Newsroom
Fifth civil society development centre in Albania opened in Elbasan
TIRANA 26 March 2002
TIRANA, 26 March 2002 - The last of a network of five Civil Society Development Centres located throughout Albania was officially opened today in Elbasan by the representatives of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Albania, the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV).
The centres, located in Durres, Korce, Vlore, Kukes and now in Elbasan provide technical assistance to develop grass-roots programmes in support of existing and future Albanian non-governmental organizations and community-based groups. They will also assist local governments in strengthening their capacity and facilitating their dialogue with civil society actors. Other structures of the civil society, such as trade unions, media and professional associations, will also have access to the services provided by the centres.
The Elbasan Centre, opened by Ambassador Johan Blankenberg of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Albania and Dr. Charlotte Watson, Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, has 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.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Charlotte Watson, OSCE's Deputy Head of Presence, said the Centre would be a success, "if you - the citizens of this community - see improvements in your lives because this Centre has helped your community groups to make your life better."
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.
The centres, located in Durres, Korce, Vlore, Kukes and now in Elbasan provide technical assistance to develop grass-roots programmes in support of existing and future Albanian non-governmental organizations and community-based groups. They will also assist local governments in strengthening their capacity and facilitating their dialogue with civil society actors. Other structures of the civil society, such as trade unions, media and professional associations, will also have access to the services provided by the centres.
The Elbasan Centre, opened by Ambassador Johan Blankenberg of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Albania and Dr. Charlotte Watson, Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, has 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.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Charlotte Watson, OSCE's Deputy Head of Presence, said the Centre would be a success, "if you - the citizens of this community - see improvements in your lives because this Centre has helped your community groups to make your life better."
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.