Manushaqe Lamaj, the Director of the Children’s Cultural Center in Patos, expresses her happiness and pride in the centre’s reconstruction after 10 years of dedication. The financial support from the European Union has allowed the center to provide dignified facilities for the children.
“Upon assuming the director role in 2014, I found the center’s entrance locked, staff members waiting outside, and the internal conditions in a state of disrepair. Today, the center has modern and welcoming spaces for 77 regular attendees. Through competitions, we can engage all of the municipality’s and administrative units’ children between the ages of 6 and 15,” says Manushaqe proudly, recalling her efforts over the years to help organize the Children’s Cultural Center.
After being named one of the winners of the “EU for Municipalities” Grant Scheme, which is financed by the European Union, the Patos Municipality’s project “Improving Services and Culture Related to Children” made the revival of the center a reality.
With a total budget of 54,657.27 euros, the European Union contributed 49,191.54 euros, allowing the Municipality of Patos to carry out the complete reconstruction of the Children’s Cultural Center.
The Municipality of Patos places a strong emphasis on the well-being and safety of children, as well as the future of our nation. Investing in better conditions for them is crucial for the future. With the assistance of the “EU for Municipalities” project, we have been able to upgrade infrastructure,
provide musical instruments that were previously lacking, and introduce four new services to ensure children can make the most of their free time,” emphasizes Fation Duro, Mayor of Patos Municipality .
As a result of the project, the center now has new musical instruments, such as a violin, two guitars, two pianos, and a harmonica.
The reconstruction also involved a reimagining of the center’s facilities, which are now able to accommodate children in contemporary conditions. Presently, the center features a new electrical system, three classrooms, and a dance studio with wooden floors.
Irisi Xhelaj of the European Integration Unit in the municipality, emphasizes the transformative effects of the “EU for Municipalities” project. Not only has it given rise to a facility where children in Patos can engage in productive activities, but it has also had a profound impact that surpasses initial projections.
Over the years, it has become clear that this center has been instrumental in shaping the futures of gifted children who go on to excel in artistic secondary schools and the Academy of Fine Arts. With the recent renovations, we look forward to witnessing the emergence of new talents who will uphold this longstanding tradition.
