The coastal city of Shengjin in northwestern Albania has so far housed about 1,400 Afghans, most of whom are families with women and children.
For several months, the lives of the newcomers have taken a different course, as some of them point out when questioned about their stay in Albania.
“I am Muhammad Alahar, I was a student in the last year at Kabul University, but you know how things went and now I am here. The people here are very kind they treat us very well. All of us Afghans here feel good and I want to thank the Albanians for what they did for us.”
Another Afghan says: “I have been in Albania for almost a week, Albanians seem peaceful and hospitable, the place here is very beautiful. I had never heard of Albania before but now I recommend it to all the people, it is very beautiful.
“Our day here is goes well, we also do English courses.”
Evianda Ndoka, a translator with the Afghan community, says it is a also challenge for them to adapt to new people from a different culture.
Despite the challenges they have gone through to get here, Ndoka says the refugees remain grateful to Albania for the hospitality they have found.
Top Channel
