Written by Jona Fani (YES 2014-2015, Albania, placed with PAX in De Pere, WI)

Using funds won from the WYLET Alumni Grant, YES Alumna Livia Dyrmishi (YES 2019-2020, Albania, placed with Greenheart Exch in East Dundee, IL) implemented her project, Book Buddies English Club, in November. This is a book club for kids to learn English through books and activities.

The aim of this club was to make the English language accessible to all, especially for low-income families who can’t afford to send their kids to English camps. In total, 15 kids between the ages of 10-14 years old are participating in the club. These are kids from families that have lost their homes or have been seriously affected by the earthquake that hit Albania last November. 

Livia is meeting with the kids once a week, on Saturdays. Together they read stories and do different fun activities including art and crafts. This way, the kids are learning English but are also having a fun time interacting with one another.