Friday, May 18, 2012

On 18-19 May, the ASPS organized in co-operation with the Training Institute of Public Administration (TIPA) its third training courses for representatives of Local Government Units (LGUs) of Albania. The course was held in Durrës and was attended by 20 local elected representatives and members of municipal administrations from Tirana, Durrës, Lezha, Kamza, Burrel, Vau i Dejës, Përmet, Berat, Kavaja, Shijak, Lushnja, Himara. The first module of the course EU funding and application possibilities introduced the participants with the application possibilities for the local governments under such mechanisms as National and Cross-Borders IPA. LGU representatives were informed about the structures that can help them to identify the possibilities and apply for EU funds. The second module of the course Writing a project proposal – Budgeting - Goals - Action plan was conceived as a practical exercise for the participants. The expert for this module, Ms. Jolanda Trebicka from “Euro Partners Development” explained all the details for an EU application starting with the project proposal writing until the project cycle management. Participants were divided in three groups were each group developed a project proposal. Upon the completion of the course, participants were awarded course certificates, issued jointly by the Academy of Political Studies and the Training Institute of Public Administration. The course also served to establish links between the participants, experts, and central authorities, and contribute towards the facilitation of political dialogue and communication between local representatives of the two main political forces in Albania.