the physical and emotional wellness and education of the children. Besides teaching, special attention is paid to children’s healthcare, food and to their play facilities.

Each Center has its own pediatrician who visits the children once a week. Each child has his/her own personal health record, in which the doctor tracks the child’s physical health. Also, a special meeting with each child and their parents is scheduled to discuss the child’s overall physical well-being.

Modern facilities that provide central heating, (a very important factor considering the energy crisis), and recreational areas equipped with playgrounds for young children. A late morning snack is also provided for the children.

The schedule of activities in the centers is instituted by the Coordination Office of Daily Care located next to the Metropolis in Tirana. This office recruits and organizes the qualified staff for all the centers.

With faith in God, we hope that two more centers be opened in Cërrik and Gramsh in the near future.

By: Urani Dusha

Coordinator - Office of Daily Care

Translated by Juljana Pici

Edited by Melanie Linderman