Newsletter Issue No. 3

Self-help cleaning activity in Rrapishta Elbasan Empowering Vulnerable “I voluntarily joined this environmental campaign because I wanted to contribute to the cleaning of our Local Communities of Albania community river. I believe that we all should be respon- A ONE UN JOINT PROGRAMME sible for improving our environment” said by Agrone Ademi, community member who participated in the This programme is funded by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security with the support of the Government of Japan self-help activity in Manazderje stream. 15 community Newsletter Issue No. 3 September 2011 members, activists, health mediators and education mediators volunteered in this environmental campaign. Photo: Community members paying a particular attention to Adi Pajani’s personal stpry. In the issue... Awareness raising activity against drug use Tirana Interview with Panajot Alushi, Roma activist from Driza On July 28th, an awareness raising activity against drug use took place at Niko Hoxha School in Valias, an area highly Working for healthier communities populated by Roma and Egyptians in Tirana. 50 participants Roma Handicrafts Fair on International Roma Day including pupils, teenagers, adults and parents listened with a strong interest in the personal story by Adi Pajani (a well- Talented Roma musicians to perform with known figure from “Big Brother”), who overcame drug a professional multicultural orchestra addiction. Sonila, one of community members said “We International Children’s Day needed to learn the negative impacts of drug abuse to prevent many youngsters from starting to use drugs. It was Awareness raising activity against drug use very nice to meet with Adi and learn his own story. I don’t Photo: Panajot Alushi, working for his neighborhood as part of infrastructure Photo: Environmental Regeneration Activity in Elbasan Self-help activity in Rrapishta development project in EVLC programme. want my friends and neighbors to use drugs, and suffer from drug addiction as Adi and his family once did”. House of colors - a center for abused House of colors - a center for abused children How have you benefited from this experience? The activity helped community members to be more aware children launched Besides my voluntary work in the community I was always Tirana looking for a job as a plumber. I shared my concern with of the side-effects of drugs, how to seek for assistance from Community member employed by a local EVLC team in Fier and they assisted me on the best way to the rehabilitation centers and to report drug related prob- The "House of Colors", a municipal multi-purpose center company to work for his neighborhood lems to the police. The activity was held in collaboration established to protect children from abuse, neglect, Interview with Panajot Alushi, Roma activist from Driza approach potential employers. While I was registered at with police authorities, UNDP and UNFPA. violence and exploitation was launched in March 2011. The the Employment Office, I worked occasionally as a center is supported by UNICEF under the EVLC programme. What has your experience been as a Roma activist in plumber in my neighborhood but it was difficult to find a Key beneficiaries include 7 Roma and Egyptian communi- Driza? permanent job. ties in Tirana, a total of 234 families with 530 children and As an activist, I have been engaged in several activities to 467 adults. Children and their families are supported with support the Roma community members in Driza. The Recently, the sewage system in Driza went under psycho-social services, legal assistance, health services; food; activities held mainly by EVLC team in Fier have taught construction and this seemed to be a good employment and educational activities. An outreach team works in the me how to help people in need and how to succeed in opportunity for me. With the support of the EVLC team, I communities to identify and support new cases. The center life. managed to succeed in the interview and was hired for provides 24hrs emergency services for severe cases of the duration of the construction work in Driza. To my children living in the street. The launching event was I have been involved in different volunteer initiatives such surprise, a few days ago the company informed me that I as: craftsmen fair in Tirana, cleaning the Seman village attended by the high representatives of Tirana municipality, would be employed permanently even after the work in UNICEF and other partner organizations as well as benefi- coast line, planting trees in the Driza kindergarten, Football game brings community Driza is complete. members together ciaries. plumbing repairs in Roma families and the kindergarten. Contact us: Fier I am very happy that I will be able to provide a better life United Nations Albania I became a plumber by attending a vocational course “I very much enjoyed taking part in the football competi- Papa Gjon Pali II Street, ABA Business Center, 6th Floor for my wife and my two children. I am deeply thankful to Tirana, Albania with the support of EVLC team in Fier. Additionally, I have tion with other youth from different areas. It helped me to Phone: +355 4 2233122 participated in several trainings and awareness-raising all EVLC program staffs and especially to Klodi and Edi for get along with fellows from areas such as Mbrostar, Baltez Fax: +355 4 2232075 campaigns related to health, education and child protec- this job opportunity. I will work hard to be the best and Levan”. Nikollaq Alushi, Driza, May 26. www.un.org.al tion issues. employee in the company.

4 | EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 | 1 | 1 Newsletter Issue No. 3 Newsletter Issue No.3

Talented Roma musicians to perform with a professional multicultural orchestra International Children’s Day Tirana Tirana, Elbasan, Durres, Fier, Lushnje

5 Roma boys performed in front of a Japanese conduc- To celebrate the International Children’s Day, tor who visited Albania to look for Roma musicians to activities were held in all the regions for children join a professional multicultural orchestra. Luftar (singer), Mario (clarinet), Kadri (violin), Diagen (tarabuk), in difficult situation. and Erando (accordion) surprised the conductor with their excellent musical performances of the Roma Tirana; More than 80 children at risk were mobi- anthem and other traditional songs. After considering lized in an educational activity in Shkoze and their skills, the conductor decided to offer the opportu- nity to all of them. The 5 musicians identified by Romani Mini-municipality nr. 8. The activity consisted in Photo: Children participating Baxt are happy to join the professional multicultural playing games in groups, drawing pictures and “Enhancing Early Childhood Development Opportunities for Roma Communities of Albania.” Photo: Beautiful handicrafts by Roma artisans sold on International Roma Day. orchestra in November and looking forward to present- performing a mini-concert with songs and Fier; About 200 children and 30 parents from Levan, ing Roma musical tradition for multicultural audience. Roma Handicrafts Fair on rhymes. Roma parents also participated in this Driza, Mbrostar and Baltez area attended the concert International Roma Day (IRD) activity and one of mothers said, “The activities with songs, poetry and declaration of the child rights. Tirana made me realize the importance of the overall This activity was held in collaboration with Terres des On April 8th, EVLC programme supported Roma well-being and education of children so that Homme, Orphan Association, the municipality of Fier, artisans to celebrate the international Roma Day they can better integrate themselves into the Police Directory and Roma organization. through a cultural handicraft fair. The event was society.” held in partnership with the Ministry of Labour Savra/Lushnje; This activity was held as part of the Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, and the Elbasan; Around 32 children and parents of the project “Enhancing Early Childhood Development Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports. Egyptian community in Cerrik visited the city of Opportunities for Roma Communities of Albania” Photo: Young Roma musicians showing their talent to the Japanese conductor. Durres where they joined a cleaning activity in which aims to ensure access to preschool and better The fair aimed to promote the Roma culture; Working for healthier communities the coastline as a part of an environmental cam- strengthen the Roma artisan’s network, and sup- parenting initiatives for Roma children and their Durres paign. At the beach, children and their parents port the marketing of Roma handcrafts. The fair families. This project is funded by UNICEF and imple- In the framework of a series of activities held on health brought together a diverse collection of handmade also enjoyed playing sports and interacting with mented by Albanian Roma Union “Amaro-Drom”. and hygiene in the Roma community of Nishtulla, Vasil children from different ethnic backgrounds. artwork produced in a wide variety of materials About 50 Roma and non Roma children in Savra and Ziu, Director of Durres Regional Health Directory stated including: paper, fiber, wood, glass, metal, cotton, his institutional commitment to work for the empower- 30 children in Baltza created a lovely and colorful and wool which attracted many visitors. Etleva and Durrës; 130 Roma / Egyptians and 220 main- ment of Roma and Egyptian communities. He said that atmosphere at the kindergartens, performing various Valbona from Korca said, ‘Our participation to the stream children and their parents gathered in “We will support every initiative that will contribute to songs, rhymes and dancing, also spreading different build healthier communities for all”. fair made us proud of being Roma and feel equal to the center square of Durres where they orga- messages on child rights. The activity raised awareness of Roma community mem- other Albanian citizens because we had the oppor- nized games, played football, were involved in bers on how to approach respective local authorities for tunity to introduce and sell our products on this art work and distributed messages on the child addressing issues related to urban waste, water supply special day. These events did not only help to establish relation- and sewage services. The activities were held in partner- rights. ships between Roma and non-Roma children, but ship with the Regional Health Directory of Durres, the Promoting progress Family Service Medicine and the Promotion Cabinet. in the Roma community also served to promote the EVLC programme and Durres create a wider base for implementing future activi- ties in the respective areas. Very important compo- On May 7th, Roma volunteers and community mem- nents of these activities were discussions about bers from Nishtulla area participated in a meeting and human rights, specifically those related to children discussed community issues including education. “Our hope is to improve every aspect of our lives, but and their education. These activities were held in it is difficult if people are marginalized and lack collaboration with the respective municipalities the access to education. I am ready to open my house for Regional Police Directory, the Orphanage, ‘’Terres des all Roma youth and adults who are eager to learn, but Hommes’’, “Tjetër Vizion”, ‘’Today for the future with several reasons, do not have an opportunity to center’’, ‘’Nehemia Foundation’’, the Football Federa- do so”, highlited Shpresa Avdi, one of the volunteers. tion in Durres, and the volunteers from the commu- The meeting was held in cooperation with Terres des nity and the University of Durres. Photo: Community members, promoting better hygiene and health in Nishtulla. Hommes. Photo: Children from communities in Durres participating the activity on International Children’s Day.

2 | EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 | 3 Newsletter Issue No. 3 Newsletter Issue No.3

Talented Roma musicians to perform with a professional multicultural orchestra International Children’s Day Tirana Tirana, Elbasan, Durres, Fier, Lushnje

5 Roma boys performed in front of a Japanese conduc- To celebrate the International Children’s Day, tor who visited Albania to look for Roma musicians to activities were held in all the regions for children join a professional multicultural orchestra. Luftar (singer), Mario (clarinet), Kadri (violin), Diagen (tarabuk), in difficult situation. and Erando (accordion) surprised the conductor with their excellent musical performances of the Roma Tirana; More than 80 children at risk were mobi- anthem and other traditional songs. After considering lized in an educational activity in Shkoze and their skills, the conductor decided to offer the opportu- nity to all of them. The 5 musicians identified by Romani Mini-municipality nr. 8. The activity consisted in Photo: Children participating Baxt are happy to join the professional multicultural playing games in groups, drawing pictures and “Enhancing Early Childhood Development Opportunities for Roma Communities of Albania.” Photo: Beautiful handicrafts by Roma artisans sold on International Roma Day. orchestra in November and looking forward to present- performing a mini-concert with songs and Fier; About 200 children and 30 parents from Levan, ing Roma musical tradition for multicultural audience. Roma Handicrafts Fair on rhymes. Roma parents also participated in this Driza, Mbrostar and Baltez area attended the concert International Roma Day (IRD) activity and one of mothers said, “The activities with songs, poetry and declaration of the child rights. Tirana made me realize the importance of the overall This activity was held in collaboration with Terres des On April 8th, EVLC programme supported Roma well-being and education of children so that Homme, Orphan Association, the municipality of Fier, artisans to celebrate the international Roma Day they can better integrate themselves into the Police Directory and Roma organization. through a cultural handicraft fair. The event was society.” held in partnership with the Ministry of Labour Savra/Lushnje; This activity was held as part of the Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, and the Elbasan; Around 32 children and parents of the project “Enhancing Early Childhood Development Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports. Egyptian community in Cerrik visited the city of Opportunities for Roma Communities of Albania” Photo: Young Roma musicians showing their talent to the Japanese conductor. Durres where they joined a cleaning activity in which aims to ensure access to preschool and better The fair aimed to promote the Roma culture; Working for healthier communities the coastline as a part of an environmental cam- strengthen the Roma artisan’s network, and sup- parenting initiatives for Roma children and their Durres paign. At the beach, children and their parents port the marketing of Roma handcrafts. The fair families. This project is funded by UNICEF and imple- In the framework of a series of activities held on health brought together a diverse collection of handmade also enjoyed playing sports and interacting with mented by Albanian Roma Union “Amaro-Drom”. and hygiene in the Roma community of Nishtulla, Vasil children from different ethnic backgrounds. artwork produced in a wide variety of materials About 50 Roma and non Roma children in Savra and Ziu, Director of Durres Regional Health Directory stated including: paper, fiber, wood, glass, metal, cotton, his institutional commitment to work for the empower- 30 children in Baltza created a lovely and colorful and wool which attracted many visitors. Etleva and Durrës; 130 Roma / Egyptians and 220 main- ment of Roma and Egyptian communities. He said that atmosphere at the kindergartens, performing various Valbona from Korca said, ‘Our participation to the stream children and their parents gathered in “We will support every initiative that will contribute to songs, rhymes and dancing, also spreading different build healthier communities for all”. fair made us proud of being Roma and feel equal to the center square of Durres where they orga- messages on child rights. The activity raised awareness of Roma community mem- other Albanian citizens because we had the oppor- nized games, played football, were involved in bers on how to approach respective local authorities for tunity to introduce and sell our products on this art work and distributed messages on the child addressing issues related to urban waste, water supply special day. These events did not only help to establish relation- and sewage services. The activities were held in partner- rights. ships between Roma and non-Roma children, but ship with the Regional Health Directory of Durres, the Promoting progress Family Service Medicine and the Promotion Cabinet. in the Roma community also served to promote the EVLC programme and Durres create a wider base for implementing future activi- ties in the respective areas. Very important compo- On May 7th, Roma volunteers and community mem- nents of these activities were discussions about bers from Nishtulla area participated in a meeting and human rights, specifically those related to children discussed community issues including education. “Our hope is to improve every aspect of our lives, but and their education. These activities were held in it is difficult if people are marginalized and lack collaboration with the respective municipalities the access to education. I am ready to open my house for Regional Police Directory, the Orphanage, ‘’Terres des all Roma youth and adults who are eager to learn, but Hommes’’, “Tjetër Vizion”, ‘’Today for the future with several reasons, do not have an opportunity to center’’, ‘’Nehemia Foundation’’, the Football Federa- do so”, highlited Shpresa Avdi, one of the volunteers. tion in Durres, and the volunteers from the commu- The meeting was held in cooperation with Terres des nity and the University of Durres. Photo: Community members, promoting better hygiene and health in Nishtulla. Hommes. Photo: Children from communities in Durres participating the activity on International Children’s Day.

2 | EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 | 3 Newsletter Issue No. 3

Self-help cleaning activity in Rrapishta Elbasan Empowering Vulnerable “I voluntarily joined this environmental campaign because I wanted to contribute to the cleaning of our Local Communities of Albania community river. I believe that we all should be respon- A ONE UN JOINT PROGRAMME sible for improving our environment” said by Agrone Ademi, community member who participated in the This programme is funded by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security with the support of the Government of Japan self-help activity in Manazderje stream. 15 community Newsletter Issue No. 3 September 2011 members, activists, health mediators and education mediators volunteered in this environmental campaign. Photo: Community members paying a particular attention to Adi Pajani’s personal stpry. In the issue... Awareness raising activity against drug use Tirana Interview with Panajot Alushi, Roma activist from Driza On July 28th, an awareness raising activity against drug use took place at Niko Hoxha School in Valias, an area highly Working for healthier communities populated by Roma and Egyptians in Tirana. 50 participants Roma Handicrafts Fair on International Roma Day including pupils, teenagers, adults and parents listened with a strong interest in the personal story by Adi Pajani (a well- Talented Roma musicians to perform with known figure from “Big Brother”), who overcame drug a professional multicultural orchestra addiction. Sonila, one of community members said “We International Children’s Day needed to learn the negative impacts of drug abuse to prevent many youngsters from starting to use drugs. It was Awareness raising activity against drug use very nice to meet with Adi and learn his own story. I don’t Photo: Panajot Alushi, working for his neighborhood as part of infrastructure Photo: Environmental Regeneration Activity in Elbasan Self-help activity in Rrapishta development project in EVLC programme. want my friends and neighbors to use drugs, and suffer from drug addiction as Adi and his family once did”. House of colors - a center for abused House of colors - a center for abused children How have you benefited from this experience? The activity helped community members to be more aware children launched Besides my voluntary work in the community I was always Tirana looking for a job as a plumber. I shared my concern with of the side-effects of drugs, how to seek for assistance from Community member employed by a local EVLC team in Fier and they assisted me on the best way to the rehabilitation centers and to report drug related prob- The "House of Colors", a municipal multi-purpose center company to work for his neighborhood lems to the police. The activity was held in collaboration established to protect children from abuse, neglect, Interview with Panajot Alushi, Roma activist from Driza approach potential employers. While I was registered at with police authorities, UNDP and UNFPA. violence and exploitation was launched in March 2011. The the Employment Office, I worked occasionally as a center is supported by UNICEF under the EVLC programme. What has your experience been as a Roma activist in plumber in my neighborhood but it was difficult to find a Key beneficiaries include 7 Roma and Egyptian communi- Driza? permanent job. ties in Tirana, a total of 234 families with 530 children and As an activist, I have been engaged in several activities to 467 adults. Children and their families are supported with support the Roma community members in Driza. The Recently, the sewage system in Driza went under psycho-social services, legal assistance, health services; food; activities held mainly by EVLC team in Fier have taught construction and this seemed to be a good employment and educational activities. An outreach team works in the me how to help people in need and how to succeed in opportunity for me. With the support of the EVLC team, I communities to identify and support new cases. The center life. managed to succeed in the interview and was hired for provides 24hrs emergency services for severe cases of the duration of the construction work in Driza. To my children living in the street. The launching event was I have been involved in different volunteer initiatives such surprise, a few days ago the company informed me that I as: craftsmen fair in Tirana, cleaning the Seman village attended by the high representatives of Tirana municipality, would be employed permanently even after the work in UNICEF and other partner organizations as well as benefi- coast line, planting trees in the Driza kindergarten, Football game brings community Driza is complete. members together ciaries. plumbing repairs in Roma families and the kindergarten. Contact us: Fier I am very happy that I will be able to provide a better life United Nations Albania I became a plumber by attending a vocational course “I very much enjoyed taking part in the football competi- Papa Gjon Pali II Street, ABA Business Center, 6th Floor for my wife and my two children. I am deeply thankful to Tirana, Albania with the support of EVLC team in Fier. Additionally, I have tion with other youth from different areas. It helped me to Phone: +355 4 2233122 participated in several trainings and awareness-raising all EVLC program staffs and especially to Klodi and Edi for get along with fellows from areas such as Mbrostar, Baltez Fax: +355 4 2232075 campaigns related to health, education and child protec- this job opportunity. I will work hard to be the best and Levan”. Nikollaq Alushi, Driza, May 26. www.un.org.al tion issues. employee in the company.

4 | EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 EVLC Newsletter, September 2011 | 1 | 1