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Inspire Balkans 2027

From June 20 - June 30, 2027, volunteers will engage with local communities in Kosova and Albania. They will connect with local communities by running an educational camp for orphans, providing psychosocial support, visiting Islamic Relief-funded projects, and distributing essential supplies to support vulnerable groups in the area. This program provides unique insight into the region’s culture, history, and challenges.

Highlights

  • Trip Dates: June 20 - June 30, 2027
  • Fundraising Target → $3,500 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee: CAD $575 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)

Limited spots available! Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.

Apply today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program seeks participants with the following qualities:

  • Over 18 years old of age
  • Able to attend mandatory orientation sessions and all required training
  • A sincere interest in humanitarian work and global service
  • Experience and passion for working with youth and children
  • Strong leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations
  • Flexibility, maturity, and the ability to adapt in new environments
  • Ability to commit to physically demanding activities and extended days while abroad

Background

In the Balkans, Kosova and Albania face unique social and economic challenges, including poverty and limited access to quality education. Vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, are among the most affected. Recognizing these pressing issues, Islamic Relief established offices in Kosova in 2000 and Albania in 1991 to provide targeted support and sustainable solutions to these vulnerable populations.


Since 2025, Inspire has held 2 trips to Kosovo and Albania, running educational and psychosocial support programs for local orphans and vulnerable children.

Islamic Relief Kosova

Since its establishment in 2000, the Islamic Relief Kosova office has played a vital role in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the country, particularly in the aftermath of the Kosova War. The office focuses on educational development, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment to uplift vulnerable families and children. Programs include educational sponsorships that provide access to quality schooling for disadvantaged children and youth. Additionally, the office runs psychosocial activities aimed at helping children and youth recover from trauma, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Economic empowerment initiatives, such as skill development and microfinance opportunities, further help marginalized communities achieve self-reliance.


Islamic Relief Albania

Islamic Relief Albania, established in 1991, was one of the first offices in the region, responding to the urgent needs of communities during Albania’s turbulent transition from communism to democracy. Over the years, it has expanded its scope, focusing on sustainable development, education, and emergency relief. Key programs include scholarships and school support initiatives that enhance access to education for children in rural and impoverished areas. The office has also been a leader in economic empowerment, providing vocational training and small-business grants to foster self-reliance among families. In times of crisis, such as during floods or earthquakes, Islamic Relief Albania has delivered critical emergency assistance, helping families rebuild their lives.


Both offices prioritize community engagement, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the people they serve. By collaborating with schools, orphanages, and local organizations, they have created programs that are both impactful and sustainable, addressing not only immediate needs but also long-term challenges.

Check out a previous volunteer's experience! 


Main activities

  • Volunteers will embark on a 10-day journey engaging with local communities in Kosova and Albania. Activities include:
    • Running educational workshops and recreational activities for children and youth
    • Providing psychosocial support programs that foster emotional growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging for vulnerable children and youth
    • Packing and distributing food and hygiene kits to vulnerable families
    • Participating in community service projects
    • Visiting local Islamic Relief projects to learn about their impact and hear directly from rights-holders


Cultural Immersion Activities
Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Kosova and Albania. Activities will include visits to key landmarks, historic sites, and areas of cultural significance in both countries, offering participants an authentic glimpse into the traditions and heritage of the Balkans.

Benefits of field study

The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment.

The Inspire experience continues beyond the field study. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.

Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.

Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.

We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.

Apply today


Fundraising Process

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $4,000, which directly supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in the Balkans, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.

Volunteers will be supported with their fundraising through:

  • Personalized fundraising coaching
  • Tips for community engagement
  • Digital tools and templates for outreach

Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover:

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Ground transportation within the Balkans
  • Group meals and organized group activities


Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Kosovo and Albania
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics
  • Expenses related to the VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) application

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must attend mandatory orientation sessions and complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Passion Project sessions
  • Activity Planning sessions
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in the Balkans
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training sessions will be approximately 1-2 hours each. Full attendance is required.