| Administrative History | Allocations: 1922, 1924, 1926-29, 1932-35, 1992; see annual reports for subsequent allocations
Albania became independent in 1912 as a result of the Balkan War. In 1928 the country became a monarchy. In 1939 it was invaded by the Italians. In November 1944 the country was liberated by communist partisans under Enver Hoxa. Until 1991 the country was a one-party state. In that year the communists were forced to relinquish power.
In 1922 SCF gave money for child refugee relief in Albania via the UISE [Union International de Secours aux Enfants]. Bad harvests at the end of 1923 caused malnutrition in mountain areas. SCF gave aid directly and via UISE. In 1926 an influx of Muslim refugees from Constantinople resulted in problems for the country. SCF attempted to help by building a refugee village on the lines which had beeen successful in Bulgaria. The village of Xheba (named after Eglantyne Jebb) was completed in 1927, housing 24 families. The village of Radani, built with money from Swiss supporters, was completed in 1928, housing 22 families. In June 1931 a child welfare clinic opened in Scutari; it was handed over to the Albanian government in September 1934. In November 1991 SCF carried out an assessment of emergency needs. In 1992, SCF became involved in a project to provide training for care staff, and provided materials for the Institute of Paediatrics in Tirana. From 1999 SCF started to implement emergency relief under the agreement that Red Barnet had with the Government of Albania, building up cooperation and coordination with UNICEF. Work included support to Roma education and integration, support for a shelter for trafficked girls and women, child protection, and support for children's rights in the country. |