Albania and Kosovo: Roma integration awards

The Konitza Cultural Association warmly congratulates the winners of the second edition of the EU Roma Integration Award for the Western Balkans and Turkey:

Albania

1st prize – Institute of Romani Culture in Albania IRCA: Roma mediators advocating for the effective implementation of the Roma Local Action Plan in the Fier Region

2nd prize – ARSIS, Social Organisation for the Support of Youth: Improved educational achievements of Roma and Egyptian 9th grade students and their follow up until high school graduation

Kosovo

1st prize – Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians: After-School Support through Education Centres

2nd prize – Advancing Together: Roma Versitas Kosovo Programme

The aim of this award, launched in 2014, is to highlight the political importance of Roma integration in the EU enlargement process and the role of civil society, and to show the EU's commitment to the social inclusion of Roma people.

The winning projects were selected for their contribution to the inclusion, integration and empowerment of Roma children and young adults, who represent the future of their communities and are best-placed to drive integration forward locally.

“Through today's award, the EU honours people committed to be promotors of a more inclusive society. The selected winners are not only great actors of today, they are also the shapers of tomorrow,” said Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.