Albania NGO coalition targets functioning child protection system

30 Apr 2009 |

Tirana, Albania: The Albanian inter-NGO coalition All Together against Child Trafficking, BKTF organized an advocacy workshop “Road mapping, next steps forward” (15-16 April), in the frame of activities undertaken to increase the quality of its advocacy work. BKTF coalition focus has broadened from fighting child trafficking to strengthening pro-active child protection system, as a way to protect and prevent child trafficking and other forms of abuse. This workshop was dedicated to better understanding the collective efforts of the coalition’s members, defining shared advocacy vision for the next three years and how to ensure efficiency of the future work.

Sharon Payt, Regional Advocacy Director at World Vision International (member of BKTF), emphasized strong points of the coalition: “BKTF strength lies on the fact that it is knowledge and case based and that the members are working day to day with people. BKTF has demonstrated to be a social innovation platform and to continue to bring big impact needs to focus its advocacy objective.”

During the first day, the participants identified priority targets, mapped resources, capacities and the expertise each organization brings to the coalition. Also, the participants discussed on the external resources, persons or agencies which could support and leverage the efforts of the coalition. On the second day, participants identified three advocacy targets with the aim to bring focus and set realistic expectations to its goal. Also, the participants elaborated a draft Strategy Map with a potential working plan to achieve these targets. The draft Advocacy Strategy will be distributed to all the members for comments, and finalised in the General Assembly.

Functioning child protection system at local regional and rational level, that results in reduced vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation will be the main objective of BKTF advocacy work. BKTF will focus on elaborating protective legislation and policy planning, functioning Child Protection Units and local referral groups and the reinforcement of a culture of care by the communities and the wide public.

Representatives from 14 member organisations took part in the workshop, which was facilitated and organised with the support of World Vision in Albania a nd World Vision Regional Office and the financial assistance of Caritas Albania. The advocacy workshop and a mid-term evaluation of the last three-years activities are undertaken to increase the impact of BKTF for ameliorating child rights’ situation in Albania. [VL]