Loris’s Dream: An Orphaned Child in Kosovo Who Refuses to Lose Hope

Fushë Kosova, Kosovo – At just 13 years old, Loris Botuci carries memories and hardships far beyond his young age. He lost his father, but not the warmth of those memories — nor the determination to build a brighter future.

Loris lives with his mother and siblings in Fushë Kosova. Like many children who have lost a parent, the absence of his father is a wound that never fully heals. “I miss him a lot,” Loris says softly. “Especially on my birthday or when something good happens in my life. I always wish he were there.”

One memory in particular remains vivid for him. “Once, my father bought me a bicycle and taught me how to ride it,” he recalls with a faint smile. “That was the happiest day of my life.”

Despite the struggles, Loris’s life is filled with school, helping his mother, and moments of play with friends. He enjoys drawing and football, and leans on his close friend, Driton, who he says, “always understands me.”

But life is not without its difficulties. “Sometimes when we don’t have much at home, or when I see other children with their fathers, that feels very hard,” Loris admits. Yet, he does not let hardship define him. His favorite subjects — mathematics and drawing — fuel his ambition to one day become an architect. “I want to build beautiful houses for people who don’t have homes,” he says, revealing both a dream and a compassionate heart.

Through it all, Loris finds strength in his mother’s care and in the support offered by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). He recalls moments of joy too, such as receiving a gift during the holidays: “I was so happy. It reminded me that I haven’t been forgotten.”

When asked about his greatest wish, Loris’s answer reflects both his reality and his determination: “I wish I had a computer, so I can study and learn better.”

“Thank you for not forgetting us. Even though I am an orphan, I still have hope.”

For children like Loris, hope is more than a feeling — it is a lifeline, nurtured by care, compassion, and the unwavering belief that their future can indeed be brighter.