This 3.1 million euro project will support 14 municipalities, for a period of 36 months, to establish and expand social care services to address the needs and rights of vulnerable groups such as children with disabilities, women at risk, and young people in difficult situations.

This project is expected to reach 6000 families at risk through the provision of social care services and introduce innovative practices, and support with tailored training and mentoring for around 350 professionals and frontline workers in social care. All activities and actions have been designed to respond to the EU integration requirements for the country.

Aiming to establish different typologies of social care services, it will also promote volunteerism and engage young people and students.

The inaugural event at the Europe House premises brought together municipalities and social care services and was attended by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Albana Koçiu, EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, and UNICEF Representative Murat Sahin.

In his remarks at the event, Ambassador Gonzato said that the EU is not just economics, but also about values.

“As Albania progresses towards joining the EU it should leave no one behind. For this, it is key to strengthen its social care structures and services. The EU4SocialCare programme will help provide social care services for vulnerable citizens in 14 municipalities. Municipalities have a crucial role to play in improving the quality of life for their residents and implementing EU standards in all policy areas – we want to help them fulfill this role also through our dedicated programme EU4Municipalities,” he said.

/u.sh/