History, tradition, culture, hospitality, stunning nature, and rich underground resources are all offered by the Mirdita Municipality to both local and foreign visitors with the generosity that has persisted for centuries. Mirdita provides captivating landscapes, absorbing legends, and historical figures to discover. In the distant past, it was known as one of the most important Bajraks, or Ottoman territorial units, in northern Albania. Once invincible to foreign conquerors, in modern times, the people of Mirdita continue to proudly preserve their culture and traditions and, above all, continue to strive for the common good of the community.
In service of this goal, the Mirdita Municipality has been selected as one of the 19 winners of the “EU for Municipalities” Grant Scheme, with the “EU for Children in Rrëshen” project. With a total budget of 46,856.99 euros, of which the European Union contributed 40,120.75 euros, a children’s playground was built in the middle of a green park in the town of Rrëshen.
Today, over 1300 children in Rrëshen are enjoying the new playground on “Gjergj Fishta” street. The playground, constructed in a green park, is intended to be an entertainment place for children and a relaxing spot for adults. The project has successfully achieved its goal of providing improved public services for the community through small interventions in the town of Rrëshen.
The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Mëlyshi, is delighted by the successful implementation of the “EU for Children in Rrëshen” project.
He expresses hope for continued cooperation with the EU, stating, “As the newly elected mayor in May 2023, it was a pleasure to implement and inaugurate a playground for the children of the town of Rrëshen. The “EU for Municipalities” grant scheme was a positive first experience with EU projects. The Municipality aims to access as many of the Union’s funds as possible to further develop Mirdita”.
Throughout the project implementation, four public activities were organized in a green environment, with the participation of over 1314 children and 753 elderly people. The aim was to promote intergenerational dialogue, empower young people, emphasize the role of the elderly, and encourage environmental awareness. One of the activities specifically focused on promoting EU values related to healthy living.
Gjovalin Marfana, Project Manager at Mirdita Municipality, is one of the employees who has participated in many trainings held within the “EU for Municipalities” program. As the person responsible for coordination in the Unit for European Integration and Foreign Aid in the municipality, he expresses appreciation for the “EU for Municipalities” grant scheme.
Marfana asserts, “Participating in this program not only provided me with training in composing and executing a project in which I had direct involvement but also equipped me with valuable skills. This experience proved especially beneficial from March to May 2023, when the Municipality of Mirdita submitted four project proposals in response to open calls.
As a result, two grant contracts were awarded to the Municipality of Mirdita.”
The successful implementation of the “EU for Children in Rrëshen” project has provided Mirdita Municipality with a wealth of valuable experience, encompassing aspects such as project management, community engagement, financial administration, and resource allocation, among others. This experience will undoubtedly contribute to the municipality’s capacity to undertake and manage similar projects in the future, fostering continued growth and development within the community.
