Albania A feeling of solidarity grew in each group of children!

Project : MOVE 3 Jan 2010 |

Durres, Albania: 250 children and 150 adults attended one of the biggest youth and sport event of the year in the “Ramaza Jala” sport Palace of Durres. For Edlira Bashmili, the National Project Manager of MOVE, the results are there: “I could see a very good participation and integration of all children to the games, and everybody was active! Even parents and officials! The young manager continues: I see two main reasons why the event is a success, first the children were motivated and enthusiastic, and second, the place was really suitable, with a large sport hall with in and outdoor space. Thanks to the municipality of Durres, the second city of Albania, we could promote our psychosocial activities at national level!"

Ms Bashmili confirms: “the event lasted four hours and the children cooperated well with each other and all were involved. Observers were positively impressed by the commitment and self-esteem developed. Truly, we could see a feeling of solidarity which grew in each group of children! We were careful to reach an equal gender balance during each activity and we focused on the participation of all ethnic groups: Roma and Egyptian communities were completely integrated. To my view, the game organized in the end of the activity, where adults were also part of the games was a very beautiful ending. Parents had also a very positive impression. They said they never took part in such kind of activity!”

“We were betting on the collaboration between Regional Directorate of Education, Municipalities, Football Albania Federation, Terre des hommes and MOVE project for the preparation of this event and we won the challenge!”

Edlira Bashmili concludes about the participants: “the children were very happy. They were satisfied and want to be part of activities like this again. Children received medals and cups to encourage them which gave them a very valid message that they’re all winners. One of the officials said: I have seen children in peace, it’s too rare not to be appreciated”.

“The children had an unforgettable experience. During the way back to Tirana, Korca, Elbasan and Fier, in the bus they didn’t stop talking and telling about their experiences and impressions of the day. They were very satisfied for the participation in the games, wearing the T-shirts, lifting the prizes and gifts. Since that day the cup has been “sleeping” in children’s homes: each child one night. The only question they keep asking constantly is: When are we going to be in Durres again?"

Partners:

• Ministry of Education and Sciences, Ministry of Social Affairs, Municipality of Durres and Albanian Football Federation

• Representatives from Durres, Elbasan, Korca, Fier municipalities, regional social services, regional education departments
• School directors and teachers
• NGO’s, field partners (ARSIS, FBSH, NPF, Amaro Drom, Partner for children, Durres Orphanage, Amaro Tam, Rroma community center, Romani Sezi, Home of Hope, SOS village, Vatra e ngrothe, Lulet e Jetes, Nehmia)

Media:

• National: UFO TV, Troc, News 24
• Regional: Shijak TV, Alsat, Vision +, A1, Real TV

More about MOVE project here

See the immage gallery of this event here