School children learn to say yes to life

Kosovo | OM International

Conditions in Kosovo are ripe for drug taking; many youth find life a struggle in a difficult economic climate with continued political instability. People under the age of 30 make up 70 per cent of the population, with unemployment rates at 40 per cent.

In response, OM workers Chris and Lorraine are pioneering a drug education programme. The couple, based in Gjakova, are presenting the programme to high school pupils in and around Kosovo.

The programme’s slogan is “thuaj po, jetës”, which means “Say Yes to Life”. Chris hopes that by providing youth with information about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, they will see the importance of making healthy, positive choices for their bodies and life. The presentations have been well received by the children, who are keen to respond, even recognising and greeting Chris and Lorraine outside of school.

Another strategy is translating their UK website, www.theway.uk.com, into Albanian so locals can have access to information about addiction. Bookmarks have been distributed to children with their slogan and the Albanian website: www.rruga.eu.

Chris shares, "I received an email via our website from a young person who was in a lesson I’d presented. The email read, 'I now know the right way.' We are excited to have this open door to visit the schools and offer good education about the dangers of drugs. We can’t share openly about our faith, but we want to let the children see Jesus in us and through what we do."

Praise God for the positive responses Chris and Lorraine have received. Please pray for wisdom and continued open doors for the couple to share their message.

Credit: OM International
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