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Goodtree Foundation aims to holistically restore Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania through individualized training and education opportunities, in partnership with local organizations and businesses.
Goodtree provides practical tools to enhance the lives through life and professional skills projects.
We envision communities where individuals and families know their worth and dignity and, as they learn and work, break the cycle of poverty.
Our attitudes and actions at Goodtree consistently reflect our values of dignity, integrity, and sustainability.
We operate from the belief that every person is worthy of honor and respect.
We value each person’s unique skillset and foster an environment where they can further develop their skills.
We uphold high ethical standards and we do not tolerate cheating, lying, or stealing.
We steward our time diligently to further the goals of Goodtree.
We invite innovation and creative solutions to difficult problems.
We cultivate relationships with other organizations and companies to learn from their expertise and develop new projects.
Goodtree Institute
Through Goodtree Institute, we offer individualized courses with the aim of helping clients develop skills for life. These courses include:
reading and writing,
basic math skills,
basic computer skills and typing,
hygiene and self-care,
work ethics,
time management,
money management, etc.
Goodtree Handmade
Goodtree Handmade trains and hires women from the community to produce locally-sourced artisanal soap and other hand-crafted products. In our work environment, women learn necessary skillsets to integrate into the workforce in Albania.
You can order artisanal soap products on Goodtree Instagram.
Goodtree Mentorship
We provide individualized mentorship to connect clients with professional or handicraft skills courses in cooperation with other public and private organizations. Appointed Goodtree mentors meet regularly with clients to encourage them, follow up on their progress, and assist them in acquiring professional skillsets successfully.
Goodtree Mentorship also includes a youth development program. Mentees participate in farming, science labs, martial arts, cross-fit workouts, sewing, jewelry making, and more, while learning necessary life skills for adulthood.
Namie Koo
Co-founder
Goodtree Handmade
Namie Koo studied at Parsons School of Design in NYC, USA. She worked as a buyer in the apparel industry for 8 years. Then, she was a program director and board member for a NGO, Gifted Hands NYC, providing an educational program and jewelry business courses for underserved communities. Namie moved to Albania in 2020 with a vision to open a center for the marginalized. Goodtree Foundation is a fulfillment of that dream, where Namie directs Goodtree Handmade and focuses on product development and professional skillset training.
Samuel Koo
Co-founder
Youth Development
Samuel studied Chemistry at New Jersey Institute of Technology and worked in the fashion accessories industry as an Import & Export Manager. He is from New Jersey, USA. He partnered in overseas projects aiding underserved communities in Honduras, Peru, Mexico, Pakistan, Jordan, and China over 10 years. Samuel has lived in Albania since 2020, working with House of Hope to serve the Roma community in Shkoze. Now at Goodtree, Samuel focuses on youth mentorship and skillset development, as well as refining chemical formulas for soap products.
Melissa King
Co-founder
Goodtree Institute
Melissa is from Florida, USA and received a B.A. and an M.A. in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language) in Chicago. While completing her degrees, Melissa taught English courses at refugee organizations for 6 years. Melissa moved to Albania in 2018 and began working in the Roma communities in Tirana. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Human Services Crisis Response & Trauma from Liberty University. At Goodtree, Melissa focuses on curriculum development and individualized courses.
Raxhi Rakipi
Program Coordinator
Youth Development
Raxhi completed his B.A. in Albanian and Roma Languages and his M.A. in Albanian Language and Literature at the Aleksandër Xhuvani University. Raxhi is from Elbasan. He worked with civil society organizations for 11 years. Currently, Raxhi is teaching Romani language in 2 primary schools in Elbasan. He is the first Romani language teacher in Albanian public schools. At Goodtree, Raxhi coordinates programs, while mentoring youth and developing curriculum. He manages project calls and local partnerships.
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