Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tirana (Fides Service) - To promote respect for human rights in Albania the Italian NGO Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS) connected with the Salesians has launched a programme with the title “All Different, All Equal”.
Backed by the local “Commission European for Human Rights”, the programme consists of initiatives centred on the rights of young people, especially Rom and Gypsy youth. Excluded from the process of integration- although Albania is a non homogenous ethnic and cultural composition - Rome and Gypsy youth encounter numerous difficulties beginning with access to school: there are about 12,000 Rom and Gypsies living in and around Tirana, but only 1.3% of the Rome and 4.8% of the gypsies aged 20 finished lower middle school.
In this context the work of VIS and the Salesians aims to provide the young programme participants with the means to take an active part in society and create the basic conditions to allow the programme benefits to reflect permanently on the community. At least 25 Rom and Gypsy families take part in group discussion in various issues of general interest and there will be a workshop involving 50 representatives of NGOs, associations and the community.
The “All different, all equal” programme will include of support scholastic, psychological and sanitary support, courses of professional training, research and studies on the rights of Rom and Gypsy communities with the creation of a Human Rights Documentation Centre in the premises of Don Bosco High School library in Tirana.
The “All different, all equal” programme activities are held at Don Bosco Day Centres in Tirana, Breglumasi and Edden, the latter is run by SHKEJ , national association for education to life, a local body formed of former Don Bosco pupils and VIS volunteers; whereas the healthcare part is offered by the Carmelite Sisters in Fushe - Kruje where they have a dispensary.
About 170 children aged 6 to 14 are involved in programmes of basic instruction and psychological and medical care. And 20 young Rom aged 14 to 16 are taking professional training courses. Moreover some 700 children will have access to the new Documentation Centre. VIS has collaborated with the Salesians in Albania since 1992. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/5/2007 righe 30 parole 309)
