Heifer's Heart: Ora Bytyci

By Brooke Edwards

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: February 7, 2012

Name: Ora Bytyci

Title: Country Director, Heifer Kosovo

Location: Prishtina

How long have you worked for Heifer? since May 2002 (almost 10 years)

What attracted you to work for Heifer? When I returned to Kosovo from London in 2002, after the war, I learned about Heifer and really liked the fact that it was an organization that didn't just give animals, but also hope.

What has been the most memorable experience you have had while working for Heifer?There are a lot of widows in Kosovo, women who lost their husbands in the war. I went to help start the War Widows Project in Krusha e Vogel and will never forget the looks on the women's faces as I was speaking about things like the 12 Cornerstones. They looked at me as if I could not possibly understand what they had been through. When I left, I was filled with mixed emotions. I didn't know whether I should be happy because we were helping, or sad because they had been through so much and we were expecting so much from them. Two years later, I returned to conduct Project Self-Review and Planning (PSRP), and there was a huge difference. They spoke more freely. I will never forget that moment. I love heifer because you can really feel the difference it makes. I was so proud.

My education includes: Bachelor's Degree in Management and Information Technology from Prishtina University

My hobbies include: reading and playing with my two sons

My family consists of: my two sons: Leka, 8, and Granit, 11, and myself

Something about me that you might not know: I used to wait tables and could carry about five plates on one arm.

What is the best thing about working at Heifer Kosovo? With seven of us, my team is like a little family. We've all been at Heifer Kosovo for a long time. Kosovo is a poor country that has suffered a lot and needs a lot of help. I like to be a part of helping Kosovo get on the right track.