Two young men play a drum and an accordion while sitting at a wooden table.
With the aim to promote social inclusion and appreciation of cultural diversity, the programme has assisted in the organization of inter-ethnic concerts and other awareness raising activities in collaboration with young Roma musicians.

Empowering the Vulnerable Minority Communities of Albania

Duration: April 2010– December 2013
Budget: US$2,749,600
Implementing Agencies: UNDP (lead), UNFPA, UNICEF

Albania has undergone a striking economic transformation over the past thirty years, transitioning from one of Europe’s poorest nations to a middle-income country, accompanied by a substantial reduction in poverty. However, challenges persist for marginalized communities, particularly the Roma and Egyptian minorities. These populations face social exclusion and marginalization and limited livelihood opportunities, which creates further obstacles to economic security, educational attainment and social harmony within communities.

The programme aims to address the multidimensional issues of poverty and social exclusion faced by vulnerable Roma and Egyptian minorities in four regions of Albania. The key objectives of the programme are to: (i) support the participation of vulnerable communities in local decision-making through strengthened capacities and collaboration between communities, NGOs and governmental institutions; (ii) improve the communities’ access to rights and public services; and (iii) promote social cohesion and the inclusion of vulnerable populations through policies and institutional strengthening.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary
Programme Information Package
Newsletters (November 2010) (March 2011)(September 2011)