Far from paradise: Hopeful Albanian youth find hardship abroad

Manjola (left), mother of Florim and his father are among many parents across Albania who begrudgingly send their children abroad, including through illicit means, hoping a life in Europe will provide a better future. Photos: AFP

Alma had hoped her teenage son would find a better life after he left his native Albania for Germany, but he disappeared days after leaving.

“The worry is stabbing my soul. I’m the guilty one. I’m the one who encouraged him to leave. Where is he? What is he doing?” cried the 38-year-old widow, whose last name has been withheld to protect her identity.