This article was originally published on The Balkanista.
A few months ago, I told you the story of a young Albanian man, a teacher, and someone that dedicated their time and energy to rebuild a dilapidated school in Skrapar.
After visiting the school and observing that the students took their lessons, huddled under umbrellas as the elements penetrated the old school building, Donald and his friend set up a fundraising project to raise the money needed to improve the conditions for the youngsters.
Desperately looking for a source of funds, the two appeared on the popular game show “100 million”, where they managed to bag an impressive 2.5 million lek, but this was not enough to start the works. Determined to reach their goal, they started fundraising left, right and centre until a further 10 million lek was safely in their pockets, kindly donated by a mixture of individuals and businesses both locally and abroad.
The project was a success and just a few months ago, the new school opened its doors and lessons commenced in a warm, safe, and suitable educational environment. Instead of battling with wind, rain, and snow to get an education, the students now learn in a warm schoolhouse with an inside bathroom, new desks and chairs a woodstove with adequate ventilation, and the equipment they need to learn. But Donald wasn’t satisfied and now he has launched a new project to completely reconstruct Therepel School. 
This current “Therepel School Reconstruction” project is focused on his childhood school, known as “20 August” school in Therepel, Skrapar. In this school, ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 9, over 40 students attend classes in four classrooms with four teachers. Donald attended this school as a child and returned as a teacher of Albanian Language and Literature, and later became the Director before leaving in December 2018 to dedicate himself full time to his “Knowledge Project” of school construction and reconstruction.
It is in need of total reconstruction and the addition of a library, basic science lab and equipment, a technology lab with Chrome books, and gymnasium. Improvements to the classrooms, bathrooms and grounds will also be included in the reconstruction project.
Each aspect of the project will be completed as funds are received. Donald has dedicated himself full time for the coming years to this project and will continue to raise funds through social networking, television appearances, and finding donations of resources as well as funds.
Donald, along with his partner on the previous project Borsion Spahu, and the many others that share his vision for improving education conditions in this Balkan nation, will work together to ensure the realization of this project just like they did their first for the five children of III Vendreshe.
This man is a shining example of what it means to be a good citizen and the work he carries out off his own back should be an example to anyone that comes across him. Supporting this project is not just supporting him, but it is supporting the children of Albania. It is giving them an opportunity to attain a good education and to better their chances in life, and it is giving them a chance to succeed.
Please share his story and the new campaign and please donate to the valiant cause- every little helps. DONATE.
