The Albanian Government, the European Union and UNICEF, join efforts in supporting social care services.
09 January 2025, Tirana - In the framework of the EU4SocialCare program, implemented by UNICEF and World Vision in Albania, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, a ceremony is held to launch the partnerships between 14 municipalities[i] and 13 civil society organizations. These will contribute to the expansion and/or improvement of community and specialized social care services, in support of children and families facing social challenges. Their initiatives, selected through an open and competitive process, will be supported with a total sum of 1.47M EUR by this three-year program, financed by the European Union.
Concurrently, the State Social Services signed cooperation agreements with 11 municipalities that will be financially supported in 2025 from the Albanian Government, in the framework of the Social Fund. This mechanism contributes to the basket of social services at the local level through establishing new services and improving existing ones, adapted to the needs of families and individuals.
With our support 14 municipalities in Albania will establish or expand community-based and specialised social services for children and other vulnerable groups. And this is precisely the objective we should have in mind as Albania makes progress towards joining the EU – accession is not only fulfilling economic criteria, but more importantly, building an inclusive society that is welcoming and catering for everyone, no matter their background. A society that will leave no one behind.
In her speech, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ms. Koçiu highlighted that the Social Fund, which reaches the sum of 1.5 billion leke until 2025, has established 84 social services since 2019, reaching to 44,000 persons with social services. Through the Social Fund, 681 professionals have been engaged, covering 98% of administrative units.
During these five years of functioning, the Social Fund has supported the local government units to establish 73 social care services, benefitting 51 municipalities, 8 regions, as well as 581 professionals.
The Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, Mr. Silvio Gonzato, mentioned:
From mobile units providing essential services to the most marginalized, to multifunctional centers and specialized social care services that serve as beacons of hope for children with disabilities, victims of violence, minorities’ affirmation and inclusion, and unemployed youth, your work exemplifies the transformative power of compassion combined with innovation. EU integration doesn’t happen on the corridors and offices of our institutions, it happens at the local level and in the lives of people that we are supporting and working with.
In his remarks, the Representative of UNICEF Albania, Mr. Murat Ṣahin, emphasized the importance of empowering social services in supporting human capital. Addressing partner institutions and organizations, Mr. Ṣahin underlined:
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UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/albania.
