Jethmira Avdili, an Albanian from Gjilan, who lives in Solothurn, Switzerland, became known in the Swiss and Albanian media for its particular history, combining service in the Swiss Army with humanitarian activities in helping needy families in Kosovo.
Avdili was the first Albanian to perform military service in Switzerland.
It had also attracted media attention to a photograph of several Albanian soldiers, in which they had made the symbol of the two-headed eagle.
The photograph was widely distributed in Swiss media and was described as scandal by some of them.
However, in addition to this experience, she was involved in humanitarian activities, creating the project unjustly 10 for a Better World, through which she collected donations from Albanians in Switzerland to help families in a difficult economic situation in Kosovo.
The initiative was born after Avdili had seen some young men burn money, while there were families in Kosovo who had neither basic living conditions nor sick people who could afford treatment.
Under this initiative, until the time of the interview in 2018, Jethmira had managed to help close to 20 families in Kosovo.
Reliefs had been varied, ranging from the provision of food and payment of housing rents to the coverage of operating costs and the purchase of drugs for sick persons.
One of its goals was to build a house for a needy family.
To secure the donations, Avdili was initially addressed to Albanians at the Swiss shopping mall, asking each of 10 francs.
She had explained that even a small amount could be of great importance to a person who faced great life difficulties.
A special place in her humanitarian commitment was also provided for disabled ones. For this category, she had a particular sensitivity, as her brother also had special needs.
The project’s first action was organised for the Ditor Care Centre épama in Gjilan, which cares for disabled children.
Avdili had also used social networks, especially the Instagram, to promote humanitarian activities and to collect aid from fellow countrymen in the diaspora.
On this road she had co-operated with friends, family and companies in Kosovo, who had contributed financial means, construction materials and equipment to needy families.
Jethmira Avdil’s story has become known for combining an unusual experience in the Swiss Army with humanitarian engagement in supporting people in Kosovo./Telegraphy/