TGH decided to support these host families, whose resources were limited. The programme, which began in April 1999, lasted for four months, during which time 23,000 parcels (food and hygiene products) were distributed to Albanian families. At the same time, TGH is carrying out a programme to renovate (insulation, sanitation) and equip (furniture and school supplies) eight schools in Elbasan to enable young Kosovar refugees to comp
TGH decided to support these host families, whose resources were limited. The programme, which began in April 1999, lasted for four months, during which time 23,000 parcels (food and hygiene products) were distributed to Albanian families. At the same time, TGH is carrying out a programme to renovate (insulation, sanitation) and equip (furniture and school supplies) eight schools in Elbasan to enable young Kosovar refugees to complete their education.
Since the departure of the Kosovar refugees, the Albanian pupils have continued to benefit from this work. The facilities are maintained by a committee of parents, school staff and education officials. In October 2001, TGH launched a programme to revive potato production in the Elbasan district (Steblevle municipality). This project is part of an agricultural economic development project aimed at improving local production and the food situation of Albania’s rural population. It will enable farmers to resume traditional income-generating production by providing them with seed to supply the local market with ware potatoes and 1st generation seed. The programme will be complemented by technical training and tailored support to the region’s potato growers’ association. TGH is continuing its activities in Albania, implementing an agricultural and economic development project in the municipality of Miras (Korça region) in December 2002.
The programme supports three local associations. The first farmers’ association, “Mirasi”, aims to facilitate the sale of the municipality’s agricultural products (onions, beans and apples) on the Albanian market and to increase yields and production resources (transport, packaging, mechanisation, etc.) in terms of quality and quantity. The second association, “Progressi”, enables women to develop income-generating activities based on local products. Finally, a fishing association enables farmers to generate additional income from fishing activities (selling fish, organising activities on the pond, etc.). In Stebleve, as in Miras, TGH’s methodology is to strengthen civil society by creating responsible rural associations that work alongside TGH to achieve the objectives set during consultations and collective debates.
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