The municipality of Fushë-Arrëz has defined as its main priorities the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the development of natural tourism. Located in mountainous terrain and inhabited by working people, this municipality has experienced difficulties in providing social services to marginalized groups. Nevertheless, a recent initiative, backed by funding from the European Union, has resulted in a significant shift in this regard. Fushë-Arrëz Municipality, with the financial assistance of the European Union, has implemented the project “Needs Evaluation and Case Referral Unit (NECRU): Service for the Community”. This project aimed to create a suitable environment where social services could be provided to all citizens, especially marginalized groups. One of the most important achievements of this project has been the reconstruction of a building for the establishment of the Multifunctional Center. This center is conceived as a space that will serve to provide a variety of social services and activities for the local community. For the realization of the NECRU project, the Fushë-Arrëz Municipality had at its disposal a general budget of 55,270 euros, of which 49,250 euros is the contribution of the European Union. This financing has enabled the reconstruction of the building and the creation of the necessary conditions for the operation of the multifunctional center. The NECRU project is a big step forward in the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the provision of social services in Fushë-Arrëz Municipality.

This project not only addresses the needs of marginalized groups but also contributes to improving the quality of life for all residents of this mountainous area.” The establishment of the Multifunctional Center has given life to the establishment of six missing social services in the Fushë-Arrëz Municipality for all social classes in need. The municipality of Fushë-Arrëz gives absolute priority to the marginalized social strata through programs that promote their inclusiveness in society and the provision of services through social-cultural activities. We thank the European Union for the support and the ‘EU for Municipalities’ Team”, says the Mayor of Fushë-Arrëzi Municipality, Hil Curri. The “Needs Evaluation and Case Referral Unit (NECRU): Service for the Community” project achieved its main goal of providing improved municipal services to all social strata in need, including children, youth, women and girls, persons with limited disabilities, and the third age. The project has managed to provide services to about 60 people from marginalized groups, including 30 people with disabilities, 10 people with low economic income, and 20 people with special needs. A key component of the project was the training and development of five people from the social care sector and one person from each administrative unit. A social worker was also employed in Fushë-Arrëz Municipality to provide direct support to these groups. Communication and visibility activities were also organized to increase awareness and recognition of the new services offered.

During the Local Government Forum held on October 13, 2023, in Tirana, the head of the Fushë-Arrëz Municipality, Curri, emphasized the need for the implementation of more such projects supported by the European Union. He emphasized the importance of increasing and strengthening the capacity to write and implement projects, stressing that all municipalities in Albania need this assistance to improve services for their citizens.

While the need for similar projects continues, support from the European Union and the strengthening of local capacities will be essential for the future of social development in Albania.