Newsroom
Network of civil society development centres to be established in Albania
TIRANA 6 November 2001
TIRANA, 6 November 2001 - The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) have established a network of five civil society development centres, which will be opened throughout the country this month. The first of these centres, located in Vlore, has opened today its doors.
During a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, the Netherland's Ambassador to Albania, Johan Blankenberg, spoke of the Dutch Government's support to the initiative. Charlotte Watson, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence, said that the centre would be a success "if you - the citizens of this community - see improvements in your lives because this Center has helped your community groups to make your life better."
The centres, which will also be located in Durres, Elbasan, Korce and Kukes, will provide technical assistance and develop grass roots programmes in support of existing Albanian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based groups. They will also assist local government in strengthening their capacity and facilitating dialogue with civil society actors. Other civil society structures, such as trade unions, media and professional associations, will also have access to the services provided by the centres - all at no cost.
The civil society development centres will each have a well-furnished resource library, a computer with e-mail access and meeting space. Local organizations without office facilities will be able to schedule time on the computer, review resource material on-site, use e-mail, fax, photocopier and reserve meeting space for their activities.
Through the centres, the OSCE and the SNV will offer practical support, consultation and training. Representatives from local government and international NGO's will also be encouraged to participate in the centres' activities or to use them for their own training purposes.
This joint project is part of the two organizations' missions to promote development of a civil society in Albania, with special emphasis on gender, human rights, and environmental issues. The Netherlands Foreign Ministry is funding the project, and it is envisaged that international involvement with the centres will extend over a three-year period.
During a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, the Netherland's Ambassador to Albania, Johan Blankenberg, spoke of the Dutch Government's support to the initiative. Charlotte Watson, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence, said that the centre would be a success "if you - the citizens of this community - see improvements in your lives because this Center has helped your community groups to make your life better."
The centres, which will also be located in Durres, Elbasan, Korce and Kukes, will provide technical assistance and develop grass roots programmes in support of existing Albanian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based groups. They will also assist local government in strengthening their capacity and facilitating dialogue with civil society actors. Other civil society structures, such as trade unions, media and professional associations, will also have access to the services provided by the centres - all at no cost.
The civil society development centres will each have a well-furnished resource library, a computer with e-mail access and meeting space. Local organizations without office facilities will be able to schedule time on the computer, review resource material on-site, use e-mail, fax, photocopier and reserve meeting space for their activities.
Through the centres, the OSCE and the SNV will offer practical support, consultation and training. Representatives from local government and international NGO's will also be encouraged to participate in the centres' activities or to use them for their own training purposes.
This joint project is part of the two organizations' missions to promote development of a civil society in Albania, with special emphasis on gender, human rights, and environmental issues. The Netherlands Foreign Ministry is funding the project, and it is envisaged that international involvement with the centres will extend over a three-year period.