Winter in Kosova is extremely harsh and long. It brings with it sub-zero temperatures, frequent rain, and snow. The cold months also present new hardships for vulnerable families, many of whom live in rundown homes.
As the prices of gas, electricity, fuel and firewood rise, even more people are struggling to keep themselves and their children warm in winter.
“Winter is always a difficult time for my family. As a single mother with no stable income, it’s hard to provide enough food and warmth for my children,” Rabishe, who lost her husband 9 years ago, explains.
“Prices for basic things like bread, oil and vegetables go up, and sometimes I don’t know how I will manage to feed my family from one day to the next… The cold affects our health, or mood, and our daily life. Every day feels like a fight to get through.”
Living in Podujeve, a northern city near the border with Serbia, with her 2 children, Rabishe ekes out a living by taking on odd jobs – cleaning, helping neighbours or seasonal work when it’s available.
“Sometimes relatives or kind people in the community help us, but it’s not always enough.
“I worry constantly if my children will stay warm enough or if they’ll get sick. Sometimes we stay in one room to save heat, all huddled under blankets. The cold makes everything feel heavier – not just physically, but emotionally too. It’s hard to stay hopeful when you’re always thinking about how to survive another day.
Help us support even more families in Kosova this winter
Rabishe is among the more than 10,000 people in Kosova who received support last winter through Islamic Relief’s Winterisation Programme.
After hearing from other single mothers in her community about the help available, she became involved with the project.
Her family received firewood for heating, food parcels and other winter necessities such as warm clothes. They also receive support throughout the year from other Islamic Relief initiatives such as our Orphan Sponsorship Programme and Ramadan and qurbani distributions.
Our Winterisation Programme aims to ease the burden and boost the resilience of vulnerable families to survive the arduous winter months. For over 25 years, Islamic Relief has worked in Kosova, providing essential items such as blankets, fuel and warm clothes, as well as cash-based assistance, to families like Rabishe’s.
Last winter, Islamic Relief distributed over 2,000 winter items to families in Kosova through our Winterisation Programme. This year, with your help, we can do even more.
Please help us bring warmth and save lives in Kosova and beyond. Donate to our Winter Appeal today.
