According to a report from World Vision more than half of children in Albania and Kosovo suffered or are suffering stress from missing school friends due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than three quarters added that they were not stressed about missing school or falling behind in their studies. But being cut off from friends was a big deal with most reporting they missed socialising, being in groups, and talking to friends. According to the data, girls were more likely to stress over seeing friends and family, or health, than their male counterparts. Some of those interviewed said they were aware of children selling items and begging to help support their families. 2.1% of children in Albania and 5.3% in Kosovo were working during the pandemic. Sectors included construction, agriculture, hospitality or online work.32% of Albanian children and 26% of Kosovo children said they had experienced physical and emotional violence during the pandemic.
The children said that they looked to their parents for support first, followed by siblings, friends, religious leaders, teachers, and grandparents. Boys were less likely to reach out for support from any of them.