On 30-31 May 2024, the SORI III organized the Learning Cluster training on the topic “Daily Community Services at Local Level” in Tirana. This activity was held within the framework of the project “Regional Cooperation for Better Social Inclusion at Local Level”, supported by NALAS (Network of Associations of Local Authorities) and GIZ/ORF (Open Regional Funds for South East Europe).
The SORI III project aims to support local governments and local government associations in Albania, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo in strengthening their capacities for the development and implementation of social and economic inclusion of vulnerable groups, policies and practices in implementation of the 2030 Agenda in line with the United Nations principle of “Leave No One Behind”.
The Association has included in this training Social and Specialist Services Directors of the Municipalities of Mat, Elbasan, Lezhë, Librazhd, Kukës, Tirana, Himarë and Klos, as well as representatives from NGOs that provide social services in the community.
The Association, within the framework of its continuous support to the Municipalities, is assisting them in building social activity plans, for the establishment of new services, the engagement and awareness of the community on the issues of vulnerable groups. The training emphasized the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and sustainable financial management of day care services and mobile services.
The purpose of this training was to share experiences and successful approaches with a focus on the social, economic and cultural rights of women and girls, children and youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities and minorities, ensuring their equal participation in society.
The topics discussed in this training were:
1. Community Day Services in Multidisciplinary Centers at the Local Level “From Theory to Practice”
2. Principles Guiding Family and Community Based Services
3. Classification of Social Care Services
4. Policies and Legal Designs for the Functioning of Community Services
5. Day Care Services as a Contribution to the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals at the Local Level
6. Family Empowerment
7. Promoting Health and Well-being for the Third Age
8. Educational Support for Quality and Inclusive Education
The Association continues to support municipalities with training and social activities even after the drafting of the Social Mapping in some municipalities. This support will be followed by other activities, which are part of the cycle of learning groups, with a focus on the exchange of experiences and positive practices. The aim of the ICS is to build local methodologies that improve the quality of social services and ensure that all community members, especially those who are most vulnerable, receive the support and care they need.
The association will continue to support and strengthen the capacities of municipalities to provide social services to the required standards.