Rooted in a Legacy, Driven by a Mission
Inspired by the spirit of Mary Ward, a bold visionary who fought for the education and dignity of women, the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation was founded in Albania in 2012, by Sister Imelda Poole, to respond to the urgent realities of human trafficking, exploitation, and injustice. Mary Ward Loreto was born from a centuries-old legacy of courage, service, and justice. Today, we continue that mission in Albania—working to combat human trafficking, empower the vulnerable, and create pathways to freedom and dignity. From grassroots action to national advocacy, our story is one of resilience, solidarity, and lasting impact.
The woman behind the legacy
Our story begins over 400 years ago, in the early 17th century…
Born in 1585 in Yorkshire, England, Mary Ward was a visionary far ahead of her era. At just 24 years old, she recognized the unjust lack of educational opportunities for girls and set out to change it. Together with a group of courageous young women, she opened free schools for girls across Europe, challenging deeply entrenched norms. In England, her faith made her a target of persecution, and in Catholic Flanders, her commitment to active community work as a religious woman defied convention. Despite facing poverty, imprisonment, and relentless resistance, Mary Ward never wavered.
Her life was defined by resilience, joy, and an unshakable commitment to social justice. She led with trust, humility, and good humour, famously writing, “In our calling, a cheerful mind, a good understanding, and a great desire after virtue are necessary, but of all three a cheerful mind is the most so.” Her legacy lives on today through the Mary Ward network, continuing her mission of service and empowerment in communities around the world.
Centuries later, that same spirit would inspire the creation of the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation.
Our Founder: Sister Imelda Poole
In 2005, after decades of service in deprived communities in the UK, Sister Imelda Poole – a member of the Mary Ward Congregation – responded to a new calling: to fight human trafficking and support women and young people in Albania. Recognizing the systemic poverty, lack of education, and post-conflict challenges in the country, Imelda worked at the grassroots level to build resilience and opportunity for vulnerable communities.
On December 27, 2012, the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation (MWL) was formally established. Inspired by the values of Mary Ward and led by the deep conviction and dedication of Sister Imelda, MWL began as a local initiative to address the root causes of human trafficking. From the outset, MWL focused on education, empowerment, and community development, especially for women and youth who face domestic violence, sexual abuse, and coercion by traffickers.
Over time, MWL evolved into a national force for protection and prevention, operating through a network of service centers across Albania and closely collaborating with regional and global networks such as RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation), Talitha Kum, and the Albanian URAT network. MWL has also developed strong partnerships with government bodies, civil society actors, and faith-based institutions, always guided by its founding belief: never work alone when the mission can be so much more effective in unity.