Tirana, Albania- On November 25, 2003, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) offices in Albania and United Kingdom (UK) were awarded as Honorary Members of the Orphans Association of Albania during the celebration activities of the association's 12th anniversary.

The award is given for "remarkable contribution to orphan children of Albania," stated Kadri Alia, executive director of the association. "We appreciate the work ADRA Albania is doing and the commitment they have to continue to work with this community," added Alia.

"On behalf of the orphans in Albania we would like to extend a word of thanks to our donor, ADRA United Kingdom, for its continuing support to this community," noted Elidon Bardhi, associate country director for ADRA Albania. "Without your support our work here in Albania would have no meaning," Bardhi concluded.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, as well as representatives from other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working with orphans in Albania.

This past year, ADRA implemented the reconstruction and provision of basic furniture for the Korca Orphanage and the distribution of "shoe box appeals" and other humanitarian supplies to 1,100 orphans in Albania. The 1,300 shoe box parcels sent by ADRA UK in June were prepared by children in the UK and included toys, toiletries, candy, and school supplies.

"ADRA UK's work started in Albania nearly a decade ago and we're proud to continue our work there. The needs of the orphans in Albania are a great concern to us and we're glad to be part of meeting them," commented Raafat Kamal, country director for ADRA UK.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org