In Ozdrim, near Peja, Save the Children’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centre, opened in January 2023, has transformed the lives of children and families. Gentiana, a working mother, shares how the centre supported her son Malti, who struggled with shyness and socialization after the pandemic. With guidance from his educator, Malti developed confidence, social skills, and learning abilities, preparing him for preschool and beyond. The centre not only benefits children but also reassures parents through education sessions, proving the vital role of early childhood programs in rural communities.
In the small village of Ozdrim, just 11 kilometres from the city of Peja, Gentiana, a mother of a 5-year-old boy named Malti, reflects on the transformative impact of the community-based Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centre opened by Save the Children in January 2023. Malti, one of the first children to enrol in the centre, attended from the age of 3 until transitioning to preschool at 5 years old.
For Gentiana, a cashier at a local supermarket, balancing work with parenting posed a significant challenge. "Public kindergartens in the city didn't fit with my work schedule, and private care was beyond my means. The centre has been a lifesaver for families like ours in rural areas," she shared.
The ECCD Centre’s opening was met with excitement and hope in the community. "When I heard about it, I visited the school myself to talk to the director [of the school where the centre is located] and learn more. It was such a positive initiative. Many parents were enthusiastic, though sceptical about how much children could learn in a few short hours," Gentiana admitted. But that scepticism quickly turned into trust and appreciation.
Born in 2019, Malti's early years were shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited his social interactions. As an only child, he struggled with socialization and was hesitant to interact with others outside his immediate family.
"When Malti first started, he was extremely shy and didn’t want to stay at the centre. I often had to wait in the hallway while he adjusted," Gentiana recounted. Those initial days were challenging, but with the patient support of his educator, Dafina, Malti began to thrive. "At first, he couldn’t even hold a pencil properly. Colouring was a struggle, and his concentration was very limited because he was an extremely active child. From January to June, even Dafina couldn’t get him to colour," Gentiana shared. However, persistence paid off. Slowly, Malti began engaging with activities, developing his fine motor skills, and learning to focus for longer periods. Over time, the changes in Malti became evident. "He started looking forward to going to the centre every day. I could see the excitement in his eyes. The most significant change was in how he interacted with others," Gentiana said.
Before attending the ECCD Centre, Malti would shy away from guests, often retreating to his room to avoid interaction. But as the months passed, he became more open and confident. "Now he greets guests with a smile and even engages in conversations. This was something I never thought I’d see," Gentiana said with pride.The trust built between the parents and the educator, Dafina, was key to the program’s success. "In the beginning, I was hesitant. But Dafina’s dedication and hard work reassured me. She truly cares for the children," Gentiana noted.
The centre didn’t just benefit the children but also their families. Save the Children’s informative sessions for parents emphasized the importance of early childhood education. These sessions addressed initial doubts about the program’s effectiveness. "Parents were unsure if just a few hours a day could make a difference, but seeing the changes in their children convinced them otherwise," Gentiana explained. While Ozdrim is not deeply rural, with many residents educated and employed, the lack of local opportunities often drives families to urban areas. Despite this, the centre has managed to serve the children who remain, starting with 18 enrolments in its first year and continuing with 11 this year.
For Gentiana, the ECCD Centre is more than a program, it provides essential support for her child’s growth and development. Children in rural areas are often cared for by their grandparents when both parents are working, and they tend to spend considerable time on digital devices. "It’s crucial for children between the ages of 3 and 5 to have a place to grow and learn outside the home. The centre gave Malti the start he needed," she said.
Reflecting on Malti’s journey, Gentiana expressed her gratitude: "The ECCD Centre didn’t just prepare my son for school—it prepared him for life. He’s now a confident, curious, and social little boy, and I owe so much of that to the support he received here."
Malti’s story highlights the transformative power of early childhood education, particularly in rural areas and smaller communities. By addressing not only the educational needs of children but also the concerns and hopes of their parents, Save the Children’s ECCD Centre in Ozdrim highlights the significant impact that early childhood investments can have on a child's development.
