The Social Cause Club, an innovative initiative aimed at supporting survivors of trafficking and domestic violence, officially opened its doors on December 5, 2023, in Dajç. This project, inaugurated under the framework of the European project “Tightening up the Victims’ Empowering Systems in Albania @ Shkodër (TVESA)”, marks a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of social inclusion in Albania.

The Social Cause Club offers a nurturing environment where survivors can access a comprehensive package of support services, including fundraising, mentoring, and professional training. The club functions as both a resource centre and a community hub, providing a wide array of activities designed to foster empowerment and personal growth.

Activities and Services Offered:

• Self-Care Club: Education on personal hygiene and daily routines, focusing on face, hair, dental, hand, foot, and body skin care.
• English Club: Language skills development to enhance communication and employment opportunities.
• Film Club: Weekly film screenings with thematic selections such as comedies and cartoons for family viewing.
• Tailoring & Handicrafts Club: Professional courses in cutting, sewing, and traditional crafts.
• Drawing Club for Toddlers: Art classes for young children to encourage creativity and therapeutic expression.
• Yoga Club: Relaxation and mindfulness sessions to promote mental well-being.
• Employment Counselling: Guidance and support to help beneficiaries find and secure job opportunities.

About the Project: The TVESA project is a collaborative effort implemented by Different & Equal (D&E) in partnership with the Municipality of Shkodër and KMOP-Social Action and Innovation Centre (Greece). Funded by the European Union in Albania under the programme EU Support for Social Inclusion, the project is dedicated to improving gender equality and empowering women and girls by providing integrated social care services in a gender-sensitive and child-friendly manner.

Aims and Objectives: The Social Cause Club aims to:

• Provide a safe and welcoming space for survivors to socialize and participate in various activities.
• Offer vocational training and job counselling to facilitate economic empowerment and community reintegration.
• Support single mothers through Alternative Care for Children services, ensuring their children receive proper care and supervision outside regular nursery and school hours.
• Promote awareness and education on critical issues such as positive parenting, gender-based violence, and health through thematic activities and campaigns.

Partners and Support: The Municipality of Shkodër plays a pivotal role in the project by harmonizing local social services with national strategies and ensuring the inclusion and non-discrimination of all community members. Different & Equal (D&E), established in 2004, continues to provide high-quality reintegration services for victims of trafficking, exploitation and abuse, and to improve the legal, institutional and social context to prevent and counter these violations of human rights. KMOP plays a crucial role in the project by providing expertise in social services, leading programs that promote well-being and eliminate vulnerabilities, as well as supporting educational opportunities for beneficiaries.

Contact Information:

• Social Cause Club: klubisocialdajc.eu
• Municipality of Shkodër: bashkiashkoder.gov.al
• Different & Equal (D&E): differentandequal.org
• KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre (Greece): kmop.org

For more information or to get involved, please visit our websites or contact us directly at: al-tvesa-project@kmop.org