After being rebuilt, the Multifunctional Center “Xixëllonjat” in Shkodër has brought in a new range of top-notch services designed to meet the needs of the residents in neighborhoods No. 1 and No. 2.
The recently established center offers a variety of programs and services for individuals of all ages. Services currently available at the Center include healthcare assistance, support for seniors and children, sports and leisure activities, as well as educational, cultural, and artistic programs. The Municipality of Shkodra implemented the reconstruction and furnishing of the Multifunctional Center “Xixellonjat” with funding from the European Union under the “EU for Municipalities” grant scheme.
In a statement, Mr. Hubert Perr, the Head of Cooperation at the EUD in Tirana, expressed the delegation’s goal of offering people in Albania a higher standard of living and services, pointing to “EU for Municipalities” as evidence of their dedication to this objective.
The total budget for the reconstruction of the building and furnishing is 195,920.00 euros, of which the contribution of the European Union is 176,225.00 euros or 89.95% of the value.
Since its opening, the “Xixëllonjat” Multifunctional Center has been actively promoting social inclusion and community development through a variety of social and cultural services and activities.
“The uniqueness of the “Xixëlonjat” Multifunctional Center lies in the need and great desire of the community for the rehabilitation of an abandoned building in the heart of their suburban neighbourhood. The appreciation we garnered, the delighted children, and the amazed looks at the outcome are the most precious memories I will bring with me from this project,” says Mirza Berdica, project manager for the Municipality of Shkodër.
Lorena Bardeli, a specialist of the Directorate of Social Services in the Municipality of Shkodra, says: “One of the residents of the neighbourhood said: “For the first time after many years, there are people who go in and out getting services where they live,”. This is what we wanted to achieve by setting up the “Xixëllonjat” Multifunctional Center. A dedicated team worked on the reconstruction of the Multifunctional Center, which is housed in the former Veterinary School building in a troublesome suburban neighborhood of Shkodra.”
Individuals of all age groups, including adults and children, can find suitable spaces to develop their capacities through the library, amphitheatre, facilities for the elderly, nursery, and playroom.
Aid Gjonaj, a student at “Xheladin Fishta” school, expresses his joy in coming together every week through the activity “Putting the game first.” This provides a wonderful chance for him and his friends to bond, grow, and learn together.
The new center in Shkodra encourages social connections and reinforces community solidarity. Along with delivering essential services, the center serves as a venue where individuals can exchange insights, learn from one another, and collaborate towards building a more unified and sustainable community.
