Problem / Project Background
Pogradec is a small city with a population of approximately 20,000 that is located in the far eastern part of Albania near the Macedonian border in the Prefecture of Korçe.

Lying adjacent to Lake Ohrid and despite its rural heritage, Pogradec is part of a growing regional trade route that has also made it a focal point for both the growth of tourism and local service industries.

Due to the high unemployment, low-skill levels and the absence of health services common amongst the Albanian population following the demise of Communism, the Ebu Bekr Community Training Centre (CTC) was established in 1995.

Though Pogradec is located in an area that is gradually improving economically, poverty and unemployment still abound owing to the area's rural nature and the country's continuing political and economic instability.

At the request of the local community for establishing a CTC, initial renovations needed for the CTC complex were started in 1993 and involved Islamic Relief's extensive conversion of a cinema into classrooms, conference rooms, a large Jamia mosque heavily used by the community-at-large, administrative offices for the Muftiny of Pogradec and Islamic Relief as well as a modest health centre.

The CTC complex plays an important part in supporting educational and Islamic activities in this small city.

Owned by the Albanian Muslim Community; the government-sanctioned body which overseas Islamic activities, mosques and organisations in Albania, the CTC is the only Islamic complex of its kind in eastern Albania.

Because unemployment was and remains a serious problem in Albania and in rural areas such as Pogradec, Islamic Relief designed and continues to implement this project to provide much-needed and in demand skills to the people, especially the youth and women who normally find themselves unqualified to meet the criteria needed to find meaningful and legal employment.

Local demand for training in sewing, tailoring and handicrafts is on the rise owing to the growing opportunities and demands for skilled workers in a fledgling local export-oriented textile industry.

The CTC provides English language training as well as computer usage, sewing and handicrafts. The Albanian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs fully licenses the course offerings and even signs off on graduation certificates.

Demand for enrollment in the CTC for its various course offerings far exceeds the amount of spaces available owing to the high quality of educational services and value for price.

Local communities throughout Eastern Albania have been in negotiation with Islamic Relief to open up smaller branches to provide courses in sewing, tailoring and handicrafts.

The Avicina Clinic, staffed by volunteer doctors, provides free medical check-ups and basic medical services to those community members in need. Through this important project, Islamic Relief seeks to provide needed skills and services.

The CTC is a centre for culture, of teaching values, holding cultural activities, as well as sport championships.

Project Objectives

• To equip individuals with the skills necessary to allow them to find employment and contribute to the long term development of the country

• To provide a facility where Albanians can have access to education and useful skills

• To serve as a true community centre in which individuals can come together in a healthy environment

Project Activities

• Educational training courses

• Kindergartens

• Educational activities and events

• "Summer Club" activities

• Sports championships
  

Beneficiaries
3,500 attending activities and educational events

2,654 beneficiaries have received educational training/attended the kindergarten since the start of project activities

Other Activities In Country

• Food For Work – Shkodra, Kukes and Dibra Prefectures

• Quick Impact Projects – Tirana, Shkodra, Kukes and Korçe Prefectures

• Emergency Flood Relief Assistance – Shkodra Prefecture

• Food for Assets (Food Distribution) – Shkodra and Kukes Prefectures

• Hajj Shamia Madrassah – Shkodra City

• Ebu Bekr Community-Training Centre (CTC) – Pogradec City

• Orphans’ Sponsorship – Shkodra, Kukes and Korçe Prefectures

• Improving Widows’ Welfare – Tirana Prefecture