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Family at the House of Laughter

N.H., founder and director, House of Laughter

The first verse of the theme song at the House of Laughter in the Balkans portrays the atmosphere of this home for children who have lost at least one parent during the war. The lyrics are, “Family, at the House of Laughter, I said, family from now and hereafter. Family, we work together because we’re the best of friends. Friends, you always want around. Friends help you up when you’re down. Friends always want to help you because their love is true.” This is one reason children keep coming, and others keep asking to come. We are not just a center where children learn languages and math, play games, and construct art projects. For the last six years we have grown together, laughed together, and learned together.

Every child represents a life that has been touched. Leonora is being raised by her widowed mother. Yesterday, she grabbed my arm as we walked down the street and said, “I thank God for the House of Laughter. Without it, my life would not be the same.” She continued to explain how the teachers, the classes, and her friends have helped her. Fejzullah claims, “This is my home.” His father was killed in the war, and his mother does not want the responsibility of raising him. Besijana and Sali are orphans. They travel from the next village (about five miles) every weekday to attend classes. Ejona’s mom died just after Ejona’s birth. This little first-grader is looking for and finding love at the House of Laughter. The stories could go on of 110 more children, and there would be more if there were only more space to accommodate them.

Life at the House of Laughter is a mixture of joys and challenges. We are filled with joy because the government officials have given us a bigger building in the center of the city. We will be surrounded by five different schools, and we are excited to open our doors wider and to work with many more children and families. Our mission is to provide a quality education that develops character through a balanced approach of knowledge, skills, and values in order to prepare individuals and families to be lifelong learners and agents for change in their world.

With this exciting opportunity comes a greater responsibility. To provide for the expenses of this next step, a sponsorship program is starting. However, we are calling them “scholarships” because it will allow a young lady or a young man to begin or to continue an excellent education.

I would not trade what I do or where I live for anything else in this world. The present and future family at the House of Laughter is worth the investment of my life. My heart bursts with joy when I hear singing and giggling at the House of Laughter. 

For more information about how you can help the House of Laughter, email ceemed@abwe.cc.