Samuel comes from the Philippines. Harsh economic conditions in his native country forced him to leave five years ago, in hopes of finding a better life.<\/p>\n
After online research, he found Albania, where he sent a work application, which was later approved. Samuel tells Euronews he was happy to get the news, even though it meant leaving behind his two children.<\/p>\n
Despite the distance, he says his children call to encourage him all the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy son told me, father, be good at work so that we can live. I had to do it, I am the man of the family and I had to make money to live, so that they can get better education. They are living with my aunt in the Philippines,\u201d Samuel tells us in tears.<\/p>\n
He confesses, he would only make 150 dollars in a month back home, which wasn\u2019t enough for his family of four.<\/p>\n
His goal is to some day bring the children to Albania, given that he and his wife are already here.<\/p>\n
Samuel works as a gardener and he enjoys the country so far.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did research on the internet before coming here. People are very friendly, there are nice places, too. It\u2019s a lovable country. Sorry to say, but the trash is everywhere,\u201d says Samuel when asked about the positive and negative aspects of Albania.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve adapted very fast to my life here. To be honest, I decided to come here because it is a quiet place. It is very noisy in the Philippines,\u201d Samuel concludes.<\/p>\n