A teenage Kosovar Albanian living in York told today that she will be helping the refugees who are due to arrive next month.

Seventeen-year-old Era Gjurgjeala, who featured in the Evening Press earlier this month, arrived in England from her home in Pristina, Kosovo, last September and is studying in the sixth form at the Mount School, in York.

Although she fears for some relatives and friends are still trapped in the Balkan conflict, she is keen to get involved with the refugees expected in York.

She said: "What I have seen from the television and especially what I've heard from some of my family and friends who have escaped to Macedonia, I know the refugees that are coming to York, like all the others, have suffered a lot, both physically and psychologically.

"Many of them have seen their houses burnt down, had their belongings snatched away and have lived in very poor conditions in the past few months. Many of them may have friends and relatives who have disappeared or been killed.

"Although coming to England means that they leave the dreadful camps behind, it will still be yet another shock added to their traumas."Era, who has contacted the Citizens' Support Group in York to offer to help translate for the refugees, said: "Probably only a few of them will be able to speak English, whilst for many this could be the first time they have left the region.

"Many will have to leave friends and family behind and speaking from my own experience, although I came here under very different conditions, it is going to be very hard for them to adjust."

Era believes that to help the refugees, signs will need to be adjusted to include both English and Albanian. She said: "They will need a lot of help and support, financially and emotionally, to help them feel welcome."

Era's own parents escaped Kosovo five days after the Nato bombing began and are now as safe as can be expected, living with friends in Macedonia.

Era's parents are now able to keep contact by phone every two weeks. Although Era supports the Nato bombing she said: "I don't even know if I have a home any more. I don't want to ask my parents, but it doesn't matter really in the scale of things, it's irrelevant."

Era, who is on a full scholarship at the Mount School, is hoping to go on to university, but said that she will return to her homeland. She said: "There are not going to be many people who have the knowledge and skills to rebuild the area.

"It is my duty to help - and my wish."

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