The Albanian government has given the status of “Children in the care of the Republic” to 11 children whose parents have died in the line of duty, according to Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu.
Those who have received the special status are the children of doctors, nurses, police, or army staff who have lost their lives while carrying out their work. They will receive government support in various forms until they are 25 years old.
“A year ago, Prime Minister Rama made a promise that the government would stand by, without any reservation, the children and families of the heroes of this country. Today this promise becomes a reality,” she said.
“It is a sign of gratitude for the selfless sacrifice of your dear fathers, your dear sons, who are no longer with us today.”
She said that 11 children, and later others, will benefit from a full support package until the age of 25. This will include financial assistance to replace the salary of the parent who died, support in education, employment, and healthcare. Scholarships will also be available for pre-university education as well as free textbooks.
They will be exempt from fees in higher education facilities and will get support in vocational guidance and employment support in the private or public sector.
Present at the announcement ceremony was Prime Minister Edi Rama who said that some 140,000 children in Albania receive economic assistance. He said a new policy is being drafted to support families with three children or more.
“Today, our social policies benefit about 140,000 children who receive economic assistance, for orphaned children, mothers who are victims of violence and trafficking, the payment has tripled and for families with many children, the financial support has doubled. We are working to add a new policy that will support mothers with three children,” Rama said.
He added that 115,000 children received the so-called ‘baby bonus’- a sum given to parents after the birth of a child. Furthermore, Rama said programmes have also been created to support 270,000 children from birth to the age of 14.
Lastly, dental care being provided in schools is also something the government is reportedly working on.
“Governance is a process between which we learn every day and understand, we feel the pulse of society trying to improve every day,” said Rama.
